Saturday with the Kids

Well, as I wrote yesterday, today would be a day Ceil would spend with Brian, or Fester as I like to call him. The day started for Ceil with a nice breakfast that featured mini blueberry muffins, and a wonderful scrambled egg. Then it was off for a morning walk through the neighborhoods. Linda was still looking for that perfect garage sale. We did find a few, but nothing to write home about. As we made our way to the house, Bill, Denise, and Ian were coming down the sidewalk to meet us at the door. They had come to visit Ceil and spend some time with her during the morning hours. We had coffee and talked until Brian and Mickie arrived. Linda and I were off to do errands and some much needed shopping. Brian, Micki, Denise, Bill, and Ian took Ceil to the Ace Bar for lunch. Ceil had the hot beef sandwich and ate the whole thing! They were home by 1:00, and Ceil was down for a much needed nap. It is always nice to have weekend visits, and Ceil really enjoys it so much.











Fester and Ceil at the Ace Bar & Grill.

Friday Update

Ceil had speech and PT today. Ceil was at 70% today for item ID. That was the best yet! Ceil worked very hard for Steve during PT, she walking both the carpeted area and the wood floor. Overall a good for therapy. I can't wait to get Ceil over to the plaza to start electro-therapy on her right arm. I have seen and heard good things regarding the outcomes of this therapy. Tomorrow, Brian will be coming to spend time with Ceil. I'm sure we will have much more to write about then.

This Just In...

Ceil got on the recumbent bike this morning! She did a great job pedalling, and balancing was so easy for her too! Just another step forward toward a meaningful recovery that started with getting Ceil home where she belongs. Ceil went to the River Bats game this evening for ING night. It was a beautiful evening and we had a nice time. See the pics below.

Ceil was going as fast as 4.0 mph on the bike! Below, she is all smiles as she pedals away.

Earl Batty, Jr, ING money mascot, and Linda and Ceil on the first base line.

Breakthrough in PT

Today, Ceil walked the entire carpeted area of her house for the first time! Steve was so impressed with Ceil's efforts. Ceil didn't even slow down. This was a significant breakthrough in PT for Ceil. Ceil is still very strong and determined in both body and spirit. It wont be long before Ceil will be at the plaza for in-patient therapy. Very cool stuff ahead.

Karen Stops by with Produce!

Nothing too spectacular to write about today with regard to therapy, as no therapist were here today. It was also too hot and humid to go out today, and Ceil was pretty tired again, so we just stayed indoors. The news of the day is that Karen stopped by this afternoon to share some of her garden produce with Ceil. Karen brought onion, dill, spinach, and Yukon Gold potatoes. I will use them to make dinner tomorrow. Thank you Karen! Ceil is enjoying Hell's Kitchen now. She really likes chef Ramsey and the way he yells at the other cooks, and to see who will get kicked off at the end. It's nice to watch Ceil enjoying some of the simple things in life.

Tired Monday

Ceil was very tired today. The weekend activities were fun, but tiring for Ceil. I have seen this a few times before. Ceil had speech and PT, but was a bit too tired to do very much with the therapists. Often times, those recovering from a stroke will require a lot of sleep and cannot tolerate therapy. Today was no exception. Ceil did have a nice nap after lunch. Later on, she did have enough energy to go on an outing to Walmart for a few things. Some days are just quiet and uneventful. Like today. Right now, Ceil is watching bedtime stories and it looks as though she is enjoying it. Early to bed tonight, for a better day tomorrow, and perhaps more to write about. Bye for now.

Colleen's Birthday Dinner

The big event today was Colleen's birthday dinner. Ceil really enjoyed the dinner with family and friends. She was dressed in a hula skirt and flower top. It was a great day. Thanks to everyone for the great food, deserts, and help with clean up! See the pictures below.



A houseful of family, friends, and love


Hula Ceil!


Coconut Shrimp, chimichurri steak and asparagus, Provence chicken and roasted red potatoes



Ceil and the birthday girl in native garb.

family and friends

Fester and Ceil

What a Great Saturday Morning and Evening

Ceil got to sleep in today. After all, it is Saturday. When she did get up, she was all smiles and ready to go. We had planned a busy morning of outings, so Ceil had a nice breakfast to start her day. After Linda's hair makeup, we were ready for a walk through the neighborhoods in search of a garage sale. We found one sale, but there was nothing of interest to be found. After a brief visit a neighbor and childhood friend of Brian's, it was off to the new library. Ceil was awed by the size of the building and the totally modern interior. After a tour of the library, it was over to the farmer' market to see what they had. It was busy and full of people buying produce and talking vegetables, canning, and who knows what else. After the farmer's market, it was off to #1 China for lunch. Ceil had never been there, so we wanted her to meet the owner and have one there wonderful lunch specials. Ceil really enjoyed the food and ate everything on the plate! She later met the owner and we had to take a pictures. As you can see, it was a busy Saturday morning for Ceil. We strive to provide a good quality of life for Ceil, and one that allows her to be a big part of the what happens, and when it is time to rest. As a matter of fact, Ceil is napping right now. Shh.
Well, After Ceil's nap. the day got even better. I received a call from Deb inviting us over for desert at 6:30. So, after a great homemade hamburger, Coleslaw, quick pickle, chips, and a strawberry/banana shake. Ceil, Linda, and I jump in the van and headed over. What a great time Ceil had with John and Deb. We had great conversation and a wonderful angel food cake, ice cream, and fruit desert. We stayed until 8:30! Ceil was in it the whole time and enjoying herself. It was great watch Ceil smile and take it all in. John and Deb were are such good friends and embraced Ceil so kindly. This was a good Saturday. See you tomorrow.

