I will watch any competition, even darts. But my favorite competitive events are The Olympic Games. I know all about the political world of the Olympics and the drug cheating but I love watching these young people play their hearts outs, all the culmination of hours and hours of training and practice. The athletes seem excited to play for their country. And I am interested with both the failures and the successes. I do love watching The Olympic competition. Here we have only 2 channels, NBC and CBC, but I am pleased to have them.
Fortunately, we have four televisions in our apartment. Last evening, Ken was watching a hockey game while he was resting in bed, Ian was watching news in his room while Rita and I watched the Olympics. This morning Ian was watching news in the guest room, Rita had the Olympics on their TV while she was working in the kitchen while I was in my accustomed place on the couch in the living room, watching the Olympics.
After a big breakfast cooked by Rita, Ket fixed the computer. Last evening again, I got stuck and was unable to access my blog. But again, Ken came to the rescue. Now Ian and Ken are sitting on the balcony in the shade, enjoying the warm air. Soon, Rita and I will sort Kens medications. At the hospital, they put several of Ken's medications into his IV and stuck the medication all together. Now we must sort them and try to figure out where they belong. Not an easy job. Rita says we are up to the task. We will soon find out.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Friday, February 9, 2018
February 9, 2018. Paradise Village. Rita and Ian.
Last Monday, Rita and Ian arrived at Paradise Village. Their flight arrived on time. No delays in either flight. They flew from Ottawa to Chicago, then direct to Puerto Vallarta, arriving at the airport at 2:00. I went to the bench at the main building to await their arrival, taking with me a sandwich for lunch along with a bottle of water, as I was not sure how long they would take clearing customs. I had two bites of sandwich when their taxi arrived. After checking in at the hotel desk, we walked to our apartment where they changed to comfortable clothes. They were keen to see Ken immediately, so we walked to the hospital, with me pointing out landmarks so they could find their way back. I had been at the hospital all morning until I left at 2:30 to meet them. After a short visit, Rita and I came home, me to get a break and Rita to unpack.
But they both got lost that evening. After a couple of hours, Rita walked back to the hospital to relieve Ian but she got lost on the second floor and investigated every corner before finding the patient rooms. She had missed one door, one with no signs. Ian walked home to the apartment but could not find our room. He thinks he was in the correct tower but was on the wrong floor. And I did not write down the number. After knocking on several wrong doors, he walked back to the hospital to find Rita and they both returned together with their funny stories. They both thought they had been looking for landmarks but their day had started early. But we have laughed many times about the lost souls at Paradise Village. Now they know the way everywhere. This morning, they visited the grocery store in Bucerias, so we are set for food. Hats off to them for all their help.
But they both got lost that evening. After a couple of hours, Rita walked back to the hospital to relieve Ian but she got lost on the second floor and investigated every corner before finding the patient rooms. She had missed one door, one with no signs. Ian walked home to the apartment but could not find our room. He thinks he was in the correct tower but was on the wrong floor. And I did not write down the number. After knocking on several wrong doors, he walked back to the hospital to find Rita and they both returned together with their funny stories. They both thought they had been looking for landmarks but their day had started early. But we have laughed many times about the lost souls at Paradise Village. Now they know the way everywhere. This morning, they visited the grocery store in Bucerias, so we are set for food. Hats off to them for all their help.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
February 8, 2018. Paradise Village. Ken Home.
Ken is pleased to be home. The first thing he did upon arrival was to eat some of Rita's good food, even though he had eaten a bit at noon at the hospital. We arrived home at 3:00 and by 4;00 he had eaten soup, papaya and ice cream. Rita ran to the market to buy the ice cream because Ken asked before he took a nap. He waited for her return, then took a 30 minute nap before walking to the computer to put everything in order. I am astonished with my stupidity with the technology end of my life. Even with Kenny giving me instructions on the phone from Vancouver, I was unable to do anything useful. In five minutes, Ken called to tell me that my blog was ready.
Ken has had two stents inserted between the kidneys and bladder to correct a congenital defect he has had all his life. 35 years ago, he had surgery on one side but it only increased flow 10% so he never did the other side. We hope it helps now. He is home with a catheter and to get strong enough to allow the tubes from bladder to be opened. His prostate is enlarged and blocking the tubes. He has a way to go but with Rita providing good food for him and the nurse and Ian helping with exercise, he will get stronger. Right now he is sitting on the balcony enjoying the fresh air. He commented this afternoon that being in the hospital was a bit like being in prison because he was stuck in place. He was thinking about all the people during the wars who were held without their consent. He was sympathetic to them. So here we go for the next episode. We are hoping for the best.
Ken has had two stents inserted between the kidneys and bladder to correct a congenital defect he has had all his life. 35 years ago, he had surgery on one side but it only increased flow 10% so he never did the other side. We hope it helps now. He is home with a catheter and to get strong enough to allow the tubes from bladder to be opened. His prostate is enlarged and blocking the tubes. He has a way to go but with Rita providing good food for him and the nurse and Ian helping with exercise, he will get stronger. Right now he is sitting on the balcony enjoying the fresh air. He commented this afternoon that being in the hospital was a bit like being in prison because he was stuck in place. He was thinking about all the people during the wars who were held without their consent. He was sympathetic to them. So here we go for the next episode. We are hoping for the best.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
February 3, 2018. Paradi9se Village, Mexico. Success.;
We have done it, or rather Kenny and Anne have done it. Ken has connected me to the internet in our new home. And we are nicely situated here. Our transition from Playa to Paradise Village was as smooth as a move could be. Everyone helped. Hurrah.
