Here's to us! Our world travellers

From our brother Jim's blog... The gang on Christmas day at the Edelwiess Resort in Gramisch, Germany.
It is a really nice place with great facilities. We got some time in the mountains on Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitz, where we had lunch. Grandma and Grandpa went up to the top with us and then spent the afternoon relaxing at the carasoul restaraunt on the glacier while we skied.
Brian, Joellen, Paul and Emmet all rocked in the next morning for Christmas day. After some relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi, we ate a big Christmas buffet dinner with roast turkey, ham and beef with all the fixin's. For us, it was a quick 3 night holiday, but everyone had a great time. The 'rents and Bri's crew stay on for the rest of the week.

big trip...

big mountains....big sky...big smile!
Mom in the Bavarian Alps.

Holidazzle 2007

Originally uploaded by Jenny Peters

The Peters clan hit the Holidazzle parade with style and panache last night as Elmer's company, Analysts International, was the event sponsor for the evening. Jack was a snow monkey and I (Jenny) was a clown in the circus train float.

Not pictured is Chris as Captain Hook, Michael as Peter Pan, Rachel as Wendy, Eric and Sam as mice, and EJ as a last-minute jingle elf with Santa's sleigh. Despite the freezing temperatures a good time was had by all.

Originally uploaded by Jenny Peters

Noah was joined by some of his Peters relatives for the baptism. He is the 16th grandchild in the family.

Baptism

Originally uploaded by Jenny Peters

Today was Noah Steven's baptism at St. Mark's in Mayer. It was a nice day including great weather and a small brunch afterwards. Noah was as calm as could be until his nuk was removed for the photo op.

Even a clown needs pink lipstick

Originally uploaded by Jenny Peters

Mom surprised everyone when she dressed up as a clown for Halloween festivities at Dave and Julie's!

Late breaking news

Mom and Dad were at Abbott this week and after a long wait, saw the main man himself, Dr. Transfeldt. He has removed the "leg portion" of her brace! The brace no longer extends past her mid-section. She reports she is still reaching for the latch on the side out of habit when assuming a sitting position.
The old phantom latch.

As you see from the photos below, (Marilynn and Rod's son) Ed's baby arrived this week! Mom reports he has fine features like his Mom and he is named Noah Steven.
Nice.
Mom, is that grandchild number 16? Even aunties can't keep track of this brood.

Mom and Dad have been quite social this Fall and have attended several exciting events including their niece Stephanie Peters' wedding (daughter of Ken and Sharon Peters). Mom looked lovely in a navy blue ensemble and comfy new Vera Wang flats purchased just for the event. They had a lot of fun seeing and catching up with all of the rellies in town for the wedding and had a few get-togethers post wedding. I'm glad she was feeling up to all of the festivities and outings! She really enjoys a good visit!

the baby is here

Originally uploaded by Jenny Peters

mark your calendar!

Mom is scheduled for an appointment at Abbott and

will have x-rays on November 6.

Beware of Pirates

Grandpirates Marilynn and Rod at Grandson Jack's 5th birthday on August 23!

Also celebrating his birthday that very same day, Grandson Benjamin in Switzerland (sans pirates).

Chatted with Mom online. Busy, busy.
Seems like she's doing a lot.
Let's keep her healthy, people.

Dinner was sloppy Joe's (Leona's recipe, so very yummy).
Sorry to keep the update short...but better than nuthin', eh?

Rainy days and Mondays

It is a gloomy, rainy Monday here in Minnesota. I called Mom and she and Dad had just returned from running errands in Chanhassen (shopping) and St. Boni (library). She had to pick up a few things for some upcoming events, including a gift for Grandson Jack's 5th birthday. She is very tired and is now resting.
I went back to work today for Teacher Workshops...school starts next week.....gah!
I can keep updates coming, but as usual, consider no news as good news....ok...tp out!

...more photos

...just had to post this one with the Grandchildren, Emmett and Paul

(Click on it to see it big! ...and then say.."awww!" :)
you did, didn't you?)

Hmmm....everything looks great...lobster, mangrove snapper, steak, chicken burritos, nachos, margaritas... hmmmm, fabulous.
This was the dinner Ed made on Tuesday night, which preceded his accident at the bonfire that evening.
He has second degree burns across the top of his right hand and arm.
The HCMC Burn Unit doctor said, "He got lucky."
Seems a bit unlucky to me, but you know what the Doc means.
I can report that our burn victim is recovering well.
Marilynn and Rod help change the dressing each day and apply prescribed cream.
(Next time we want to make s'mores, we're using the microwave...wait... that is DANGEROUS too...as Jim can tell you.)
Stay safe, people.

and Happy Birthday...August 16, Jim P.!

No news is good news, right?

Finally...an update! Sorry for the delayed report.
All of Marilynn and Rod's summer visitors have made it home safely. Here is a nice shot of The Peters from Austin with Dad and Mom (notice, sans brace...just for the photo). That's Marilynn, Brian holding Emmett, P.J.=Paul "I want to move to Minnesota" Joseph, Joellen and Rod with his retro glasses (more Elton John than Buddy Holly, if you ask me). They had a nice one-week-visit, which included time with cousins and friends, the Carver County Fair (including the famously loud and stinky tractor pull), hot sunny days in the lake, running around the backyard, wild thunderstorms and as usual around here, plenty of good food. :)

Sorry, not much news around here at the moment (Friday afternoon). Mom reports she is in a "holding pattern of healing". Walking, resting, and taking Tylenol for pain. That is all for now, folks.
P.S. Mom enjoys keeping up on all of the latest, so stay in touch.

