October 6, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. An Outing for David.

 Chris, My Lyft driver took David on an excursion today.  David enjoyed himself thoroughly.  They left at 9 and returned at 5.  Happy as clams.  Chris took David to Vicksburg.  This was the first time that David had seen the Mississippi River.  They did everything they could do in Vicksburg.  Twice they drove across the bridge into Louisiana.  Every time was thrilling, said David.  And he walked along the river both down close to the river and also on the bluffs at the top.

And of course they toured the battlefield and cemetery along with all the impressive monuments.  He saw the boat with the paddle wheel too.  They drove through the seedy and the good parts of Vicksburg.  They ate lunch at a restaurant in downtown, favored by Chris.  

I stayed home and spent the day with my new helper, who is definitely a keeper.  At the end of the day we were both happy.  David had a wonderful outing and I found my new helper, who I like.  Hurrah for us.  

October 5, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. She Quit.

 Marlene was my new helper, learning how to be a good helper to me.  Right from the beginning, she had some issues.  One was her talking.  She talked a lot, very often to David.  But she seemed helpful and kindly so I thought I could work with her.  The second issue was that she liked to tell me what to do.

This morning, she drove David to the Mississippi Sports Medicine Clinic for an evaluation of his shoulder.  I did not tell her directly but David told her that I wanted her to drop David at the clinic, then come home. But she did not get home in a timely manner so I called her and she told me that she had parked the car and was then helping with David to fill out forms.  So I told her to come home.  But she refused.  She said that she would not drive my car all by herself due to her liability.  After several conversations to the company, she finally came home.By now it was almost 11:00.

When she arrived home I asked her.  And she started to tell me the same story I had heard on the phone.  So I interrupted and pointed out that she was supposed to do what I ask..  She kept talking.  I again interrupted.  And she took umbrage and Quit.  Right then and there.  So I called Ben to find a new helper, who will come tomorrow.  I have fired many people over my life but I have only had one other worker quit.

Chris picked up David.  When I asked David, and reminded her that she was supposed to go home, Marlene told David that he would only be there so she did not want to come back hone and then return so quickly.  But I knew better.  The liability issue was just an excuse.  Anyway, she is gone.  She just quit.

October 4, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Such a Dinner.

Last evening, David cooked our dinner.  It was a magnificent meal.  And I ate my whole plate.  He cooked fillets which were tasty and moist.  And he served mashed potatoes and green beans and sautéed mushrooms.  Also a small salad.  We ate watching TV so we were comfortable.  Both of us are stuffed full.  It was a delicious dinner.

He was clever and cooked enough to use a second night so tonight we ate half a fillet each plus plenty of mashed potatoes and beans.  Tonight we were not so stuffed but was equally tasty.  Clearly, David is a good cook and he is looking after me very well.  I suspect he is working to add some pounds, or at least not continuing to lose wight.I am so fortunate to haveDavid  looking after our meals.  Lots of fun and lots of good food.  Pretty nifty. 

October 3, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. New Beginnings.

 I have two new workers in my life in Mississippi.  I have used the same cleaning service for years but this year a new lady was sent to clean my house.  And I like her.  Today was her first day.  Elena cleaned the downstairs too and David reported that the place was as clean as a whistle.  The upstairs was well cleaned too.  She is little and cute and has 4 children so I know she needs a job.  She was pleasant and efficient.  And I was pleased with her work and her attitude.

Portia was a difficult act to follow.  But she is back at school so Sitters Inc. sent me a new helper, Marlene.    She is from Belgium and moved to the US just 5 years ago and to Mississippi three years ago.  She is certainly a different helper but she is kindly and caring and hard working.    She is learning the ropes here at my house.  The good thing is that she is happy to take David to take places in Jackson.  David is reluctant to drive with all the traffic here.  Tomorrow, Marlene will take David to visit the Science Museum in Jackson, al place I have visited many times.    It is difficult to know how I will enjoy her because David is here talking to us both.  But she is smart and she works hard.  I am pleased to have her as my helper but I still miss Portia.

I am pleased with my two new workers.  Once again, I feel fortunate.

October 2, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Quite a Night.

 Monday morning I had an appointment with Dr. Gregg.  She was alarmed because she thought I looked weary.  And she read the results of my blood counts she called my Oncologist who was also alarmed so they decided I should go to the ER for further testing .  Dr. Sheehan thought I would be admitted for further tests.  My potassium and sodium counts were out of whack and my liver function was not good.  So Chris my Lift driver took me to the ER along with David.

It took us over 2 hours in the waiting room but eventually I was in the ER on a gurney, while I began a series of testis.  I sent David home with Chris.  I had blood drawn again.  And had a CAT scan.  And they ran a urine sample.  Of course, all these tests took ages.  Eventually I met with the ER Doctor to review my tests.  He was not so alarmed by the blood counts and the radiologist compared the CAT scan with my last PET scan which showed little difference.

So he sent me home at $:00.  There was nothing to treat me in the hospital.  I woke Chris up to take me home where I got a few hours sleep.  So I had an adventurous but uncomfortable evening.  But now I am home and really need to recover.  And David too.  

October 1, 2023. Madison, Mississippi. Recovery Day.

 David and I had a busy day.  David prepared us a very nice breakfast of yoghurt and berries.  Then he explored the property.  He likes it here.  But he did comment that the climate is very different than Nova Scotia, which it is.  Then we went for lunch with Christina, Molly and Mary Frances.  We went to a new restaurant as the one we selected had just closed.  So we found another, Zia, and it was good.  

After a nap, David helped me to unpack my bags.  Putting everything away would have taken me ages but with David along to help, we got everything done.  I sat in the bedroom while he unpack and put away all the objects.  Whew.  What a help.  With David carrying everything and with me giving instructions, we got it done.  Both my little case and back pack are now put away in the closet.  This included all the meds I had taken with me.  

Next we attacked the new meds I had ordered at the drug store.  And we sorted and put away everything into the correct place.    With that, we had officially settled into our place.  All chargers are inplace along with my reading glasses.  Now I can function here in Mississippi.  Until everything is in place, I do not really relax.  Now I can thanks to th help of friend David.    Now I am all set here in Mississippi to enjoy myself.   Our recovery day is officially over.  

September 30. Madison, Mississippi. We did it.

 I am home safe and sound in Mississippi.  Now I must get organized.  Our day was long but we are here.  No major issues with the trip.  But the flights are short so no meals served on either flights.  I do not know why flying is so tiring but it is.  Now after a day of recovery, we will be good to go.

Both flights were on time.  Chris was there to bring us home.  David already is have trouble with the accent.  And he is delighted with my home.  He was expecting a small bungalow.  Now when the sun comes up and he can see the water he will be even more delighted.  But for now, I must settle in.  Tomorrow is another day.  At the moment, both David and I are delighted to be here.  Although my summer ws wonderful in Nova Scotia.  Well worth the travel for sure.