A Full Day

Elaine was able to ride the shuttle down to Shear Reflection for a 1:00 appointment today. It works out real well for her. I was able to get my hair cut right here in Brookdale by the lady that comes once a week for men's cuts as well as ladies hair needs. Us "old men" just get our hair cut but to some ladies, the weekly visit to the Beauty Shope is part of a live style they enjoy maintaining. 

In meeting with Dr. Mansur yesterday, she has suggested my discontinuing use of the Bi-Pap pump. The ASC firm that supplied it were notified and Brady stopped by this morning to pick it up. He acknowledged that "they weren't for everyone" and said mine was the 2nd picked up in Seward today.

Carolyn took me to a 1:30 appointment with Dr. Summa. He had been kept informed of all my treatments during the past couple weeks. It was good to be able to discuss my situation from his perspective  and after some listening to my breathing, said I sounded good. 

Seward HS Girls bb team got beat by Northwest (GI) 58-51 in the 1st round of the State Class B tournament tonight.

PeeWee & Palm Crosses

We met Marvin "Pee Wee" Schulz in the hall as we came back from the Dining Room after supper this evening. He has been involved since the beginning 10 years ago of volunteers producing and selling Palm Crosses here in Seward, NE. They surpassed the 100,000. mark last fall. Most of them  cut from Northern Red Cedar trees which grow abundantly in this area. Not only is the work on the crosses all done by volunteers but even the "raw product" of cedar logs cut and provided by volunteers. They have established their own 501 (c) 3 organization, have been given a downtown building, and are staffed by some 30 individuals, both men and women. All proceeds for the sale of the crosses is dispersed to charitable organizations. Crosses have been distributed to every state and to many foreign countries. A truck stop on I-80 just 6-miles south of Seward has been of great help in the distribution. For many of the volunteers, getting together with others in the production task, is their main source of social interaction. The crosses in the box that Pee Wee brought up to Brookdale, need a final touch and buffing. That will be done by some of the residences up here. It is important to their well being to know of their continued contribution to society.

Good Report

 On one of our coldest days of the winter, I had medical app'ts here is Seward at 9:00am; 10:00am; and 1:30pm. With Carolyn's taxi service and personal support and assistance, we got through it all. This machine did the CT scan and X-ray. While inside the machine, I was directed by it to: breath, hold it and breath. After a few cycles the technician interjected a "warming substance intravenously. The results of all of this test as well as others, were  available to Dr. Mansure when we met with her at 1:30. She was pleased with the results and did an excellent job of relating it all to Carolyn and I and answering our questions. She helped clarify some of our medications and decided to cease any use of the Bi-pap. She warned of the possibility of a recurrence and of the need to be alert to any symptoms. It was interesting to hear her tell of teaching a University Course on aging. One of the basics is that we are no longer able to do many things we took for granted while younger. And, must accept living within our limitations. A good attitude is essential in making the most of our remaining abilities. I not only quit playing golf a few years ago, I don't play basketball anymore either.

The Bobby Layne Orchestra

 This was my first day for getting back to work in sorting old files. This is a picture found in one of them that includes (l-r) Bobby Layne, me, and Don Miller. It was taken at a reception where Bobby Layne was honored at the Seward 4th of July celebration in 2003. We watched a NET program during the past few days that featured Bobby Layne and his orchestra with its 65 years of history. Operating out of Lincoln, NE the orchestra has performed nationwide and with some of the best of the Big Bands. He has owned the Pla-mor Ballroom near Lincoln for a number of years and still holds events there. Elaine and I have danced to their music many times over the years in the Bee States Ballroom, Utica's Flying V Ballroom, the Star lite Ballroom near Wahoo, etc. Now that I've found this picture, I'll have to do some checking to see if we still have one of his records. I know we did at one time but many were "distributed" in the process of our Auction and moving here to Brookdale.

