April-June Updates From Leslie

6/6 - at least I think that's the date. Oy. Anyway, I'm trying to take a few moments every time I'm at the computer to update 1 or 2 things. It's going to take a while to get caught up, but I'm down to 121 emails, so I'm psyched!
Val, in Biloxi, is doing the great service of checking all of the sidebar links to make sure they are right - and am first fixing any on the Networking site and will correct all once she's through them all.
So - I just might be back. Not nearly to the extent I was or that I want, but I'll get there yet!
Leslie

5/31
Hey there.
I can't believe it's been nearly 2 months since I have been able to actively work on the relief sites. It's truly breaking my heart.
I've changed the index pages so they better reflect the timeless nature of the information held within it's referenced links, but it still bothers me that I just don't have the time or energy to continue researching.
My mother continues to improve, and hopefully more rapidly as she begins her cardiac rehab in earnest tomorrow. But we all know that strength will only dwindle over the coming months and years as the valve continues to fail with no hope of replacement. Anyone have a new aorta they're willing to part with? (trust me, macabre humor only)
Until then, I am working on a mutual dream of ours to start a business in hopes that she can be an active part of it for even a year before she must really slow down again. I'm also doing much of the household maintenance and all of the yard work. This leaves virtually no room for reading, research, writing and blogwork. For that I am sorry.
I will keep trying to come back. Will update the occasional page, but unfortunately will not resume my previous activity level for another month or more.
I think of and pray for all of you every day.
Leslie

5/7
Hello everyone.
I know not many are reading, but I wanted to share some information...
Gary in DC just sent me some information regarding MS cutting funding for its 15 mental health centers. We KNOW this is a very bad thing for the people of MS. If you know anyone in the mental health field - Licensed Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Critical Incident Stress Team, Stephen Minister, etc., please have them start contacting volunteer centers to go assist. This is VITAL to the recovery of the people - which ARE the states of MS, AL and LA.
A new round of pet food recalls is beginning. Most animal shelters haven't recovered for the first round and are now dealing with another. Val in Biloxi told me their main shelter ran out of food. Ran out! If you are an animal lover, PLEASE consider sending donations to the Humane Society of Southern MS (HSSM.org) or do a search for gulf coast animal shelters to choose your own. Adopt a pet when you volunteer. It will help take the pressure off their already over-burdened system.
Personally - my vertigo is finally easing up a bit. It usually takes my brain about 6 weeks to adjust to a new skill set and we're right on schedule. I'm hoping to start adding a little of the blog work in again as my brain improves. I have nearly 90 emails waiting for me as I remain optimistic that I can do it ALL.
Mom is doing incredibly well. She's about a month ahead in her physical recovery and the depression doesn't seem to have hit yet. They have her on an antidepressant NOW, so hopefully that portion of the post-op crap won't crop up.
My wild child Cicero died. I trapped him instead of the injured Black Guy and so took him to be neutered. He tested VERY positive for Feline Leukemia, so they put him down. He's buried under our purple martin house with 2 other cats - Markie and Porky. I miss the Cute Kiddo!
Black Guy has an injured front paw. I think it was broken, because he's starting to put some weight on it when he walks. Not when he runs, but that's ok. He's getting there. Eating like a little horse, but that's fine.

I hope to do more soon. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. Possibly more this week even! Woo.

L

4/19 Well, some of you know and some of you don't - and I have no clue who reads this. I'll try to do an email update as well, but can't promise a thing.
Mom's out of the hospital from her surgery. She came out of anesthesia 2 hours early, got the breathing tube (extubated) taken out an hour early and came home 1-3 days early.
After some generic resistance, she's doing her walking and has already moved up to the next bracket of difficulty - on the day she was scheduled to come home. WOW.
Sister is gone back to Baltimore and I'm incredibly overwhelmed. BUT, I was able to drive myself to 3 places - all less than a mile away and in 2 trips, but that's generally unheard of for me.
I've sent out 5 boxes this week and will probably send out another 5 next week. Maybe more - I don't know. One of my stops was a church rummage sale just down the road. I'll be going through the dregs tomorrow for more stuff, but got what I could afford today.
Am also sending out boxtops and labels for education to the Bay/Waveland School District tomorrow. I hope it isn't too late for this year's tally, but I truly am not sure. Mom had her heart attack right when I was planning on sending them - end of March.
Am going to do dribs and drabs on the sites as I'm able. Tonight I'm doing some, but I have to start a quilt tomorrow - Saturday at the latest, so that will take a lot of my time.
We're also looking to get a long arm quilter. I know - what is THAT? Go to Nolting.com for a better idea of the model we're seriously considering.
It means yet another out building on the property, but we've found a nice place that builds to spec for very little money. After I see HOW good they are, I'll be talking to them about getting into the transitional home business. They don't have many pictures on their site, but it's AmishWoodWorks.com to get a general idea of what they are capable of. I think it would be a great avenue for them to go in, but we'll see how our building goes first.
Mom really wants to move on that because she has seen her mortality, and it's not long. Because they couldn't do all of the work they had hoped, it appears she has 2 ish years left before the valve completely fails.
It's just incredible how PINK she is. There is blood in that body! Woo! She hasn't looked this good in a couple of years.
So, that's it for now. I miss you all and hope to be back within a few more weeks.
Leslie