I called my oldest brother to wish him a Happy Birthday. He has been suffering since January 18th with his left arm that he broke when he fell at home. The surgeon put a plate and 9 screws in his left humus bone starting just below his shoulder bone. He explained how his wife had to help bath and dress him. He felt humiliated having to ask someone to help a grown 67 year old man bath, dress and cut up his food. He said he felt like a baby, I thought that was odd coming from a retired military man. Now after 6 weeks, he is managing to do most everything himself again. His arm is still in a sling though to protect his arm. I really feel for my brother and his arm. Having broken my left leg last year, I can completely understand about the pain and the mobility problems. Since my oldest brother is a diabetic, his arm is taking longer to heal my brother stated. I told him it can take months to heal like my leg did. I told him to take extra calcium with vitamin D.

We talked about how Mom was doing with her congestive heart failure disease and the Parkinson’s Disease. My brother told me that with the extra help coming in to care for our Mom, she has been doing better. We both are surprised that she has lasted over a year since she has been on hospice. With modern medical technology and new prescriptions on the market, older people are living longer. We both are thankful that our Mom is still alive.

One of the ladies that come to care for our Mom helps by taking her shopping. They use Mom’s car that sits in the parking lot most of the time. I asked my brother about getting more affordable auto insurance since Mom is not driving anymore. He said he would call around for some prices and call me back.

It was so nice to talk to my big brother and wish him a Happy Birthday. He is the nicest brother a sister could ever ask for. He and his wife are going out to dinner with another couple from their church to celebrate.

After a big snow and ice storm, I had taken some pictures. This is one of my favorite of a red male cardinal in our Buckeye tree in the front yard.

I love to do outdoor photography. I have been working on getting a clearer distance shots or close ups. I am proud of how this picture came out. I used a Kodak Easy ShareCD33 3.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical zoom lens. I have had this camera for several years. I had previously used it for the purpose of photographing merchandise I had for sale on eBay up through last year. It takes great close ups of merchandise. I tried to use a 5.0 MP digital camera and there was too many pixels causing distortion of the image.

I learned how to build a light box inexpensively for clear images of small objects e.g. rings, small scratches, etc. with only a white background or black velvet. I found out that different light settings made a huge difference too. There are so many different ways to change an image or even watermark your images. Watermarking is a method of protecting your images from being stolen.

As the weather gets warmer, I hope to get outside more and take more photographs. This is a way for me to relax and do something I love. Some friends of mine have suggested that I sell some of my photographs. I appreciate the compliments that I have received.

I apologize for not writing on my blog for the past few days. I thought I wrote a post since the 20th. With balancing between my yo-yoing blood sugar and now the addition of a family member diagnosed as hypoglycemic, we are starting to work on discussing what is the right way for us both to eat much more healthier.

I was surprised that Dr. Williams did not label the condition as diabetic. He explained that some people have low blood sugars and are not diabetics. Yearly testing for diabetes is recommended. That by eating more protein and complex carbohydrate in smaller frequent meals would help stabilize his blood sugar. This is a lot like eating a diabetic diet.

I had an extra glucometer at home and taught him how to use it and how to record his blood sugar readings. We looked up on the Internet about hypoglycemia diet and complex carbohydrates. We found several great references on each of these subject: http://www.howtothinkthin.com/instincts2.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002469.htm

My youngest daughter has been sick again. She missed her college classes on Monday. She came to my house so Mom could take care of her and look after her. She knows how concerned I have been about her condition. She is back to not keeping her foods down on her stomach and feeling very weak. I will be glad when the neurologist gets back to town so I can take her for a checkup. She does have an appointment but it is not for 2 more weeks I believe. She stayed the night on Monday night till Tuesday morning. Her dad went and got her husband from work and took him home. The next morning her dad and her husband had plans to work on their car replacing the power steering pump that was going out of their car. Her dad and I paid for the new pump and a repair manual for repairing their car. I had to pay almost $50 the next morning for a pulley puller. I knew I would get the money back once it was returned and also $10 for the core charge. As a young couple they sure have had obstacle coming at them too fast. They are going to have to save to buy two new tires soon and a front end alignment.