Out front.

Downtown

Going down.

In the library

Ahh, the liquor store


The farmer's market.

Mmm, good Chinese food.

Ceil and the owner.

You lookin at me?

Great hamburger!

John and Deb with Ceil.

A Good Morning Walk

I know that before Ceil's stroke, walking was an important part of her life. A six mile walk was not uncommon for her on most days. Being Ceil's caregiver, I make it a point, weather permitting, to take a walk through the neighborhoods. We take our time and talk about the different things we see along the way. This helps Ceil to speak, recognize, and engage in conversation about her environment. I also believe that it is energizing for Ceil to get out of the house and get some of the morning sun and air to wake up and prepare for her day. It is also a way to bring a better quality of life to Ceil, rather than just limiting ourselves to being indoors for the most part. Below are just a few of the things we see as we walk through the neighborhoods during this most sublime part of the day.

See the cat?

Thursday Therapy

Today was a good day for Ceil as she was busy with therapy. The nurse came first to see Ceil to check her vital signs and do a blood draw for her Dilantin level. PT came next and Ceil did a great job walking with the A-frame cane. According to Steve, Ceil will be ready for the plaza soon. We are looking forward to that indeed. Yvonne came after Ceil's nap for OT. It was a good session and Ceil worked hard. This will be Yvonne's last visit with Ceil. Yvonne has been a big part in Ceil's recovery thus far and we will miss her.

Home therapy and nursing have made such a difference in Ceil's life and recover. We thank them for the great job they've done and continue to do.

The Doctor is in....

Ceil went to the doctor today for a follow up visit, post-hospital. Dr. Larson was surprised at how good Ceil looked, and that she was so alert and full of energy. He said that the Dilantin may cause some side affects, but will level off in time. There were no new findings with the scan, or the EEG. Ceil will have a Dilantin level blood draw tomorrow to make sure she is at a therapeutic level. We also went on an outing to the mall. Ceil and Linda were looking for a couple of special items, and I went along for the ride. All goes well for this Wednesday, and Ceil is now watching her favorite TV show, Man V Food. What will Adam eat tonight? Watch and find out. See you tomnorrow.

Back in the Kitchen

Yvonne came for OT today. She had Ceil go into the kitchen and stand at the counter and do small tasks while balancing herself. Below, Ceil is putting silverware away with Yvonne looking on. Ceil also put glasses away, and filled the tea pot with water. She did really well with all the tasks, and Yvonne was impressed with Ceil's ability to balance for long periods of time. It wont be long before Ceil will be going to the plaza for intensive and state of the art therapy. Looking forward to writing about that! See you tomorrow.

Ceil Walks the Ramp

Jane, the speech therapist started working with Ceil again today. She reported to me that Ceil has lost nothing since her seizure. In fact, she did very well on the assessment. Way to go Ceil! Steve came today and had Ceil walk the ramp again. This time Ceil walked both down and up the ramp! She didn't even break a sweat. Her steps, for the most part were very steady and regular. She did get a little tired toward the end, but gave the extra effort. Steve was so impressed that he felt Ceil would be ready for out-patient therapy at the plaza soon. This is indeed good news. More cool stuff to come. Stay tuned!

Denise Day!

Denise came to spend the day with Ceil today, which allowed Linda and I some time to shop for the house, check on our apartment, and spend some much needed time together. Denise brought her cucumbers, canning supplies, and other items for her day here at Ceil's house. Denise went to church with Ceil, and Linda and I left to go shopping for supplies for the week. When we returned, there were visitors in the living room. Mary Lee, Ann Louise, Kim, and Trey came by to visit with Ceil. Ceil was obviously excited by the visit, and was enjoying the conversation about the reservation and days gone by. They soon said there goodbyes, and Ceil was moved to tears as they left, but came out onto the porch and stood up to say goodbye. What a beautiful thing to behold. Linda and I left to have some time together as Ceil went down for her afternoon nap. We returned about three hours later, finding Denise feverishly finishing here pickles. Ceil woke up and Denise went right to work on her fingernails. Denise does such a wonderful job on Ceil's nails, and she gets so many compliments on her nails thanks to Denise. Afterward, Denise left like a whirl-wind with her canned pickles and canning supplies. We are so grateful to Denise for spending quality time with Ceil today. Thank you Denise!