Brace check II

1:00 pm
Today Mom reports that her brace is not working properly so sometimes she cannot get it unlatched from the sitting position. Dad has an eye Dr. appt in Minneapolis at 4:30 so he will take the brace in to have it looked at before his appointment.
In the mean time, that leaves our little missy at home, alone, with no brace on, up to her own devises.
She promised she would take it very easy and maybe just watch a movie and rest.
(Mother, I am holding you to that!)
Laura is stopping by the house at some point later today, as she is going to an out-of-town-friend's place to water. If she catches Mom/Marilynn making brownies or something or cleaning or going through the basement freezer, she'll have some explaining to do! Just relax and get that back better! Dad will return after he gets through traffic and then they will probably have a nice, slow, evening walk. That's all for now...

Everybody wants an update

1:30 PM
Just called Mom and Dad....he is currently busy fixing a computer at home for St. Joe's and Mom is trying to watch a movie. She made breakfast this morning (pancakes and bacon), went walking and then was naturally TIRED (d'ya think?) and rested (she did not sleep well last night). Today is the Peters/Berends/Bird Family corn feed in Wisconsin but Mom certainly cannot go and Dad could not leave her alone. Wished we'd made some arrangements so Dad could have gone with Ken and Sharon, but it is too late now. She cannot be left alone. Sounds like Dad's up to his armpits in computer parts anyway, so maybe it is better he stayed home. My Internet was down all morning (grrr), so I was going bugnuts trying to get that sorted out...and wa la, here I am, back online.

No other big news that I know of, besides the Austin, Texas Peters (Brian, Joellen, Paul/PJ, and Emmett) will be arriving in Waconia Wednesday night for a week's summer vacation at the lake. Woot woot! I expect the Dave Peters clan will be out too and I am looking forward to some good times and good food. Mom has requested I come out Wednesday as Dad has something to go to, (I can't keep track) and I can putter around the house and garden a bit.
OK peeps, so there we are...a brief update for now.....tp out!
(P.S. For you local folks, The Carver County Fair is running from August 8-12 in Waconia and is definitely worth a visit...it's a HOOT! mmmmmm...pork burgers...We'll have to gimp Mom up to the fair for a treat!
For info : http://carvercountyfair.com/index.html

the little rascal

...she got away from us. Apparently she walked over to our friend Leona's on her own. Dad has just gotten home and I thought she'd be with him, but no...she is out socializing. So he has gone to fetch her. Soon it will be dark and she doesn't have any "slow moving" safety stickers or anything... :)
I am having another sleepover here. Dad has breakfast in town with his Navy buddies in the morning and then a cousin's funeral in Farmington.
More news at it comes.

stems

stems
Originally uploaded by JennyPeters

Mom and Dad out for a Sunday afternoon walk

The Sunday Night report

I called before eight o'clock to get the update....before Mystery! Miss Marple: At Bertram's Hotel (PBS) started...Dad is a fan.
It was quiet around the house today. He reported that Mom's appetite was not big and that her modified walk/gait has changed their outings around the park. Once around is now about a 20 minute walk. So they just go slowly and visit. She walks like a bridesmaid coming down the aisle.
Mom got on the phone and we had a nice chat. She said the phone had been quiet today. She had her 3 walks. They saw an acquaintance in the park with her pet Macaw parrot. Eccentric Waconia!
Since it is Sunday, Dad brought Communion to Mom after Mass. She said receiving Communion from Dad in his camo shorts felt a little unusual. And apparently his glasses broke today and he is wearing his old "Buddy Holly"-looking glasses.
Mom said she has just taken extra strength Tylenol twice today for pain and was doing ok. Her nights are a bit fitful, between sleeping and waking often. She's still using the ice machine at night. Sometimes she has trouble trying to get to sleep flat on her back and tries her side....and ends up flat on her back again.
So this will take some time. All this healing and stuff.

Of course I cannot sign off without a menu update: Dinner was Jim's leftover steak, twice baked potatoes, salad and Mom's Special-K bars....or did those get finished off yesterday when David and some of the kids came over for another visit and boat ride?
So, not too shabby!

The boys are back in town

Mom and Dad had a houseful last night! Jim, Dave and the boys returned from the BWCA full of good stories and laughs. We had a really nice steak BBQ and Mom was up for the whole event! Jenny and Jack came over, as well as David's daughter Rachel. We had a fabulous dinner and then a group went out wake boarding on the lake.
I think Mom had fun visiting with everyone. The Swiss crew flew back to Atlanta this morning.
Haven't gotten a report yet today, but I reckon she was pooped and hope she slept well after we all cleared out.

an actual mother duck

Originally uploaded by JennyPeters

...and nine ducklings! Captured at Lake Calhoun on Sat. morning.

Pork chops and X-rays

Mom and Dad went to Abbott for Mom's appointment with one of her surgeons, Dr. Mike. She said they were seen right away and they took her for an x-ray. She said it was difficult to lay on the flat, hard table during the x-ray. The technician commented that she was doing really well for 6 weeks out.... Mom told her it is just 4 weeks since the surgery.
Mom said the x-rays look scary and she was amazed by the amount of hardware in her spine.

The doctor spent quite a bit of time going over things. They talked about her brace and whether it was fitting properly, because Mom and Dad said there is perhaps some "sliding".

Dr. Mike told her she appeared to take too large of a step and she really needs to step w/ her left foot and sort of slide w/ her right. So she's gonna need to be more a bit more poky...and change her gate.

They were given an official medical transcript of the surgery which Mom said is very technical and sort of amazing....she said she read part of it and wondered, "They did WHAT to my what?"

She asked him about a pain she's been having...she once felt something "pull" in her lower back 9 days ago....Doc thinks its something muscular and not the hardware.

They will return to Abbott for her next appointment in 2 months with her surgeon Dr. Transfeldt. We'll keep everyone posted.

Menu update: Mom reports that dinner was lovely boneless pork chops with fresh corn and tomatoes. Becky came by and they ate together and Mom said, "It was fun just to visit."

