March 31, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. The MRI.

Once again, I totally forgot. But it all came back to me. For three hours I was in the tube. At first, I wondered whether I might sleep but trying to sleep while the MRI is conducted is like sleeping at the carnival. There are bells and horns and bangs and every so often the whole bed shakes. Fortunately they give you ear phones so everything is a bit muted, but there was an amazing amount of noise. The last time I had an MRI was for just my head so it was fairly short. But today they were doing everything and the test took three hours, all the while the attendants admonishing me to stay still. It was almost inhumane, but the test got done. I sang inside my brain. Certainly could not sleep. Linda was a big help. Fortunately, she volunteered to drive me to the test, because I had fuzzy eyesight this morning when I woke up. Hats off to her. Once again, it helps to have good friends.

March 30, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. Acts of Kindness.

When in Mexico, I learned the benefit of holding onto a strong arm when walking. Either Doreen or Rita or Ian were always at my side. Here at the condo, I am reluctant to walk by myself because I have no one to walk beside me and I am unstable. Ken with his Parkinons is almost as bad. This morning I walked around the parking lot and used the parked cars to steady myself. This afternoon when I started to do the same thing, a young lady was working with her flower pots and I asked if she would be willing to walk with me, with me holding onto her strong right arm. She was more than willing to help. In fact she offered to walk with me anytime and put her phone numbers in my phone. Our walk was pleasant and certainly safer for me. It was an act of kindness to me. This evening, Linda, Christina's mother, called to offer to drive me to my MRI tests. The problem for her is that we must leave our condo at 7:00 as my appointment is 8:00 and I must arrive 15 minutes early, so for her it is inconvenient. Ken and I have been discussing how I could get to the tests so her offer to me was the perfect solution. She solved our problem and we are grateful. It has another act of kindness that landed on my lap today and for that I am grateful.

March 29, 2015. Ridgelandm MS. Bitring and Chewing.

We have done it before, bitten off more than we can chew. The difference today and in the past is that right now, neither Ken or I are able to either bite or chew. This coming week will be busy. Every day there are activities that must be done. This is not normal for us these days. Tomorrow we must go to the bank and be ready for the big cheque for settlement. Tuesday morning I have a series of MRI's. So far, we have not figured out how to get me from the parking lot to the admission office. I certainly could not walk it myself. In the afternoon at 4:00 we settle on our new house. Wednesday Christina and the girls will unload our truck while Ken and I measure to see what furniture from the condo should be placed. Thursday the mover will pack and move our belongings from the condo. Fortunately, Wonderful Wendy arrives in the afternoon. Friday the boxes will be opened and we will begin to organize. In addition, the belongings that were put into storage from the farm will arrive, probably on Wednesday or Thursday. We will be in a big mess. I refuse to be stressed with the mess. That is the least of my problems. What I must do is keep my naps going each day and not get over tired. Everything will wait, but Ken and I have probably bitten off more than we can chew at this time of our life. But we will enjoy the chaos and Ken will inspect the yard every day, which will make him happy, so we think we have done a good thing. But this week will not be easy.

March 28, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. The Bed.

Clever Christina and I had a plan. This morning, we were to go to Miskelly, a furniture store, and buy a bed. Our new home will have only one bed moved over from the condo, and we will have a guest. Molly came to help. At ten this morning, Christina and Molly appeared to pick me up but the D. appeared so I was resting on the bed. Poor Christina and Molly were forced to shop all by themselves. Technology is helpful. Christina and Molly chose two beds and sent me pictures. Both beds looked fine so I suggested that Molly make the final decision, and she did. I have a picture of seven year old Molly stretched out on the bed she liked the best. Next Wednesday the bed will be delivered. When Wonderful Wendy arrives to help on Thursday afternoon, she will find a bed all ready for her, all because of Molly and Christina. All Ken and I did was to pay the bill. Life is wonderful.

March 27, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. Friends.

I have always been blessed with my friends. The fabric of my life has been enhanced by my friends. Here is another example. My friend Suzanne, who lives in Bethesda, is flying to Jackson on April 27. Then she will drive with us to Texas and share the driving task with me. After two days in Texas, she will fly home. I am thrilled. When we drove to Mississippi I drove myself even though I had a chest full of fluid. But it took us three days, even though it is only a ten hour drive. Normally we stay one night on the road and will do the same with Suzanne. I was not looking forward to taking the trip if I was doing all the driving so I am so pleased that Suzanne offered to take the trip with us. We will have fun too!!

March 26, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. Resting.

Yesterday afternoon and all today I have been resting. I have always wondered how much rest I am supposed to get, but I am told not to get tired and not to press to complete the task. Especially the first week after a treatment, I mostly rest. Truth be told, I can not do much but rest. I accomplish tasks in spurts. I wash my face and brush my teeth. Then I rest. Next I put in some laundry. Then I rest. Yesterday mostly I slept. Today I just rest but am mostly awake. Tomorrow will be even better. Surprisingly, I am mellow with the resting probably because I was told that the medication works best when I am at rest. I don't know if this is true or not but at least it keeps me content. March Madness begins again tonight. I will enjoy the games and might listen from the bed, just as if I was listening to the radio. Our system works well. I find it quite astonishing that I am able to rest most of the day and to be happy doing it. So unlike me!!

March 25, 2015. Ridgeland, MS. Settled.

For the first time since 1973, we do not own property in Pennsylvania. Our wonderful farm settled today and the funds are already in our bank account, ready for our next transaction. We have loved both our farms, both the early primitive farm and the modern functioning farm. They both restored your soul. But now they are gone. Folks have suggested that the sale is a bitter sweet attitude by us, but we don't feel that way. We loved the farm and had many happy times there but we have no use for it now, so we must move on. We are delighted that the purchaser is similar to us, in that they will ask the Jays to farm the property while the owner and his family will enjoy it on the weekends. It is the best of all possible outcomes. And now we move onto our new home in Mississippi. Ken and I are delighted with the outcome.