February 3, 2018. Playa Royale. Moving Day.
Today we leave our condo and move down the street back to the hotel/time share. When Ken and I put together our winter schedule, it seemed to have great variety. Each place is different and offers an interesting set of options, so we are bouncing from place to place this winter expecting new sights and sounds. Kenny and Anne planned to stay over until the Sunday to help us make the move and for that I am grateful. Our belongings heading to the hotel are ready to go.
Walking across to the hospital from Playa has made life easy. I even know well the night walk. The hotel is easy too because the shuttle leaves the hotel every half hour, and Victor, the driver drops me at the door of the hospital. Walking is easy too, and is about a half mike. As the casino is at the end of the building, the golf carts pick people up regularly and I will ask if the cart could pick me up late at night. Of course, I could always take a cab but I will need some exercise. I have been walking the balcony most evenings at Playa. But for sure, I will not walk the half mile to the hotel to the hospital at night by myself.
The last time I was at the hotel, I was unable to access my blog. I am fearful of problems again. Kenny will try to set me up when we get there. The reason I am writing my blog now is to alert you. So soon we head out and hope all goes well. Here we go.
Walking across to the hospital from Playa has made life easy. I even know well the night walk. The hotel is easy too because the shuttle leaves the hotel every half hour, and Victor, the driver drops me at the door of the hospital. Walking is easy too, and is about a half mike. As the casino is at the end of the building, the golf carts pick people up regularly and I will ask if the cart could pick me up late at night. Of course, I could always take a cab but I will need some exercise. I have been walking the balcony most evenings at Playa. But for sure, I will not walk the half mile to the hotel to the hospital at night by myself.
The last time I was at the hotel, I was unable to access my blog. I am fearful of problems again. Kenny will try to set me up when we get there. The reason I am writing my blog now is to alert you. So soon we head out and hope all goes well. Here we go.
Friday, February 2, 2018
February 2, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. Updater on Ken.
Tomorrow we have a consultation with the Urologist. Ken's plumbing is not working. For the third time since Ken got ill, the catheter was pulled to see if he could urinate. A small amount of urine is produced. but not enough, so the urine backs up in his bladder. By 4:00 this afternoon, another catheter was installed. The Urologist was expected today at 7:00pm but he did not appear. Kenny, Anne and I waited for him. Tomorrow will be the day we figure out the options.
Ken commented to me that getting better was like watching grass grow. He is so sick of the hospital. The poor fellow. We keep his cell phone plugged in and he has his ear phones to listen audio books. The physical therapist comes twice a day and gives him a good work out. But he is very weak. Kenny and Anne say he is improved since they first arrived and last evening he walked a bit in the hall. Tonight he was able to shuffle from the bed to the chair, with assistance of the therapist, Anne and the walker. He is eating well. Fish and vegetables for dinner tonight. Anne and Ken are with him now. Kenny and Anne spent time with him this morning while I stayed all day until returning at 7:30. He enjoys company. This afternoon he gave me a lecture about staying relaxed, which is easier said than done. And that is the state of Ken today.
Ken commented to me that getting better was like watching grass grow. He is so sick of the hospital. The poor fellow. We keep his cell phone plugged in and he has his ear phones to listen audio books. The physical therapist comes twice a day and gives him a good work out. But he is very weak. Kenny and Anne say he is improved since they first arrived and last evening he walked a bit in the hall. Tonight he was able to shuffle from the bed to the chair, with assistance of the therapist, Anne and the walker. He is eating well. Fish and vegetables for dinner tonight. Anne and Ken are with him now. Kenny and Anne spent time with him this morning while I stayed all day until returning at 7:30. He enjoys company. This afternoon he gave me a lecture about staying relaxed, which is easier said than done. And that is the state of Ken today.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
February 1, 2018. Playa Royale, Mexico. A Lovely Interlude.
Yesterday I invited Ted, Kathy, Kenny and Anne for lunch on the balcony of the Golf Club. They have been so incredibly helpful to Ken and me that I can not really repay their kindnesses, but I could at least take them for lunch. Sitting on the balcony overlooking the 18th hole must be one of our favorite places at Paradise Village so I selected that venue for lunch. In addition, it was easy. We met at the site for the shuttle at Playa so we piled into the van and soon we were sitting waiting to order lunch. And what a good lunch it was.
Kenny and Anne have been cooking dinner every night. They are good cooks. Ken would have loved their meals. We decided ahead of lunch that we would eat our main meal at noon so they would not need to cook at night. And we did. Yesterday morning I visited Ken while Kenny and Anne walked the beach. In the afternoon they spent all afternoon with Ken while I visited the pool. Then I returned to help Ken. When I returned from the hospital, a lovely salad was ready along with a loaf of fresh bread, which we ate together at 10:00.
Our lunch with the five of us was a delightful interlude for all of us. The conversation was spirited and the food was excellent. To top off our day, we waited three minutes for the shuttle home. Some days you just get lucky.
Kenny and Anne have been cooking dinner every night. They are good cooks. Ken would have loved their meals. We decided ahead of lunch that we would eat our main meal at noon so they would not need to cook at night. And we did. Yesterday morning I visited Ken while Kenny and Anne walked the beach. In the afternoon they spent all afternoon with Ken while I visited the pool. Then I returned to help Ken. When I returned from the hospital, a lovely salad was ready along with a loaf of fresh bread, which we ate together at 10:00.
Our lunch with the five of us was a delightful interlude for all of us. The conversation was spirited and the food was excellent. To top off our day, we waited three minutes for the shuttle home. Some days you just get lucky.
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