Mom and Dad made a couple of stops on the way back to Waconia from the hospital. I hope she is not doing too much / keeping a balance of activity and rest/recovery. "Running errands" is called running for a reason. Alright, enough from me, Miss Sassypants. Good night, all.

Tuesday's update

Just spoke to Mom/Marilynn on the phone. She sounds good. Very chipper. Said the day is going fine and she was able to watch a whole movie (which she could not do that at this point after the surgery last year).

As I called, she was just on her way out the door with my Dad for her last walk of the day. It is a muy, muy humid evening.

Tomorrow she has an 11 am appointment with Dr. Transfedt's assistant, Dr. Mike, at Abbott. It is her first official check up since the surgery. So they will be heading "into town" again! Hopefully it all goes well and they don't dilly dally too long. She was pretty worn after after her last run to Minneapolis.
That's all for now folks. More updates after the check up! (You broke 1000 prayers/visitors today Mom! woot woot!)

Sunday night

9:45 pm... Everyone is worn out from a big day. Lots of catching up and lots of eating! Mom, Dad and I are the only ones still up. The Swiss boys had an outing on the lake with Grandpa (Rod) while I stayed home with Mom and watched old film noir movies in bed.
Here is a picture of Jim, Marilynn, Rod, Dominick & Benjamin this morning. (You can see part of the brace at her belly.... and then it runs down her right leg....right bird leg, that is.)

Laura came by for a visit and lunch on her way to our cousin Stephanie's wedding shower. Jenny and Jack came over this evening so Jack could see his cousins, play with legos, be ninjas and Power Rangers, you know, the usual.

Tomorrow the house will be quiet again as the boys are leaving for the Boundary Waters.

We are getting Mom settled in for bed and Dad is filling her polar ice machine that she uses at night on her back.
Good night all...sweet dreams!

Son 1

The Swiss Family Peters have arrived for a short visit on their way to a canoe trip up in the BWCA this week with Dave and a couple of his boys. Mom has been up to say hi, and then went back to bed for some rest. She is looking good and it is great to see her. Rodney is firing up the belgian waffle production line, kicking off with a traditional Sunday morning ritual.

Saturday

Marilynn is having a nice, relaxing morning. She has said goodbye to sons Ed (Marilynn & Rod's baby number 7) and Matt (number 9) who are heading to the Florida Keys today for some fishing. Just in time to welcome new company...son Jim (number 2) and his 2 sons arrive here tonight. He will be heading "up north" with David (number 3) and his sons for a few days.

Last night Laura (number 1) and her son Chris came by and Laura made dinner and they had a nice visit.

Mom has lost 11 pounds since her surgery. When they adjusted her brace last week, they did mention that she must have lost weight since they made the cast for it and they cut off 3/4 of an inch on each side.

This morning, Mom has asked Dad to take her to the grocery store, which she thinks will also count as her morning walk. She is currently sorting coupons in her bedroom to prepare for this big adventure! Dad is going to make his famous Belgian waffles tomorrow morning and grill later so we need a few bits and pieces.

This is number 6, signing off for now. More news as it comes...

4:30....Mom had some visitors this afternoon....two of Rod's sisters, Phyllis and Joanne, came by! Mom was resting when they arrived but got up and had a nice visit. Got to catch up on all the latest family news...kids/grandkids/weddings/vacations/the usual. They brought Mom some goodies including chocolate waffle mix...YES!

They just left and Mom is back in bed watching golf...we are not golfers but she sure loves Tiger. Rar!

7:30....They have just returned from Mackenthun's (that's "mack-en-toons"...it is the only grocery store here in Waconia). I was getting ready to call out the cavalry because they were gone so long ...but it is a big store (for a small town) and Marilynn can only take small steps and go slowly. She said it went fine, but Dad was asking her, "Can we go now!?"

It was worth the trip....our supplies have been replenished!

An outing to dinner!

Marilynn and Rodney arrived at their daughter Jenny's around 6 for a birthday dinner. It is just a few blocks from their house. Marilynn did really well!
They went walking and she had a nice dinner (maybe a bit too much food) and virgin Margaritas! Here are some highlights:

Blue eyes/ Blue frosting

Jen/Ed/the spread

Mom/Grandma/Nana/Marilynn/party girl

Jen & Jack

....I must get going now! More updates later....Bye! -Teresa

A sweet update

Marilynn had an another outing.... to the Carver County Library here in Waconia! All of her library friends were happy to see her...with big hugs all around.

Mom reports that today she has only taken Tylenol....none of the heavy duty pain killers. She says she'll see how it goes.

At the moment she is set up outside on the picnic table planting flowers! Dad is out puttering in the nearby yard. She says she's fine and that the table is the perfect height for her. So I guess she's feeling really good and just needing to get her hands in some dirt. I love her flowers, don't get me wrong, but I think it's kinda nuts (but what do I know?).
I know Dad and I get to water them.

We are hoping Mom feels good this evening as it is Jenny's (Marilynn's youngest daughter & 8th baby) birthday and we are going to make a Tex-Mex dinner and have a summery celebration over at Jenny's snazzy new house. Even if she's really not up for a big dinner, I believe Marilynn will have strength for dessert. Jenny made homemade cupcakes from a New York bakery recipe and I made coffee-ice cream pie.
Wipe that drool off the corner of your mouth.

Image: Photograph by Jenny Peters, Billy's in NYC

News flash

Today Mom and Dad drove to Minneapolis to Abbott for a brace adjustment and meds refill.
They took the truck (which she can get into easier than a car....with those long legs (stems to Dad) and I understand it went well!
They stopped at Laura's on their way home and Mom had a little rest while Laura whipped up some dinner for them. Excellent! Laura said, "She enjoyed getting into town, I think, even if it was limiting." ...and she ate a whole hamburger at Laura's after her rest! Nice!

go, mom, go.