The Day After

This is looking out our patio doors to the parking lot here at Brookdale. We got some 5-6 inches of new snow yesterday afternoon and evening. During the late afternoon, we had a couple hours of real blizzard that even caused I-80 to be closed out to Grand Island. It has been clear all day today. We might have gotten up to 20 degrees but it's dropping off fast and will be down to zero before morning. Carolyn did stop by for a short visit after lunch. Sundays are always espically good food days here. Elaine also pulled a couple "Nut topped" ice cream cones out of the freezer this afternoon. Residents were encouraged to stay inside which may have been a factor for having a "record breaking large attendance" at our 2;30 Church service led by Rev. William Lewis. It is pretty convenient to have an "in house" pastor. We are watching to see who wins the "Oscars" but don't anticipate enjoying it as much as I did watching golf this afternoon
 

Pill Boxes

Carolyn took me down to Bryan for a 9:30 follow up appointment this morning. It included another chest X-ray and other tests and discussion. The bottom line is that the report was very favorable. Our Pulmonary Physician this morning was Dr. Mary Tucker who got off to a good start by telling me the "I looked good", much better than what she anticipated after having read all my reports. Carolyn and I were both very pleased with the explanations she provided to us. I mentioned to Carolyn that the addition of a couple more prescriptions took me over the top in keeping track of them. She and Ben use this type of pill dispenser and suggested that it would help me. She came back again after supper and got me all set up for next week; both morning and evening. Elaine only takes pills in the morning so hers are in the top box. This is just one more thing that I don't have to be as concerned with as I have been the past few days.

Dr. Nickolite was the primary physician that enabled me to come home yesterday afternoon. Ben and Carolyn were down to get me with Elaine staying at home to prepare the "homecoming". It took Carolyn's help to pick up new prescriptions and get me lined up to take them at the right time. Carolyn got me a "walker" from Walmart and adjusted it for my height. It certainly gives me more stability than walking with a cane. I have been "overwhelmed" by the number of people who have had me in their prayers and certainly appreciate every one of them. I slept surprising well last night. My biggest pain has been in my neck since coming home. It had no connection to the lung but resulted from looking up high watching the TV in the Hospital. Ben bought  a little Pulse Oximeter that snaps of my finger and measures pulse and Oxygen level. It is a good reminder of the need to take deep breaths through my nose, hold it, and then exhale slowly through my mouth. Keeping the Oxygen level high helps restore the collapsed lung. Carolyn will take me back down to Bryan tomorrow for a 9:30am X-Ray and other checks.

More Visitors

Elaine and Carolyn were down this morning. They went back home after lunch. We had received the good word of my getting to go home tomorrow afternoon if it appears  that the weather and highway will enable me to come back in for X-rays and further checks on
Friday. Our snow for tonight started right on schedule about 4:00 pm. It is to continue until mid-morning tomorrow but has already "let up". I had a good visit with Dave McWilliams who came up this morning after bringing MaryBeth to work. Sandy and Mick came up this afternoon for a good visit and MaryBeth came up after getting off work. I talked briefly with Jon and was able to pass on Birthday wishes to Anna. My food choices were excellent today as were a couple naps even after having slept well last night. I will be so pleased to get all my wires removed and back home. It does appear that at least for a while, I will stay on Oxygen rather than use my Bi-Pap.The prayers on my behalf have made a difference, they have all been appreciated., Thanks