A Lovely Saturday

Saturday came with a beautiful sunrise. Ceil slept in today and awoke to a nice breakfast. Afterward we took a nice walk through the neighborhoods and stopped at a garage sale too. We went to Denise's for a visit and lunch. Denise served a lovely salad of sauteed chicken and raspberries with grandma's dressing. After some good conversation and a Beatles tune from Denise, we were off. Later, Kevin called and said that he and Colleen were coming up to spend some time with Ceil. They did come and invited us all out to China Star. It was so good and Ceil really enjoyed herself. We came back for coffee and watched as the storms moved in. Kevin and Colleen left quickly to try and beat the storms. We then watched the classic movie, "The Road to Morocco". Ceil was enjoying the movie and, I'm sure reminiscing as well.

Outside on the Ramp

Steve, the PT thought it would be a good idea to have Ceil walk down the ramp this morning for her therapy. Well, he was right. Ceil did so good on the ramp, and she walk all the way to the bottom! You could see that Ceil was so proud of this accomplishment. She is doing so well with all of her therapies. Denise came by just as Ceil was walking the ramp and saw how well she did. Denise stayed for lunch and may come back later to do Ceil's nails. Later on, we went to Famous Dave's for dinner. Robbie and Sharelle gave Ceil a Famous Dave's gift card. What a thoughtful gift indeed. We enjoy BBQ and all the sides - Yum! What a nice reward for all the hard work Ceil has been doing this week.

Ceil and Wilbur at Famous Dave's!

Just Another Day...

Ceil had another quiet day today. We took a nice long walk around the neighborhood in the quiet of the morning. Ceil really enjoys getting out as much as possible, and the weather was so nice to boot. Yvonne came to do OT with Ceil and felt that she was doing very well for having spent nearly a week in the hospital. After dinner we went to Walmart for an outing. Ceil was people watching and looking for a new pair of pants. We spent the rest of the evening watching a movie and then it was off to bed. A truly quiet day comes to an end. Goodnight.

Stronger Than Ever!

Steve, the PT came this morning for the first time since Ceil's seizure and hospitalization. He was amazed at the strength Ceil had, and proclaimed, "She is doing better than ever." This was great news and Ceil was very happy to hear this from Steve. We look forward to getting back on track with therapy at the medical plaza soon. Ceil keeps showing us that she is a survivor with a strong will to live and to enjoy life to the fullest.

Ceil Takes a Breather

Well, Tuesday continues to live up to it's quiet reputation, and it was a nice morning for just kicking back. Annie came over to say goodbye before heading back home. Ceil was sad to she Annie go. Though it was very difficult, Ceil kept a smile on her face as she left. Later, the home health nurse to came to visit Ceil to draw blood for her Dilantin level and check her vitals. Everything was on track. Ashely came to shower Ceil, and was glad to she Ceil back home. The rest of the day was very mellow and laid back. Cella came by for a brief visit and wished Ceil well. After dinner it was movie time with Kate and Leopold as the main feature and Mike & Ikes and Twizzlers as the concession. A nice quiet day comes to a restful end as Ceil drifts off to sleep. Pleasant dreams...

Ceil on the Go Continued...

Ceil has been quite busy over the weekend, and Monday was no exception. Ceil's day began with a shopping spree and lunch with Annie and Karen. Ceil found a couple of shirts at Savers. She was in shopping heaven. Lunch was at Brigette's Cafe, with a German theme, which means lots of Sauerkraut ;^()
After a nice nap, Yvonne came to assess Ceil for continued therapy. Yvonne thought that Ceil was in great shape and would be ready for the medical plaza very soon. Afterward, Doug and Doris stopped by on their bicycle built for two for a short visit. After a nice dinner and coffee on the deck. Marlene, Denise and Annie stopped by for a visit. Ceil was taking it all in and enjoying every moment. What a day of fun, outings, visits, and good news for Ceil. The rest of the week looks like it is getting booked up as well, so get your reservation in soon!

Busy Sunday - Ceil on the Go

Sunday started much like Saturday. First, Linda colored Ceil's hair. The process went well until the rinse, when most of the water went on Ceil's clothes. After we got her dried off and in new clothes, a car pulled up out front and out came Marvin and Betty. Such a surprise for Ceil. They had a great visit. Just as they were leaving, the home care nurse pulled up to assess Ceil for continued home therapy. After the nurse left we were able to get Ceil down for a brief nap, but the day was long from over. Brian came at 11:30 to take Ceil to the Gross first cousin reunion in Cold Spring. So, it was up and on the go again. What a great time Ceil had visiting with relatives she had not seen for quite some time. She was full of energy and smiles the whole time. It is quite obvious that the seizure did little to slow Ceil down. She has so much life to live, and with all of the love and support of her family, there will be many more good times in the future. Thanks to all of you who read the blog and continue to keep Ceil in your thoughts and prayers. Many great stories to come...

Where it all began