Image: Not Mom and Dad on Their Trip into Town

A mother is the truest friend we have,
when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity;
when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine,
desert us;
when troubles thicken around us,
still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels
to dissipate the clouds of darkness,
and cause peace to return to our hearts.

~ Washington Irving

The Sunday Evening News

I am reporting to you remotely (from my apartment) after speaking to Mom on the phone. She says, "I just sleep and walk and sleep and walk." Still walks 3x a day....and she reports there have been Waconia hoodlums "being rude" in the park in the evenings...gack!

Dad was out working on Matt's boat today while Mom rested.
She says she has cut back on pain meds and takes Tylenol sometimes, as her doctor recommended. She did a load of laundry (naughty!) but insisted it was a very small load and she air dried it as opposed to using the dryer, which would require bending. Still...I'm not keen on that, missy! As long as it is not a "khaki load", ("Is khaki considered light or dark?" That is the question.) Rodney can handle it. The local siblings might be able to pitch in too.

There have been requests for Marilynn's email address...it is marilynnp@juno.com
She checks it and does appreciate your letters.
Ok peeps, tp out.

-Image: Laundry, Oil on panel, Daniel Jackson

Hello fans

Mom says she had a rather "up and down day" yesterday. I asked her to describe it and she says, " I was just down a quart." So let's hope today is better. It is a good sign she is up and made her own breakfast. She also slept from 11pm-8 am...only woke up once to look at the clock at 3 but did not need to get up.

We still think her brace may need adjusting, so Mom and Dad are looking into that. It would mean she has to go into Minneapolis...eeek. That will take some planning and maneuvering.

We had a couple of visitors yesterday including Peggy Lavalle, our pal Leona's daughter...whom brought us Chicken Divan and rice. A million years ago, I used to babysit for Lavalle's and just found out Peggy's daughter (Leona's granddaughter) is pregnant with triplets...and she has a 2 year old at home now. Gah!

Mom is currently up and sitting in a chair in the living room. We're still timing her at about 15 minutes a sitting. She is going to head back to get dressed and her friend Kathy Holtmeier is coming by with good cheer...(and food, muahaha). :) That is all for now.

Tuesday, 7 pm

Mom is perking along...getting in her walks and naps. She is doing fine.
This morning Dad went to the funeral of their friend Bruce.

Mom wore her brace the whole time he was gone and even had a lay down on the couch wearing it, which was a first. (She is usually in bed without the brace or walking, standing or sitting (still not much more than 15 minutes in a sitting position, with the brace). She realized after laying down tho, that the couch was a bit too low, which would make getting up tricky. So she stayed horizontal, almost until Dad got home. We watched corny morning TV together.

It is the windiest day I can recall here by the lake. Dad is heading up to St. Joe's to work on a computer, so he's taking Mom with him in the truck so they can walk around the park. He said he "would just be a minute" on the computer, and since Mom is with him, they shouldn't be gone long.
Thank you, Becky, for coming by with dinner.

Sleeping Beauty ...meets the mummy

Monday, 10:45 am
Mom slept from 11 pm -5 am...the longest stretch so far! She perked up last night around 7 and she and Dad drove to the city park and she felt well enough to walk around 1 & 1/2 times.
Today is a beautiful day and the temperature is perfect. After being up at 5 this morning, she took her meds and slept again, until after 10. I peeked in on her and she was sleeping on her side, wrapped tightly in a white cotton blanket... Mommy was a mummy!
She just had some oatmeal w/ raisins and will then shower and go walking.
There has been some discussion at the breakfast table about paint colors for the upstairs. The bedroom is in need of a fresh coat of paint and we can't seem to agree so far, so I will go to the store and bring home some color samples. During my free time I've been prepping the ceiling and walls (the worst!). I'm calling it my battle with "the web of the cob". I have spackled but still need to sand. Argh. It's a big project, but there's no reason to keep putting it off. It keeps me out of trouble while I'm out here! haha

Update 4:30 pm: Dad just drove Mom to Lakeview clinic for her allergy shot and a short walk.
She is perky, but skipped lunch and says she's not hungry. The mummy will soon be a skeleton.

I'm no Michelangelo, but while Mom snoozed this afternoon (and Dad had a power nap), I finished painting the ceiling upstairs. woot woot!

After the storm...

A big thunderstorm passed through this afternoon...we got a nice solid rain (with a bit of hail) and the temperature has dropped. It is nice to have the windows open again. Mom and Dad drove the truck to the city park and they went around the park twice. Now Mom says it may have been too much. (Yesterday they also drove to the park, but walked around once). She has been extra tired and sleeping more today. She's a little on the quiet side. Pooh.
We just had some grilled burgers, slaw and black beans but her appetite is still small and she asked Dad to take her plate after a few bites.
Laura and Elmer came by for a visit but other than that it has been quiet (besides the storm).
She is waiting for pill time...in 15 minutes or so. Then she will probably snooze. Hopefully tonight will be better than last night.

Sunday News, morning edition

I got up this morning just in time for Dad to go to eight o'clock Mass. We still have not left Mom alone here; she's not ready. Last night was crummy for her. She woke up nauseous and thought she was going throw up but it didn't happen. I suspect it was caused by her meds. She has not been out of bed since then, but reports she feels better and did eat some breakfast. She is sleeping now.
It's going to be a very hot day again so we have the air on already and its quite comfy in the house. Still keeping up with the laundry and watering, but I will need to head back into "the cities" one of these days. I have some errands to run, curriculum planning to do and some puttering to do around my apartment. If Dad needs to go somewhere, someone will need to be here.
More news on Marilynn's progress later.

