Well...today was a big day:
We are building the vanity right now, and will hang that tomorrow. It's quite exciting to see it all coming together. All these things that we've been collecting are being dragged out from their storage places. Some of them have been stored so long that I can't even remember them.
Senility makes life so much more exciting, don't you think?
I had my 'class' today for the knee replacement stuff. They want us to have a walker, which we can rent from the hospital. I hadn't even thought of a walker, but we stopped by Goodwill, and we got one that looks brand new. It was marked $15.99, but had a half off tag, which means it should have been $8, but somehow, it wound up costing $4.99. So. Good news there. I told my sister about it and said, "It's really something that will be nice to pass forward when I'm done with it." Turns out her youngest son, who was badly injured in Iraq by an IED is going to have a knee replacement in the near future. "Tell him he can have my walker..."
One thing that surprised me was that they said I'd need home health care for 2 or 3 weeks. I surely did NOT like the sounds of that. I was envisioning people who come into your house and sit around all day doing your house work and keeping an eye on you. How do you take a nap if you're tired with a stranger in your house? And let's face it: I'm just not comfortable with the idea of strangers in my house, period.
My sister laughed at me. "They're not talking about home health aides. They are talking about a nurse who comes in, makes sure that you're okay, reports back to the doctor if there are any issues, etc. 20 minutes, tops, and they are back out the door." Made me feel better. That I can live with.
He'll continue on the work of Francis, which is encouraging to me, although I'm not Catholic.
He's not reticent about his views on the current American politics.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has quickly established himself as a progressive leader in the mold of Pope Francis, championing immigrant rights and social justice. He has been outspoken in his criticism of right-wing U.S. politicians, particularly Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In a widely circulated post, Leo XIV declared, "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others," directly rebutting Vance's attempt to justify restrictive immigration policies with Christian doctrine. Leo has also condemned Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticized his administration’s collaboration with El Salvador on deportations, highlighting the moral cost of such policies.
This progressive stance has sparked a fierce backlash from the American right. Far-right activist Laura Loomer was among the first to denounce Pope Leo XIV, labeling him a "WOKE MARXIST POPE" and accusing him of supporting "illegal aliens and open borders." Loomer specifically pointed to Leo’s support for Dreamers and his condemnation of Trump’s use of the term "bad hombres," calling it "racist". Other MAGA-aligned commentators, like Sean Davis of The Federalist and strategist Joey Mannarino, have echoed these criticisms, accusing Leo of pushing a globalist and leftist agenda that undermines national sovereignty and Catholic tradition.
Despite this right-wing outrage, Pope Leo XIV remains steadfast in his advocacy for immigrants and the marginalized, urging the Church to "build bridges" and "receive with open arms everyone-everyone-who needs our charity, our presence, our dialogue, and love." His leadership signals a continued commitment to social justice, even in the face of intense conservative opposition.
(Cue the cries of 'separation of church and state!' from the same people who want to put the ten commandments in every classroom.)
Interesting side note: He went to Villanova University, just outside of Philadelphia, not far from where I've got family.
I read this today:
It reminded me of this: https://www.reuters.com/business/bill-gates-give-away-fortune-by-2045-200bn-worlds-poorest-2025-05-08/
I hope that everyone has a good weekend.
Yes, do get all the equipment they suggest. Did they also suggest a cane for the stage after walker? And physical therapy, that's very important.. and good luck on your successful surgery.
ReplyDeleteI have a cane too. They give us a leg lifter. I plan to do therapy. I will follow instructions to a t--as long as I don't have to deal with strangers in my house.
DeleteYou're all set! Go you!
DeleteYour new home is really getting to the fun and exciting part now! I'm not Catholic but if the MAGAts hate the new pope then he's fine in my book.
ReplyDeleteI just feel like anyone who speaks up right now is a good guy.
DeleteI have one word for Tim "Grout" as in- the less you have the better and therefore large tiles are the best choice!
ReplyDeleteI sure did point the grout thing out to him.