Family and Therapy

Verlon made this vest and did all the art. work on it as a HS project; his detail in the art work made it fantastic. I picked out a special picture of each of our 4 kids to have on the blog page tonight. This one of Tim with his Chocolate Birthday Cake and Nebraska shirt would have been taken the year he he was out here at UN-L or possibly his Senior year at Wakefield HS. This picture of Jon as a Boy Scout was when he was quite young,  He spent several years in the Cub and Boy Scouts. Carolyn's picture included here is when she was older than the ones of the boys. It has always been of of our favorites of her. She and Elaine were down to spend some time with me today. She even helped me shave and comb my hair. One of the male nurses sat  me on a plastic chair in the shower and scrubbed me down which made me feel better; he also put a clean pair of sox on me. This was all new experience for me. While I've spent 3 different week long sessions in hospitals over the years, I was able to shower independently. I did also get a nap of about an hour after lunch to help make up for some of the sleep that I missed out on last night. The Therapy for restoring the collapsed lung is so much different than anything previously, it is hard to understand; it involves Oxygen level, blood pressure, etc, It must be working with the good reports.,

Visitors

It was a good day and here is a picture of 3 of my guest. They had some 4-5 inches of snow in Seward yesterday evening and last night so the ladies didn't come down until late morning. Julie, John, Sadie and Jack came a little later. I understand the Jack even talked about Tony being in the hospital. I also had phone calls from Anna, Tim, Don and Elaine.  I logged more hours of sleep last night than the 2 previous ones combined. Doctors, Technicians and staff of all kinds were in and out of the room throughout the day. I even have some personal visits with many of them that are local and from Seward, Milford and we know a lot of the same people. It's a very significant experience and we can be so thankful to have a facility with this staff, so close by.

Collapsed Lung

I am shown here as a patient at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln with a collapsed Lung.  I woke up Thursday morning with extreme difficulty breathing. With initial observation at Brookdale and treatment in the Emergency Room of the Seward Hospital, I was air lifted by helicopter to Brian where I am undergoing further treatment and recuperation. The lady in the picture is setting me up in their Portal system to be able to access reports and information. As I understand the process, it involved inserting a tube in the lung cavity through my right side to draw out excess air and restore the lung to it's normal size. We are hopeful that this can take place within the next few days and I can get back to Brookdale. We certainly appreciate the prayers, support and loving care from Doctors, nurses, family and friends.

My Folks Retirement House

Apple pie and Coffee with Don and Gladys; Elaine and I,  at Dad and Mothers during the Christmas Holiday season of 1987. It was always a pleasant experience. Mother had lived in many houses during her 90 years, but none came close to providing the appreciation and pride both she and Dad had in their retirement house on North 5th St. here in Seward. They had some 15 years of enjoyment in the "relatively new" house following their farm sale and retirement. The house was built by Norm Schulz in the mid '50's for a widowed Mrs. Mercer who could afford to add any features that Norm suggested. Ironically, Clarence Schmidt and I did the Landscaping of the place at that time, and I added a few things after the folks moved in. Just recently, I met the Lady that has lived there with her husband for about the past 10 years. They are the 3rd owners since the folks and also appreciate it.

Treats on the Bench

This was taken of the 4 kids in the Lincoln, Hartley St. back yard in the spring of 1961. It is one of the many slides that I scanned but haven't yet processed to improve the quality of the print. I don't believe we fully appreciated the old Wagon Wheel bench at the time as much as we do looking back at it. We brought the steel rimmed wagon wheels and axle into our Seward house back yard before Flowerdays had their farm sale in 1956. It took very little effort to attach  a couple 2 by 8's for a seat and backrest. When we moved to the Washington D.C. area about a year after the picture was taken, it was moved back to Seward and anchored in the Flowerday yard on Locust street where it remained until the place was sold in the '80's. Like many things, we never ever asked Albert the story on the wheels which were obviously from a heavy duty wagon.