Good Morning

9:30 am. Mom and Dad just left for a walk...the hill is still hard for her. But that hill is hard for anyone! The big news this morning is that she made it through the night without taking her pain meds. She did not sleep through a whole night yet, but this is the first night she didn't require the pain pills part way through.

Last night I forgot to mention a story about our friends the Millers. They just returned to Waconia from a big trip to Italy with their twins boys and other relatives. They told us that they prayed for Marilynn at every church they went to. So that's a lot of churches and a lot of prayers!

Mom's spirits are good but she did get very sad news about a friend's husband passing away unexpectedly. It was one of "the swim Dads" (from when Ed, Jenny and Matt were on the Chaska swim team when they were little). Mom has stayed good buddies with all of the Moms and they even have a Ladies Birthday Club. So she has been on the phone with the other ladies and they are all shocked and sad...he was only 55, a fit Doctor, and he had a heart attack while playing volleyball with friends in their pool. Mom's friend, his wife, is a nurse and gave him CPR. Too terrible. Sorry to end on such a sad note, but give your loved ones a hug and kiss today.

P.S.....They have returned from their walk...Mom went to Dueber's!! (it's our small town Ben Franklin/five and dime). She needed a no-slip mat for the shower and naturally Dueber's had them. So she was out walking and upright on the town for 1/2 hour!

Friday night....do you know where your Mother is?

Last night went well, except for lots of itching that is caused by her pain meds. Today she was taking one pain pill at a time instead of two. She reported that one end of her back incision "was screaming" this morning.
She has had 3 walks today and has gone a little further each time. Lunch was provided by our friend Leona...pasta salad w/ peas, grapes, chicken and cashew nuts. She also sent over cake and blueberry muffins. Our friends Lana and Bill Miller came by after our dinner of fish tacos (fresh crappies from a friend) and they made us ice cream sundaes.
So folks, at this rate, we will not starve! hehe.
Dad and I are keeping up with things around the house. We just finished watering all of the flora around here as it was quite a hot day and we are expecting it to be hotter tomorrow. Mom put in lots of flowers this Spring (as usual) not knowing she would be having this surgery again. So now we must look after them.
It is about 9:15 and she is sitting in a chair behind me...we time each sitting with a timer at 15 minutes each. Ah, the "dinger just dang!" Getting up is not fun...she must use the strength in her arms and legs to get up, and "unlock" the brace as she gets up... it is very hard to do!

We might stop doing daily updates if there is not much news. Stay tuned. Just know she is getting better each day and we are grateful for all of your good vibes!

Thursday evening...

...and we've had another beautiful day on Lake Waconia. Mom is up right now and has been on the phone with a few friends and relatives but will be heading back to lie down soon....that is after we make root beer floats and watch the sunset!
She had another good night's sleep...up twice last night. She SNUCK PAST Dad while he was catching some zzz's, which he does not like (he wants her to wake him), but she was fine.
Dad HAS to help her put on her brace. She cannot do it on her own (and I get a bit flustered when I just try taking it off of her...I am afraid I will hurt her.)
She showered, washed her hair, and Dad shaved her legs, a first for him. He's never shaved his own legs, or any one elses for that matter. So it was a first...and he told me, "I got her whiskers off."
She had her 3 walks (15 minutes each), had dinner with Dad and I (compliments of Becky, thank you very much.) The green beans and little red potatoes were fresh from the nearby Excelsior Farmers' Market and grilled...fabulous. Mom's appetite is still not very big, but all systems are go in the digestive department.
On her last walk, she and Dad circled around the house and toured our vegetable garden (very slowly, of course) and she was spotting weeds and directing Dad to pull them. We are trying to grow raspberries (these will be a while...last year they were Dad's "brambles"...sticks, basically) tomatoes, peppers and some herbs...(Ed is planning to make and can homemade salsa). woot woot!
That's all for tonight, you hot tamales! - 9:15 PM

Happy 4th of July

9:30 am. Marilynn had a good evening last night and her best night's sleep so far....she was not up as often as her first night home. I did get Dad horizontal (finally) by setting him up with sheets and a pillow on the back room couch...although he alternated between the chair and couch so he could be up when she is up. They enjoyed a nice breakfast (her appetite is improving a bit) and went walking early this morning. Just getting up the hill out here is a biggie, and then she and Dad walk about 3 houses down the street before turning back. The brace restricts the size of her steps so she is walking slowly. Yesterday they went out walking 3 times! Each walk takes about 15 minutes.

She went 4 hours and 20 minutes between pain pills last night, which is an improvement.
When I last checked on her she was very chipper and wanted to discuss our 4th of July dinner plans! Chicken, burgers or brats? That's a tough one. It is a GORGEOUS Minnesota summer day/holiday by the lake.

Please know your thoughts, prayers, emails, (yes, she does get online already) flowers and cards are really helping her healing and her spirits. Everyone who has stopped by reports how remarkable her condition is! Thank YOU ALL! Happy 4th!