They are also wanting to buy a house soon. They do not want to pay rent when they can buy a house of their own. Both are determined to buy a house before April 15th to get the $6,000 tax credit on their income tax return. I just hope they are not jumping in too fast wanting to buy a house and they are having health problems and my son in law still has to have brain surgery. I know how stress affects my youngest daughter.

I don’t think the antibiotic is working. Now I have stuffy sinuses and I am sneezing. I am back to coughing again and having yuck in my throat. It is definite an upper respiratory virus of some sort.

I slept until 1:15 PM this afternoon. I haven’t slept this late in the day in a while after going to sleep around 10 PM last night. My body is craving rest. My blood sugar readings was elevated today over 250. I ate a ham sandwich and drank a cup of coffee for my late lunch. About 3:30 I felt like going back to sleep for a nap. The phone would not stop ringing to take a nap. Tonight I only felt like eating some soup, but waited till a family member came home to eat with me.

I have been concerned about him all afternoon long after calling him around 2:15. He told me he was not feeling right and felt tired too. I asked him what had he eaten today and when. He told me he eat pop tarts before leaving the house this morning for work. Not a good breakfast for him to eat, but better than nothing. He had not eaten anything since. I told him he better eat right away and drink some juice or milk. Also, he should carry a breakfast bar or nutrigrain bar in his pocket to eat as a snack between meals to help keep his blood sugar level up. I also asked if he told anyone what happened to him at home yesterday. He said no. I told him he better tell another assistant manager or the general manager so if he starts having a problem they know what to do. He informed me that the general manager is a diabetic too. He promised me that he would let someone know.

When he came home for dinner, I could tell he was not feeling good. I had dinner ready when he came home. I prepared fish fillets, potato cakes and salad. He talked with me for about 30 minutes and he apologized and told me he was going to get a shower and go to bed. I asked to take his blood sugar and he let me. It was 153. He then told me that he had made an appointment with Dr. Williams for Monday morning at 9:20 AM. I wished he had asked if they wanted him to come in fasting for his blood sugar test. He unfortunately did not know what a fasting blood sugar readings was when I mentioned it to him. I had to explain it to him. This feels so unusual to be teaching him about diabetes and low blood sugar readings. I have tried to teach him about it for years, but he did not want to listen to me about it. Now he is ready to listen.

Tomorrow I am definitely having soup. I was suppose to go out of town with my ex-in-laws to see Grandma McCort at the nursing home. It is her 89th birthday. I am sad I can not go, because I miss her so much and wanted to celebrate her birthday. I do not want to expose her or any of the residents to whatever infection I have. When the sneezing and coughing started today, I knew how much it would affect any of the residents’ health. I am not sure if it is a cold, upper respiratory infection or allergies or what that I have. I just could not be insensitive to the residents. Having done nursing home ministries for years, I knew how critical it is to not bring germs into a nursing home. With the flu epidemic going on, nursing home have the right to stop visitors from coming in until the situation is under control. This happened three years ago at one of the local nursing homes I use to visit, no visitors except immediate family allowed for two weeks and no contagious illnesses. They were very strict as they had several residents pass away from complications from the flu or pneumonia they contracted from visitors. I am glad they are strict.

My body is craving rest. So I am off to bed and get plenty of rest since my immune system is weak. Praying for better days ahead, being well and my friends to get well, too.