DeleteHi Debbie, I know how you feel about people coming to your house as you recover from knee surgery. Three years ago I ended up in the hospital for six weeks. I was left so weak they wanted me to go to rehab. Instead I opted for a 16 week program at home. Two PSWs came every day. A physiotherapist came 3 times a week. A nurse came for an initial assessment and was on call when I needed him. I was able to access a dietitian by phone. This was all provided free of charge. I live in Canada and so lucky to have that kind of program available to me at no cost. Often the PSW visits were short, maybe 15 minutes because I really didn’t require them to do much so we just chatted. I was assigned the same PSWs for the entire 16 weeks so we got to know each other. One came in the morning and one in the evening. I was lucky to have my husband’s love and support 24/7. Just thought I’d share my experience with you. Good luck with your surgery and good wishes for a speedy recovery. Hugs, Elaine (in Toronto)
ReplyDeleteI surely don't mind a nurse coming in to check every day and leaving. It's just that the home health business...I interpreted what she was saying as having someone come in every day to assist with my ADLs. I would hate that, someone hovering, in the house for hours. It was a misunderstanding.
Delete1. Toilet. We went to an open house for a new build in a fancy neighborhood. The house had a big front porch and a window right next to the front door. I looked in the window as we were walking into the house and there was the toilet in the same location as yours. I can't pass that house now without glancing at the window (which has curtains). I would go with the privacy film for sure.
ReplyDelete2. The tiles. I just "visited" my friend's new bath remodel yesterday and she has the big tiles, too. I think they are the "in thing" right now. And personally, I think yours looks great!
3. Great idea to shop at Goodwill for the walker. I actually have accumulated a supply of medical equipment which I do lend to friends and family. I think it started with crutches for my first high school athlete child. I quickly figured out we could buy them cheaper than renting them. It was nice to have an extra set of everything on every floor for my parents and I was shocked to find most of what I needed at thrift stores. I lent my shower chair right before I broke my arm so I did purchase a fancy one for me. I let the friend keep my old one.
4. I know my friends have had the home health aid - just the quick visits for vitals, etc and even home health PT for new knees so that you don't have to travel right away. I vote yes.
There is a local place that collects medical equipment and lends it out to people who need it and can't afford it. I think that this is a beautiful thing.
DeleteI think the tile looks dandy. The view seems to make parts look smaller because of the pattern within the tile, not the size of each tile. Maybe Tim will buy that explanation. Be sure and have the walker at the first PT session so they can size it up correctly, or maybe change out some wheels. Some wheels are on the inside and some on the outside of the tubing. Bless your friend's son who'll need knee surgery. The VA will provide his walker. Don't do any walker races with him! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI thought of that after the fact. VA covers all his medical stuff. But it is something that folds up and can be tucked away for who ever might need it down the road.
DeleteBigger tiles = less grout to go nasty in future = less cleaning = good plan!
ReplyDeleteI love that so many people immediately brought up grout. That stuff does stain, doesn't it?
DeletePrivacy film yes, but good to have light.
ReplyDeleteGood house progress.
First North American pope..with French Canadian and French creole Haiti/Cuba, Latino roots..... interesting.
I love that he is a strong, clear voice in these noisy clanging days.
DeleteNice to see your healthy plants Debby.
ReplyDeleteI am ridiculously pleased about them!
DeleteWe have large bathroom tiles too and personally I think they look great. Yours certainly do too.
ReplyDeleteYour 20 tomato plants put my measly two to shame!
I did such a stupid thing though. I have Romas, Beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes. While I was replanting them from the seed trays, I MIXED THEM UP!!!! Rookie mistake!
DeleteWe have similar tiles in our bathroom and they did seem overwhelming at first but we soon got used to them and, as other people point out, less grout means less cleaning.
ReplyDeleteWhen my Mum died I asked around the family to see if anyone wanted her walker, heavy duty adjustable walking-sticks etc and my Aunt claimed them. Turns out that she was building a stock of aids for family use, like Miss Merry. She had already been able to help her son when he had knee problems.