Art work: Jasper Johns, Flag on Orange Field, 1957

Checkin' Out (+ Home Day 2)

Everything is great. Mom checked out this afternoon at about 2:30. She was feeling pretty good and looking pretty good too. The ride home was smooth in the Suburban and it felt good for her to get in her own bed! It wasn't long before she was sound asleep... Teresa, Matt, Ed, Laura and Elmer are at home with Rod and Marilyn; eating pizza and hanging out. Marilynn had some soup, but still doesn't have much of an appetite.
Thanks for the prayers. Stay in touch! Nurse Rod is on-duty!
(update by Elmer...(E, I don't know what happened to the image, sorry!)
Home Day 2 report:
After supper she went to bed and did watch a little TV (which she was not interested in all at this point last year/last surgery). Jenny and Jack stopped by for a little while. Jack wanted to wear Grandma's brace "and be a robot", he said.
I checked on Mom and Dad last night before I went to the bed around 11 PM and Dad was sleeping sitting up in a chair next to the bed. He stays close by. She had her meds about an hour early at one point in the night because she was really hurting and itching. Pooh.
Now it is Tuesday and she has not been awake since I (Teresa) have been up. It is 10:30 am. She must really be needing the sleep...what with those bones busy knitting in there and all of that hardware adjusting. I know she had a shower (wow) this morning and an early visitor...her friend Becky Knodt. She gave Mom a gift card for Mom's hair stylist, I believe with the idea that perhaps the stylist would make a house call...how cool!
I am puttering around here with the laundry and flower pots. Laura is going to alter some of Mom's clothing (she's working on some soft, elastic waist shorts and pants) by adding Velcro on the sides. This will make it easier for her in the bathroom. Ok, that is all for now. THANKS again, everyone!

en route

Dad called a bit ago to let me know Mom was on her way home from the hospital in the Baldwin's Suburban.

Sunday evening

Lots of visitors today at the hospital! She and Dad had a bit of a nap after her 4:30 dinner. I arrived at 5:30 to find them snoozing. Ed and Matt arrived around 6:15 and Mom was up and walking (slowly). She even asked to try some stairs again. So we're waiting to hear what Dr. Transfeldt says tomorrow about going home.
Also need to work a few kinks out of the use/fit of the brace.
She's a trooper!

the paparazzi were at it again this morning

DSC_00493
Originally uploaded by JennyPeters

Mom out for a walk during our visit.

Dave covered all the bases. She looks less puffy and has her nightie on now. She was up and at 'em to use the ladies' room, and then out for a jaunt down to the lobby. The kids were restless but we were able to help her move rooms so she is not the lone patient down on her end of the hall.

I will miss being able to visit her tomorrow while I'm at work.

Sunday Morning, She is Wonder Woman

Mom is doing awesome this morning. There have been a ton of things happening.

A. The movement has occurred, and it is all systems go.
B. Jen, Jack, Keven, Annabelle where all her this morning
C. Mom is out of the hospital gown and in her own p.j.s
D. Mom took a shower!
E. She walked a long way with her brace and walker and has NO pain.
F. She moved rooms, she is now in 7078.
G. The catheter has been removed - free, free at last.

Mom is looking great and moving and full of energy today. She is moving really well and can start eating real food.

All the positive vibes and prayers are working! She it very up and full of positivity.

Jen helped curl Moms hair. She has received communion this morning. Dad and I just got back from the mass in the chapel.

There is a good chance Mom will be going home tomorrow, Monday July 2. Mom and Dad are figuring out how going home will work.

Enough for now. It is a beautiful Sunday here and Mom is rocking!

Day 4 The Blues are Setting In...

Mom is very tired. She had a lot of activity today. As part of the PT they had her work with tools to take off / put on socks. They had her walk down the hall and back. She then sat in a chair and had her lunch. She got back into bread, brace removed and was ready to have a rest.

It's 2pm and she is still exhausted. She is a bit overwhelmed understanding what the next six months has in store for her. She will be very restricted in her mobility and it will be tough to do normal day things. A bit down in the dumps. She needs all your positive thoughts and prayers to help lift her spirits.

They have removed the i.v. which is nice to be free. The next big event will be getting the intestines working. Until the big movement occurs she will be on the clear fluids diet. Gas is good.

Physical Therapy - Saturday 11:45

Julie the cracker jack physical therapist is here. She is full of lots of energy, very chipper. She started with putting her brace on her. This is done laying in bed and rolling back and forth until she is wrapped in hard plastic shell. Once she is all strapped in they have her sit up and stand up with the walker. The PT woman is working with Mom to do the things she will need to be able to do to go home and get around.

They had her walk to the bathroom and get on and off the toilet - just for practice. She has gotten back to the edge of the bed and is having a little diet coke.

One of the doctors responsible for internal medicine has just stopped by. He is checking on the vitals and pain and how the stomach is starting to work.

Lunch has arrived. Broth, yellow jello cubes, orange water ice and apple juice. She has had her appetite return and is looking forward to something with chocolate.

Stay tuned...

11:30 am update - Wide awake

Jenny and I just had a very nice visit with Mom/Marilynn. Dave and Dad took an opportunity to go out and get a bite to eat.
She was awake the whole time and we were chatting a lot (naturally, with 3 Peters girls together! hello?!).
An Occupational Therapist came by and there was some discussion about the brace and also the ice therapy machine. Mom has most of the "equipment" she needs for recovery. The OT left and said she would return later to go over more information with Mom and bring something to help her put her own socks on (although she does have Rodney and the rest of us for sock duty). But her OT wants her to eventually be as independent as possible...but of course without any bending, twisting, or lifting (nothing over 5 lbs....and for example, a gallon of milk weighs 8 pounds....so she won't be sneaking any milk and cookies). While we were there the "percocet pusher" came and asked Mom if she wanted 1 or 2 pills and she took one...so I think her pain is in check.
Jenny and I had to leave around 10:30 to pick up Jack. Not sure who else will be down to visit today, but hopefully we'll get more updates as thing progress.

Coffee and Scones...

Dave has arrived with coffee and scones - for Dad as Mom is still on a clear liquids diet. She is not really that hungry yet.

Mom is looking very human again. She is alert with great color and her sense of humor.

There was some concern yesterday about a pain in her right leg and a low grade fever. The scan of the leg was negative for any blood clot. Today her fever is gone and the pain in her right leg is also gone!