Today as I was getting ready to go with my family member out of town for the rest of today, I noticed him shaking. I asked him when he ate something last. He stated he ate the big breakfast of waffles, syrup and sausage with me so I know he had ate really good this morning. I asked about last night. He stated he ate dinner of pork chop, scalloped potatoes, asparagus and biscuits and even got up in the middle of the night and got a sandwich. I was puzzled about the shaking and he was starting to lean on the kitchen counter to keep himself standing up. I went and got my glucometer and my kitchen stool right away and took his blood sugar. It was 62. I immediately got him a big glass of juice and made him a quick sandwich.

He has never been diagnosed with low blood sugar before. When he was a cook at the restaurant, he was always taste testing or nibbling along the day. Since he has gotten promoted and is not in the kitchen cooking at work, he is unable to eat very often on his long 12 to 14 hour shifts. He advised me that he has been having these symptoms about 5 times in the past weeks. He will have to contact his physician, Dr. Williams and let him know this is happening to him.

This evening an hour after eating dinner of broasted chicken, sweet potato, green beans and home made slices of bread. He also had a slice of lemon meringue pie. I rechecked his blood sugar, reading was 90. I am glad it is in the normal range, but we both are still concerned.

After doing some research on the Internet, he is very concerned about this newest health problem he has. He has already been diagnosed with emphysema and quit smoking for 4 months, but went back to smoking. He stated it is time for him to get a complete physical. He will be calling his doctor and making an appointment right away. Since he was just in Dr. Williams’ office just this past week for his broken wrist and got a prescription for Percoset, I wondered if it was the medication. My family member assured me that he has not even taken many of the pain killers. He only took a half of a pill the whole day yesterday and none today. He is not overweight. He is 5′10″ and 170 pounds. This is a mystery to both of us. I called his dad’s house to see if they knew anyone in his family that had or has diabetes or low blood sugar problems. They knew of only one aunt that has Type 2 diabetes and she is overweight. She got diabetes after she was 40 years of age.

This is unbelievable at the health problems that has been attacking my family lately. I will keep ya’ll posted as to what we find out when he gets to see the doctor.

I got a surprise today after returning from the church. When I walked in to the house, I noticed a different smell instantly. A family member was standing there with a big grin on his face. I asked him what was up. He told me he ran the carpet cleaner. I asked why and he told me he felt like it. I was concerned about him using his bad wrist and hand moving furniture out from the wall to run the machine behind it. He told me he took his time since I was gone so long. He also admitted to being bored and wanted something to do to help me. I thought that was very kind of him and told him so and thanks.

The infection is getting better, however my blood sugar readings have been going up and down so much. I have been working on getting my diabetes more in control with the help from my doctor’s nurse who is also a diabetic. She is the first nursing staff I have felt really cared about me and my health especially concerning my diabetes. She spoke with my regular doctor about discontinuing my Amaryl pills yesterday. Since I have been having 5 hypoglycemic episodes in the past 7 days, that is why the decision to discontinue that medication. My doctor wants me to change my bedtime shot of Lantus from 43 units to 35 units. I made the change last night. I really would like to get off the insulin shots in the future. This is going to be a major challenge for me.

This morning I woke late and had to hurry to finishing baking the two lemon meringue pies that I promised to make as a treat to the men and women who have been making the chocolate Easter eggs that our church sells each year to raise money. Unfortunately with my mind on completing that task, I forgot to take my fasting blood sugar and shot and morning medications. I thought I would be back in about an hour. Well, 5 people we had counted on being there today decided to be no shows. This caused a hardship of the other 5 remaining women to do the work of 10 people. Instead of taking an hour of work, we worked for almost 5 hours today making several flavors and wrapping, bagging and tagging them all. We did not stop for a lunch. I knew this was not good for my diabetes. We worked with over 556 chocolate Easter eggs today that are all ready for sale.