I think that is such a great thing to do. The VA will likely provide my nephew with his, but if he doesn't need it, I'll either tuck it away at my house, or I will donate it to the medical lending place.
DeleteIt's all looking so spanking fresh and new. Your plants look so strong and healthy, too.
ReplyDeleteIt does look so bright with the sun shining in. Everything gleams.
DeleteLOVE the beadboard and the tile in the bathroom. I think you'll recover quickly because you are a truly active person, more active than most, and have built up muscle. You're not a "sitter." When I fell and broke one ankle and sprained the other, I was healed in 6 weeks. The doctor was so pleased and said that because I was active, my recovery went quickly. She released me and 2 days later I was on a plane to my sister's in NC and walking 5 miles the next day! Maybe a bit over the top, but I was itching to get back outside.
ReplyDeleteOh Karla. I feel like I am doing way too much sitting right now. I'm itching to be up and doing again. I know Tim misses taking walks with me. I am just afraid to do anything to aggravate that knee right now because I'm can't use my OTC pain med right now.
DeleteMy toilet is right beside the window and I love it. However it is on the second floor. I have venitian blinds on the window, so I can peek out while I sit there. Lol I had no help after my knees where done but was kept in hospital after first one for a week to get started on therapy. On my second one I came home on day two using only a cane. After getting home I never used the cane again. I was able to give myself the blood thinner injections so no need for outside help. My husband drove me to grocery shop and I used the store scooter while there. The most helpful gadget was a toilet seat extention to make the seat higher. I never used the walker as I found a cane easier with the first knee. I did the prescribed exercises by myself religiously so I got a good outcome with both knees. I had them done six weeks apart and the second one was much easier as I now had one good leg to stand on. My husband was great, he helped by doing the cooking or warming up the meals from the freezer. You will be fine Debby, I wouldn’t want anybody in my house either. My husband had a therapist come to the house after he had been in hospital for 5 months and she sat there and wrote out a bunch of exercises for him to do, played with the dog then left. He called and told them not to send her again he would do what she had said although she never demonstrated or worked with him in any way. Give yourself as much rest as you can so you will heal properly, we will all be wishing you the best. Gigi
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting. I've got a pretty high threshold of pain, so I'm hopeful that I spring back to normal relatively quickly. But I plan to be sensible and follow directions to a t.
DeleteOops, accidentally added this to the wrong post! It’ll make a heckuva lot more sense here!
ReplyDeleteTell Tim that larger tile is easier to keep clean…there’s less grouting to collect grud, therefore more practical! Might that help persuade him that a hammer is not needed? :)
I think he's getting used to it.
DeleteI've been telling my husband about you and Tim and your house-building and I just showed him the pictures of your bathroom. He pointed out that y'all used the same wainscoting and paneling he used when he built his bathroom. Very similar floor tile, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the Pope isn't a jerk. I guess that's about all I can say about that. I visited the Vatican when I was 18, took one look around and thought about how freaked out Jesus would have been to see all that gold when there were hungry people. Then of course, the whole pedophile situation and cover-up and a few other horrible things the Catholic church has done have come to light and I just don't really give them much moral authority. But yes, Leo XIV seems to be a good guy.
Well, Tim and I came and tiptoed through your house getting ideas one night while you and Glenn were sleeping! We both said, "Now that's a nice bathroom!" and then we tiptoed right back out. We must be pretty good sneakers...you never even knew we were there!
DeleteAnd our cat never said a word.
DeleteYou have a bathroom and plants, so you must really be getting close.
ReplyDeleteStep by step... As for the plants, freeze warning tonight. *sigh*
DeleteI sense there is a lot more interest in the new Pope than there has been previously because even the none-religious would like to see more guidance in these troubled time.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right. So many people have the same social conscience as he does...but we're being painted as some sort of radical, immoral leftists...yet here's a pope saying the same things. It's reassuring in a way.