Mom had a nurse from Nigeria last night - her name is Uju. When Mom woke up this morning she started asking Uju where she lived in Nigeria. Mom dreamt about her through the night - this was the first time Mom has meet her. Mom could describe in great detail the green and white house that matched up to the house Uju lived in Nigeria. She also saw her with daughters and as it turns out, Uju has three daughters. --- Twilight Zone Stuff --- I did not know that the side effect of narcotics was to become clairvoyant. No wonder so many people are doing drugs.

Dave

Saturday

Marilynn is making great strides. She's more like her old self. The intravenous pain management system was removed last evening. She walked down the hallway. Her digestive tract was insulted during the surgery and we are now waiting for those natural functions to take off. Doctor Vargas, an associate of Dr. Transfeldt, was in this morning and told her she has to take three walks today. When she gets walking, she can get rid of the catheter. The morning fare was the same blah as previous days. As I sign off Marilynn is off to the throne room to get nature running.

for some scale

for some scale
Originally uploaded by JennyPeters

We have returned from a visit to see Mom at the hospital, and I've posted some photos on my flickr account to share. Be aware there are two graphic shots of her back so do not click through if you are easily disgusted. She is doing great but they had to check her legs for blood clots while we were there, so that was concerning. I have heard too many horror stories so am trying to continue to believe in the power of positive thinking and prayer.

These lovely titanium gadgets are the screws the surgeon removed from Mom's spine. They are super gnarly in person!

Mom was in good spirits throughout getting up to get moved to a new bed, and returning to her own bed. Dad fed her some food while Jack, Laura and I had a picnic lunch a la Byerly's in the lobby. I brought her a pretty hydrangea with lavender and of course the latest US Weekly. Matt and Joni popped in with another purple hydrangea and lots of well wishes for Mom. Hopefully both Mom and Dad got a nap in this afternoon as it was quite hectic with all that company at once. TP and Dave will be happy to know I sent replenishments of gin, tonic and limes.

Day 3, AM

My Dear One is sleeping after a busy morning. Doctor removed her dressings and said all looked OK. Fine dining started with a breakfast of orange jello, hot bullion broth, hot tea, apple juice and orange water ice. (Food service just now arrived with an identical tray for lunch.) Got to brush her teeth for 1st time. Two ladies from the brace company showed up for a fitting. As long as she was sitting up, her nurse and a physical therapist got her to walk out to the hallway and back assisted by a walker. She's a trooper. Laura brought breakfast.

Jenny, Jack, Matt and Joni showed at noon. Jen brought lunch. Fun to watch Jack marvel at all the equipment. Marilynn is off for an ultra sound scan of her right leg. She has had some leg pain and last night, a lo fever. So a test for blood clot was ordered. She has just returned so I will sign off.

9 PM...she stood up again!

Two nurses were just here and got Mom to stand again. Her main nurse told her to march in place a bit while standing at the walker. Then they asked her to walk a little, but toward the side, which looked awkward to me. It was tricky for her but overall went ok. She was feeling nauseous again but she did joke as she "marched", "I must be almost to Lake Street by now."
She is still quite woozy and said it is hard to keep her eyes open.
The nurse said they might increase her IV because her blood pressure is a bit low. (Dad pointed that fact out to the nurse.)
After standing, she sat back down and is currently resting on her side. She has lots of pillows to give support behind her.
Dad and I just finished the last of the gin and tonics that I snuck in. Send reinforcements.
I am writing logged in as David...then I can go and edit all of his spelling! Ha!
Good night peeps...look for updates tomorrow unless something exciting happens in the night.
-Teresa

Early evening update, Day 2

She's is drowsy and snoozing on and off since I got here. When she is awake she is pretty spunky! I may even dare to say almost sassy! YAY! Dr. Transfeldt came by around 6 pm...he mentioned that he was leaving and taking his wife out for her birthday dinner...Mom called out to him as he left, "You better give her extra hugs and kisses tonight!"
She used her "puffer machine" (5 exhales into that every 2 hours) and had her ice packs changed. They gave her another dose of Benadryl for the itchies and it makes her extra drowsy.
Dad feeds her ice chips every once in a while and last time before he put the spoon in her mouth she said, "Is it chocolate?"
She also mentioned her flower pots and baskets at home. Ed, this is now your department...she wants you to check on them. So you know, she's doing really well, if you ask me. She is currently snoring a bit so obviously getting some good zzzz's. Dad is fine and fed and right by her side. - Teresa

Very Busy Morning for Mom...

Well we have just changed shifts with Laura leaving and Dave arriving. It's 2 pm on day two.

Mom is looking better. Her color is better and thank God she has had a chance to brush her hair. I don't know what it is but when you are laying half naked in bed with a catheter and a drainage tube out of your back for some reason the hair still matters the most.

Mom has been up three times today! Awesome. One of those was to be fitted for the brace / body cast thing she will be living in for the coming months. They have her stand and wrap her in plaster cast material. It takes some time and is messy. Once it dries they cut it off and it is the mold for the custom brace that will be created. Very form fitting. She did good standing the whole time without too much pain (some nausea, tho).

Dr. T has still not stopped in to check on her. The doctor that was in this morning was responsible for pain management and reviewed all the drugs she has had. They are giving her some low doses of Benadryl for the itching caused by the narcotics.

Currently both Mother and Father are fast asleep. They both need the rest as it is hard to get any quality sleeping done in the hospital.

Post a comment if you have any specific questions!

Keep those positive vibes rolling in - your male nurse in training, Dave.

Morning of day two... time to start moving ahhhh

This morning an assistant to the surgeon was in and broke the news to her about the brace she is going to have to wear. It will extend down her left thigh to discourage taking a sitting position. Does not sound good, but we will find out more after the brace is made.

This morning the nurse and assistant had Marilynn on her feet next to her bed. Had her do some steps in place while holding a walker. When asked about pain she has claimed little to none. They call her button she pushes for pain meds "her little buddy."