I love the taste of the Easter eggs each year, but I know I have a hard time resisting these great treats we make during this special time of year. I have done great so far resisting buying a bunch. Two years ago, I bought 10 eggs with the intention to give out to different people. I found out not many of my family members and relatives do not like chocolate Easter eggs with the different flavors in the centers. They like the chocolate covered marshmallows or chocolate covered cherries. So I was stuck with too many in the house and I could not resist them and ended up eating way too many. This affected my blood sugar level is a very negative way. I do not plan to do that this year. I have been working hard to get my blood sugar in a more normal ranges. I am tired of feeling tired with the up and down blood sugar readings. Getting sick has not helped my glucose control and working on adjusting my insulin shot units at bedtime so I do not have those hypoglycemic episodes during the day. I will have to start taking something for my lunch when I work over at the church so I do not get low blood sugar readings. I had another low blood sugar this afternoon. My reading was 70 and I was feeling cold and shaky. I could tell that it was dropping more and got something to eat immediately. I know 70 does not seem that low to some, but lately with the lower readings and feeling cold I tend to notice my fast dropping blood sugar levels.

I know I have a long road ahead of me to get where there is no more insulin shots if that is possible. I have to persist in exercising and eating correctly portioned lower calorie foods to get the excess weight off my body. Tomorrow is weigh in day on my digital scale. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Since last Tuesday, I have been fighting an infection. It started off with an ear ache and a sore throat that night. I have an infection in my throat and need to go to the doctor to get an antibiotic. Since it has been a week and has not gone away, it is affecting my blood sugar levels, hearing and now my sleep.

Today after going to the church fellowship hall to make chocolate Easter eggs, I was extremely tired. I came home and did not even feel like eating lunch and sat in my recliner for a nap. I slept until my youngest daughter called around 9:31 PM tonight. Sleeping in an inclined position helped me with my breathing, so I slept longer. So that meant I did not eat dinner on time. I have been checking my blood sugar today. I checked my breakfast reading and it was 138. I ate a small bowl of Special K Cinnamon and Pecan cereal. Then after working, it was 169. Tonight, it was 234 after sleeping so long and no dinner. Having an elevated blood sugar and not eating is a sign of the infection is affecting my blood sugar readings.

I have been putting off going to the doctor because I do not want another medical bill just yet. My budget is tight this month. With this infection it is leaving me no choice but to go to the doctor in the morning. Last night, I had to sleep on two pillows propped up on an angle to keep from chocking in my sleep. It reminded me of the two nights I was chocking in my sleep about 13 months ago that I finally made my decision to quit smoking. It is scary when you are chocking and can not get your breath. So no more procrastination for me about my health.

The weather going from in the high 60s this past week to in the 20s and going down to 16 tonight does not help with illnesses. I just heard on the 11 o’clock news that there is a flu epidemic happening. The news anchor is telling people to still get their flu shots. I will NOT get a flu shot, because I get very sick when I took them in the past. Today one of the ladies at the church shared that her sister is very sick from the side effects of taking a flu shot this year. This just confirms why I do not take the shot. I am a firm believer in taking vitamins, especially Lysine and Vitamin C to prevent colds, cold sores and flu. I have not had a cold sore in over 25 years ago since I started taking Lysine.

As I was typing this post, I felt something was wrong with my diabetes. I took my blood sugar and it was 52 and dropping faster. A family member went and got me a glass of juice and a sandwich. He told me to eat! I told him about that I was not well tonight with a lot of difficulty in my speech. Whenever I have a low blood sugar, I notice I have trouble talking and start feeling confused, cold and clammy. I know what caused my hypoglemia. I took my bedtime shot of Lantus of 43 units and since my blood sugar was elevated, I took a 6 unit shot of Novolog, fasting acting insulin. I should not have taken the 6 units or reduced the amount of units I took. Thank God I did not go into a coma.

I woke to a lovely surprise this morning. I went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee and found a card and two gifts. As the coffee was brewing, I opened my card first. I have always opened and read the card first as long as I can remember. I was very touched by the words of the card and the words a family member wrote to me. Since we are friends most of all, I am amazed at the cards he always seems to find for me whether it is Valentine’s Day, birthday or Christmas. I opened each jewelry box and almost started crying at how thoughtful he was in his selection of gifts. I received a pair of diamond earrings and a gold and sterling silver heart on a silver chain.