Our Vehicles

  It was with a significant amount of nostalgia that I “cleaned-out” what was left in our “Automobiles” file this afternoon. It included the folder for the 1952 Styline Deluxe 2-door Sedan which was the first car we bought after being married. I brought a 1941 Chevy to our marriage in 1949 which we traded in on the '52 and established a president of paying for every vehicle we ever bought before driving them out of the showroom. By 1956 we had four children and I was involved with landscaping services in addition to my Civil Service job. We bought a new Pontiac Station Wagon and took Elaine's folks along to visit relatives in California. I bought a neat little '36 Ford Victoria to drive to work so Elaine would have transportation at home. We moved to the Washington D.C. area in 1962 with the Pontiac and bought a new Chevy Station Wagon in 1965. The kids were getting to the age of Driver's Training so we bought a Red Beetle in 1967 which they all learned to drive. Elaine and I had advanced in our USDA jobs to the extent that we bought a Buick Apollo in 1975 and a Pontiac Bonneville in 1977. We drove the Buick and Pontiac both back to Nebraska in 1980. In 1983 we bought a new Lindy Motorhome on a 250 Chevy chassis and utilized it over 12 years and 30,000 miles. In 1992 we bought a new Buick La Sabre and another one in 2002. We still have the '02 in a garage here at Brookdale with 70,000 miles on the speedometer and drive it frequently. We have always maintained our vehicles properly, kept good records on them and traded before significant repairs were necessary.  They kept getting better and more expensive over time.

A Good Day

With Smokey Bear celebrating a 75th birthday this year, It seemed appropriate to show this 1983 picture of Elaine and Julie with him. Julie liked his shovel because she knew Grandad had one just like it. We were in one of the National Forests during our Motor Home trip to Colorado. This is just one of the hundreds of pictures on my #1 Flash Drive.

We got up this morning to a light covering of snow. We didn't get out of the Building on this cloudy, 25 degree day and were able to watch Rev. James Keck's sermon from First-Playmouth Congregational Church in Lincoln. With Psalms 84 as his scripture, he told of telling his dying Grandfather goodbye as an 11 year old in Boone, IA. While he was apprehensive going in, he was so impressed with their 1 on 1 discussion, he came out feeling great. He told of later reading that "people forget what you say or do, but always remember how you make them feel." It was a good service.

I also enjoyed PGA golf today at Pebble Beach, CA. Play was stopped by a hail storm that completely covered the greens. It will be finished tomorrow but Plil Mickelson is looking for his 44th win. I watched the Grammy Awards for only a few minutes before going back from CBS to the Golf Chanel to see Phil run off a string of Birdies and will take a 3-stroke lead over Paul Casey to the last 2 holes tomorrow morning.

One Ship Sails East...

We don't subscribe to "The Week" magazine but exchange our "Time" for it with friends here at Brookdale. In going through this 2/1/19 issue this evening, I came across a quote in the "Wit & Wisdom" section, that caught my eye. It was by Entrepreneur Jim Rohn, quoted in the New Philadelphia, Ohio, Times Reporter as follows: "It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind, that determines which way we will go". It was obvious to me that the quote was from the same poem that I used frequently in motivational messages to employees when I was Director of Personnel for the USDA Soil Conservation Service back in the '70's. A bit of internet research indicated that it was written by American Author, Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) and listed as: "One ship sails east and another west With the self same winds that blow. 'Tis the set of the sail and not the gale Which  determines the way they go. As the winds of the sea are the ways of fate, As we voyage along through life. 'Tis the act of the soul that determines the goal and not the calm or the strife." I may have used a couple different words but it was basically the way I ended many presentations.

Grandparents Visit

We did many interesting things when the Grandparents came to visit while we lived back in the Washington D.C. area when our kids were growing up. This shows Albert and Flora with our family at the Wax Museum. Jefferson and Ben Franklin looked very much alive and it was a good learning experience for all of us. Without doing some research, I am unable to put a date on the picture but would guess 1963 or '64. Both sets of Grandparents came back several times during the 18 years we were there. Our siblings also took advantage of visiting us and the Nation's Capitol while we were there. We also got back to Seward a couple times each year.  It provided an opportunity to still develop close relationships with opportunities for unique experiences.