We expect her surgeon, Dr. Transfeldt, to pop in.

All for now, Rod

A little research

It's Thursday morning, the day after the operation, and I'm enjoying some coffee and toast and the nice blog Dave put together. I'm sure Mom would be dying to read this if she knew about it - well, except the part about her new brace. Jack is catching up on his daily cartoons and we are headed off to a picnic with his summer preschool program this morning, the beach to meet his old WNS friends for lunch, and then swim lessons at the community center this afternoon. I am excited to spend his last day of summer activities with him so I can follow him around with my camera, but wish I could be at the hospital to see mom. She was very concerned that he still go to his classes in her absence so I know this is what she would want.

What can one do when it's too early to say "hi" and I'm chasing after a 5-year-old all day? How 'bout a little research to ease the anxiety!?

I have never met Dr. Transfelt buy suspect this is an old photo. He needs a new website, I know that much.

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is seen in 10-40 percent of patients who undergo back surgery. It is not actually a "syndrome", but characterized by intractable pain and varying degrees of functional incapacitation occurring after spine surgery. Poor mama bear.

The Spine Institute is an Abbott Northwestern Hospital Center of Excellence dedicated to the comprehensive management of spinal diseases and disorders. I wonder if they will remember our little trooper from last summer? Dave, do you have any of those parking passes left?!

Now that I am intimately familiar with medical device marketing (St. Jude Medical, in particular) I was curious to learn more about the Medtronic Infuse bone graft the Dr. "super glued" mom with. I don't know if she had ALIF, but don't watch the video while you're eating. It all makes my skin crawl a little bit!

We need to boogie now but I am praying for Mom and am available any time to come down with good food or just some TLC. (Muffins and McDonald's can only last for so long!) Jack and Megan put together a very nice get well card for grandmas so I anticipate we'll be down tomorrow to deliver it if she is ready to see us.

sleep well, Mom

End of day one...

Mom has been resting a lot. For the most part she is able to sleep. She had been laying on her back since coming up to her room. Around 7:30 pm they had her roll over onto her side. Then they placed cold compresses on her back - she said the cold feels great.

To make her more comfortable, Dad had brought her pillow from home along. When they put that under her head it drew a big smile from Mom.

She has a drainage tube out of her back and has been given antibiotics and some sulphates.

They will try and get her to sit up, maybe stand up and take a step or two tomorrow.

Everyone have a good night and we will see you all in the morning...

2 hours in recovery... finally we get to see her.

Mom spent two hours in recovery. We would not get to see her until she was in her room.

With that news, Dad and David took the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful day, and have a cigar!

Upon return, we were given the room (7090) they were taking Mom to and we headed upstairs to her room.

She is still very out of it, but looks great. She opened her eyes and is talking a little bit. She is mostly sleeping and trying to rest.

She likes a cold wash cloth on her head, and an ice chip now and then. They have given her some medication for nausea - from the anesthesia. They are also monitoring her blood to make sure there are no complications from the blood she lost. Otherwise it is all PAIN management.

Are they done yet? ...

Surgery was over at 2:30 pm. Do the math, she was in the O.R. from 7:30 - 2:30 YUCK.

Dr. T. came out and gave us the report.

The surgery went well. The bone tissue is softer then he would have liked. He did go across the three vertebrae so he could anchor the bottom screws into new bone. He is slightly concerned that one of the top screws is not 100%, but he did not want to extend any farther up the spine. To help reinforce the hardware he added a horizontal bar - this will help alleviate extra pressure on the top screws.

There was a lot of scar tissue from the previous procedures. She did lose some blood. They used her blood to replace about 1/2 of what was lost.

He explained that Mom will have to wear a very restrictive brace for the next 6 months. It will not allow her to bend at the waist. He said Mom will hate it. It will require training and physical therapy just to be able to walk, go on steps, get into a car etc. It will attach to her left leg and up her midsection / back.

He does not want to take any chances this time and believes it will help ensure a successful outcome.

Mom is in for a long 6 - 12 months of recovery.

Waiting, waiting, waiting

Dad and Dave went off to hangout in the surgery waiting room. We were the first ones and quickly grabbed a spot near the only computer and TV.

Dr. T. had told us he would try and get updates to us every hour.

Once settled in, we where off to put some stuff into the car and find another coffee and scone.

All reports from the OR were positive - Mom was stable and the "work" was progressing.

The procedure was to open her back, remove all the old hardware (you will see some stuff going up on eBay soon - shoot it's only 12 months old, I am sure someone could still get good use out of it).

Because the lower screws where loose, they thought they would need to fuse across three vertebrae, going down one more to have a new stronger bone material to attach the lower screws.

Once they had all the new hardware in place, they would close up the back, and open her from the front. This was to insert the super duper Medtronic bone graft protein that will go in between the vertebrae so the bones will fuse - I think its some kind of super glue.

Laura and Teresa showed up to hang out and wait with us. There was much catching up, sudoku and crosswords down while passing the time.

Around noon we headed to the cafeteria for yuck hospital food.

Wednesday 6/27 - Here we go again.

The day started very early for Mom (Marilynn) and Dad (Rod). They where up at 4:30 am to be at the hospital by 5:30 am. For once there was no traffic on Highway 5 into the big city.

The check in process went fine. David showed up around 6:45 am and found Dad in the waiting room. Fortunately I (David) had brought Dad a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin.

We when into the pre-op prep area around 7 am to find Mom in her funny gown in very good spirits. She was doing great.

Dr. Transfeldt stopped and around 7:15 and talked everyone through what was going to be happening. He thought it would take around 4 hours on the back, then she would be flipped and have another hour on the front. He answered all of Mom's questions and reassured her that this was the right decision. We also talked about the boundary waters!

Mom was given some loopy drugs and off she went to OR.