Later after he woke from working till 6 AM, I thanked him for his thoughtfulness. He told me anyone that can stick around for 20 years as his best friend deserves nice gifts.

I made a special dinner for us of salad, NY Strip steaks and sauteed fresh mushrooms, steamed zucchini and squash. For dessert, we had strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream. I was very pleased how dinner turned out and he eat every bite. I wished we could have gone out to a fine dining restaurant. Since he works in a restaurant, he loves a home cooked meal. Plus he had to go to work tonight. I am blessed that I got to enjoy a meal with him.

With eating a healthy dinner, I expected my blood sugar to spike eating the strawberry shortcake though. Since it doesn’t take much to elevate my blood sugar, I thought about not reading my blood sugar tonight and just take my usual bedtime shots of Lantus. I know that is not a smart thing to do being diabetic. Sometimes I just hate facing the fact I am not allowed to have simple sugars. When I do have something like strawberry shortcake, I feel guilty at the same time I love the taste. I can make a diabetic version with artificial sweetener. With a holiday, I have a tendency to cheat and eat the sugary way.

I spoke with my youngest daughter and her husband, my mom and my other long time best friend and wish all of them a Happy Valentine’s Day. I wasn’t able to get in touch with my oldest daughter, however I did get to speak to her a few nights ago. Overall, I enjoyed my Valentine’s Day tremendously.

What did you get for Valentine’s Day?

Last night we were under a tornado watch. After seeing the devastation that killed 8 people in Oklahoma yesterday, I thought do I or my family have an emergency plan in case a tornado actually hit here? I thought hard about this and the answer is I am not totally prepared.

When the power went out last night and I was on the phone with a family member, I was glad I was not on the portable phone but the regular house phone. If I had been on the portable, my conversation would have been disconnected. Thank goodness we were still able to talk. I asked them if they remembered where I put the extra candle lighter as I was feeling around in the dark. I was able to find it with their assistance and able to light several candles near by. When I use to smoke cigarettes, I always had a lighter in my pocket. As I awaited the tornado siren to start screaming out into the night, this makes me realize how quick I was unprepared. My thoughts raced to after getting some candles lit, how was I going to get my 5 cats to the basement quick?

I did have a portable battery operated radio that has a flashlight on the opposite end ready downstairs. I don’t want to use the flashlight part very long so I conserve on the batteries. I have hanging on the basement wall an old fashion candle holder that has a metal back pan that reflects the candle light better. Blankets and extra clothing to stay warm. I have a can opener and some cans of food down there, but no way to heat it. There is a utility sink down there that I can get water from. I have a portable bathroom set up. Sounds like I am set up, right? Wrong! After looking up on the NOAA website about tornadoes today, I learned a lot more on being prepared. Please checkout the following information on main NOAA website about tornadoes. Roger Edwards wrote an article on http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html. Prevention and practice before the storm, Know the signs of a tornado, Where to go when you are in a certain location and After a tornado ideas are a big help in this article.

After reading more on safety during a tornado, I realized I need to purchase a small camping stove and a cell phone or one of those prepaid minute phones for just in case of emergency. If my house is damaged and I am trapped in the basement, I would be able to at least call 911 or one of my family members. I need to get one of my coolers out of the garage and put in basement so I can put my refrigerated insulins in it in a hurry with the large frozen ice bars.

I went today to the grocery store because they were having a sale on meats and produce. While I was there I bought some canned foods that have a tab pull tops on them for easier opening with my arthritic fingers. I thought about my diabetic meal planning for emergencies and will be working on that right away so I can implement it when it is needed.

Thank God a tornado did not hit out town and I am thankful. Keep warm this winter and stay safe! The Arctic cold front is back again with high wind this afternoon.