DeleteIt really is coming together, Debby!! Awesome. Happy Mother's Day and I love that meme you shared. So funny.
ReplyDeleteYeah...when the kids are all gathered, we mothers must set a good example. Happy Mother's day to the excellent Mrs. S!
DeleteI love that last thing. I'm sending it to my daughter who is a court reporter. She can share it with her courthouse. 😂
ReplyDeleteLOL. Hope it gives everyone a laugh.
DeleteI would definitely want privacy film on that window, too--lol!
ReplyDeleteI really like the big tiles. They look great to me. Very posh!
Your plants look very healthy and ready to go. Been like summer here already. So strange.
I was lucky that when I was so weak and sick (cancer stuff) my cleaning girl at the time snuck me a walker for free from work that I could borrow for the weeks I needed it. My daily caregivers were my son and DIL who came by for a short visit to check on me, bring me food, take out my trash, etc. They were so good to me.
I was happy to hear some of the tweets from this new pope over the years. Not Catholic, but he sounds like a good guy.
Bill Gates vs. Elon...no more needs to be said.
I totally forgot that Mother's Day was this weekend. Happy Mother's Day!! :) :)
Oh there will be privacy film... As far as the plants...ugh!!! We've got a freeze warning tonight. Will summer ever get here?! I don't need a caregiver. I've got Tim and preprepared meals. I'll be fine.
DeleteAs far as I'm concerned if MAGA hates the new Pope, that's a good thing! Means the Cardinals chose well. Tub enclosure looks great, like many others on here bigger tiles mean less grout, also a good thing. Good luck with the surgery, and when it is over, do the Physical therapy, it really makes a big difference in how quickly you recover.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with the physical therapy stuff. I will be physical therapy-ing myself like crazy!!!! I've been dealing with this knee for years. I'm ready to resume life.
DeleteI have to echo the previous, less grout is less cleaning is more good. I like the large tile, our tile is 12 inches square, I think it's less busy than small tile. Your plants are looking lush, you should have a bumper crop of everything.
ReplyDeleteI hope so!!! My fondest wish is to have enough produce that I can share abundantly.
DeleteHow the feathers are ruffled when a pope threatens with Christ's teaching, hey? I am sure that your sister and you will find enough excuses to see each other.
ReplyDeleteSuch hypocrisy. Some of the most vocal Christians are the ones giving voice to the most ungodly sentiments.
DeleteAs you know, I'll be about a month behind you with the surgery, so this is good information. My class is June 2nd. Great idea, going to Goodwill for a walker, and half-price at that!
ReplyDeleteI spent less than $10 on a cane and that walker. Comparing it on line, I saved at least $70.
DeleteMedical equipment is so expensive and it just seemed so silly to buy new! I still can't figure out how 1/2 of $15.99 worked out to $4.99, but it is a good heavy duty walker.
DeleteI have the collection of medical equipment that my parents used and it has come in handy in the family over and over again.
ReplyDeleteDoing the PT before and after is most important as you know. My friend who had her knees done also loved the ice machine that the home health aide loaned her for icing her leg.
Bathroom looks great.
Oh believe me, I plan on being very conscientious about the PT. I am just so anxious to walk without pain. It's been so awfully long. I fully intended on getting something done before now, but then Tim had problems, and lord knows, we can't have both of us out of action at the same time.
DeleteThe meme amused me muchly.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I would be very pleased to learn what the visiting health care worker would be doing.
Your nephew being injured in Iraq brings things close to home.
In my country, they have home health care which provides aides to basically babysit you because you are not able to take care of yourself. Oy. That is NOT me. I'm not a good patient, esp if I am not comfortable. Best to leave me be. I will figure it out. I don't mind having a nurse come to the house just to monitor the situation and leave.
DeleteIt was a horrible day when we received word. It was very, very bad and he was hospitalized for months, first in Germany, and then at Walter Reed. But he's a married man, father of three, works three jobs, and is hilarious.