Groundhog Day

I understand  that Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow back in Pennsylvania indicating that spring could be right around the corner. We in Nebraska have Unadilla Bill that has been predicting spring for the southeastern part of our state since 1988. I plan to report on the origin of Groundhog Day as reported in the Old Farmer's 2019 Almanac at our Magazine Club Meeting this evening. The "Day" is always February 2 which is the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. For centuries, farmers in France and England looked to a bear; in Germany, they kept their eye on the badger. In the 1800s,  German immigrants to Pennsylvania brought the tradition with them. Finding no badgers there, they adopted the groundhog who has announced springs arrival since 1887.  Bill Brandt, a local Banker was able to trap a Groundhog (Wood Chuck) in 1988, had a Taxidermist embalm it, and gave it the name of Unadilla Bill. He was able to get Lt. Gov. Wm Nichol to sign a proclamation (while the Governor was out of town) designating Unadilla, Nebraska's Groundhog City. Bill's son Bob has carried on the tradition and led a parade in Unadilla for the past several years celebrating the day and its prediction.

Mother's 1967 Scrapbook

 I came across the Scrap Book that Mother put together after their trip from Seward back to visit us from 12/21-30/1967 in South Arlington, VA. We met them at Friendship Airport in Baltimore, MD after their evening flight from Lincoln>Omaha>Friendship. It was late by the time we drove to our house but stayed up late to visit. We had them set-up to sleep on the ground level of our house. The next day, Carolyn stayed home from school with an ear ache but the boys went to school; Elaine and I went to work. I went home after lunch and picked up the folks to attend the USDA Secretary's Christmas Party. It was a gala affair in Jefferson Auditorium and they got to shake hands and visit with Secretary Freeman. The next morning, Saturday, Elaine and I took them on a VIP tour of the White House, home of President Lyndon B. Johnson. That afternoon I took them on a tour of the US Capitol, the Rail Road Station, GW University and Hospital. That night we all attended the Church Pagent with live sheep where Jon was a Shepard and I was a Wise Man. After Church on Sunday and a Fried Chicken Dinner, we visited the National Geographic Building, the old Smithsonian Institution and Museum of History and Technology. Monday was Christmas Day and Elaine and I drove the folks out toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and spent some time observing the Arthur Godfrey ranch and cattle from the road. We went on to Winchester and had Clam Chowder Soup at a Howard Johnson's. Carolyn and Tim had put the Turkey in the oven and it was just perfect for our Christmas Dinner that evening. Mother made telephone calls to family, and we had our gift opening.

On Tuesday, 12/26/67 Elaine and Jon took the Folks to the National Cathedral and Arlington Cemetery. They visited the Custis Lee Mansion where Mother wrote that Jon would remember getting into wet paint, and the Eternal Flame at the John F. Kennedy grave. They saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Marine Memorial raising the flag on Iwo Jima. The next day Elaine, Carolyn and Jon, took them to visit Christ Church in Alexandria, VA, the cobblestone street and went through the Wax Museum. They also went through the new Bible Wax Museum. That evening, Elaine and I with Jon took the folks down to see the National Christmas Tree on the Mall in front of the White House. We were able to walk right up to it where they were impressed. Though it snowed and rained most of the next day, Verlon, Jon and I took them of tour of new Aviation and Space Museum. After lunch we went downtown to the Federal Aviation Building and went on a tour of the Mint at the Bureau of Printing where we saw paper money and stamps printed. On Friday we took them to Korvette at the shopping center and in Baltimore harbor, saw a full size replica of the ship that Columbus used to discover America.

We all took the Folks up to Friendship Airport on Saturday morning and they were back in Lincoln by 1:20 where they were met by Vivian, Eddy, Terry and Sandy. Mother did a great job of documenting everything; it's a real family heirloom.

Lots of Entertainment

Tim Jivorsky entertained again today at the Brookdale February Birthday party. There was a good turnout of residents and Tim did his usual great job of entertaining. His energy is an inspiration for all of us. His electronic background provides the timing which he is a master in utilizing. His range of music is remarkable by going from the Beer Barrel Polka to Amazing Grace without taking a deep breath. Among those recognized by Rosellen for having birthdays this month was one lady at 101. We may have as many as 6 here that have reached the century mark. You wouldn't think that having a Hot Dog with Potato Chips like we had for supper would promote longevity but it must not hurt, especially when we also have access to catsup and relish.

I was able to get Elaine's big washing back to our unit during the half of the Duke-Boston College game in Cameron. Duke was down 2 points at the half but now lead 63-45 with 8 minutes to go. I will watch it to the end even if it means missing the opening minutes of the President's State of the Union message.

Smokey Bear

The USDA Forest Service is celebrating this year as the 75th Birthday of Smokey Bear. Elaine worked for the Forest Service in the Washington, D.C. Office during much of the 1960's & '70's with some of the people that had a lot to do with Smokey. Mr. Allen worked across the hall from  her and was one of the foresters that rescued the cub Bear from a fire and had him put in the Washington Zoo. Rudy Wendlin was the cartoonist who did the art work in making Smokey famous. Comic Books and many other media were developed that told the story of Smokey  as an icon to educate people that "only you can prevent forest fires". Our son Jon delighted in escorting family visitors to the Zoo and telling them the "story". The original Smokey lived in the Zoo to a ripe old "Bear age " and was eventually replaced with a Junior. While in graduate school at George Washington University, I wrote a paper on the impact that Smokey had made in educating young people. Mr. Wendlin drew a picture of him for my cover page. The instructor gave me a "B" for my paper but an "A+" to Mr. Wendlin.

Marvin Schulz

Today was Marvin Schultz's 95th Birthday. We have sat with him at the same table for four since coming to Brookdale. The customary treat provided by honorees is a small candy bar, but Marvin provides  a custom made cake. This one featured John Deere equipment which was his favorite. He had just been served his "treat" when the picture was taken and he was giving a "Thumbs Up" to all of us singing "Happy Birthday".  He has great family support with several of them joining him for supper in his room this evening. He has received many cards and phone calls from family and friends that live away from here. Marvin and I knew many of the same people in the Garland, Middle Creek and Seward area. He served with the Army in Japan at the end of WW II and had a frightful experience of having a buddy walking next to him, shot and killed by a sniper while out walking one evening. Many of us who grew up in the Drought and Depression Days of the '30's and death defying days with farm accidents, will never know how it effects our personalities, But Marvin recognizes that he is one of the "lucky ones" and acknowledges the impact of his Lord and Savior.

Punxsy Phil and Google

Punxsutawmey  Phil didn't see his shadow back in Pennsylvania this morning nor would he have been able to see it in Seward, NE because of  heavy fog. This implies that spring type weather will be coming on early. However, news coverage indicates that the Groundhog's prediction is generally wrong. I have been a much stronger believer in getting rain 90 days after a foggy one. I have noted my scheduler for  Friday, May 3 which will be 90 days from our fog today. My Dad always marked up the calendar with the rainy day predictions. While rainy days may cause some inconvenience, we in Nebraska seldom complain about too much rain; especially those of us that remember the drought and depression of the 1930's. My more immediate concern is a message from Google that may effect my writing a daily blog page. This one tonight will be #2,867 since late 2010. If some of my regular readers are no longer able to check on "The Crow's Nest", I regret it. It has been an excellent way of letting family and friends know what we are doing. We have certainly appreciated this service provided by Google.

Family-Mid-60's in Arlington, VA

I have developed some 150 of these picture collages from the time of my childhood until current times. Captions were prepared for most of them with some having identification right on the picture. We have all 150 of these in 3 large binders as well as on a Flash Drive. The binders have hard copies of our annual Narrative as well as the Collages, Captions and Pictures. This one has pictures from the latter part of 1966 and early 1967; during the time we lived in southern Arlington, VA