Saw my specialist today.
He's agreed with me that enough is enough. I believe his words were, "We tried and it's just not working, so let's just take the implant out and draw a line under the whole bad experience!"
He can't fit me in until next week though. So for now he's sent me home with antibiotics, eye patches and pain killers. So, I'm going in hospital a week on Wednesday (Nov 5th) to have the op the Thursday (Nov 6th). I can't go in before because - with him being away - his lists are already cramned full until then.
He'd really hoped to keep the implant in because it helps to give a better cosmetic result when the artificial eye goes in, but it seems like my eye socket really doesn't want that implant. And we all agree that I've gone through enough and it's time to just admit defeat and take the implant out.
Anyway, I'm tired so I'm going to let this do for now. Enjoy whatever's left of your day. :)
Tori
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Poem: Autumn
Just something I wrote the other day and wanted to share...
***~***
Autumn
The wind is as cold as an ice cube
Fresh from the freezer's ice tray
The sun pokes its head through the clouds
Trying to chase the rain away
And all the while the leaves are changing
And falling to the ground
Humans and animals scamper over them
Making a small crunching sound
The smell of apples and pumpkins
Fill the chilly air
As excited little girls and boys
Pick the Halloween costumes they'll wear
Soon the day for trick-or-treating
Will finally be here
Bringing with it quite a mixture of feelings
From happiness to fear
For some just think that Halloween
Is a chance for a little fun
While others hold fast to the old ways
And rituals are done
Autumn is a season that
Brings everyone such pleasure
For Autumn is full of sights and smells
That everyone can treasure
***~***
Autumn
The wind is as cold as an ice cube
Fresh from the freezer's ice tray
The sun pokes its head through the clouds
Trying to chase the rain away
And all the while the leaves are changing
And falling to the ground
Humans and animals scamper over them
Making a small crunching sound
The smell of apples and pumpkins
Fill the chilly air
As excited little girls and boys
Pick the Halloween costumes they'll wear
Soon the day for trick-or-treating
Will finally be here
Bringing with it quite a mixture of feelings
From happiness to fear
For some just think that Halloween
Is a chance for a little fun
While others hold fast to the old ways
And rituals are done
Autumn is a season that
Brings everyone such pleasure
For Autumn is full of sights and smells
That everyone can treasure
Pumpkin (LBE & FD)
Pumpkin is a gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae (which also includes gourds). It is a common name of or can refer to cultivars of any one of the following species: Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata.
Description
The word pumpkin originates from the word “pepon” which is Greek for “large melon.” The French adapted this word to “pompon,” which the English changed to “pompion” and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin.” [2] The origin of pumpkins is not known, although pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 B.C., were found in Mexico. [3][4] Pumpkins are a squash-like fruit that range in size (less than 1 pound to over 1000 pounds), shape, color, and appearance (smooth or ribbed). [5]
Since some squash share the same botanical classifications as pumpkins, the names are frequently used interchangeably. In general, pumpkins have stems which are firmer, more rigid, pricklier, have a +/- 5 degree angle, and are squarer in shape than squash stems which are generally softer, more rounded, and more flared where joined to the fruit. [6] [7]
Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) with the largest (of the species C. maxima) capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).[8] The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from oblate through oblong. The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.[8] Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow,[7] some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and gray.[9]
Pumpkins are monoecious, having both male and female flowers, the latter distinguished by the small ovary at the base of the petals. These bright and colorful flowers have extremely short life spans, and may only open for as short a time as one day. The color of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. The main nutrients are lutein, and both alpha- and beta- carotene, the latter of which generates vitamin A in the body.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
Pumpkin is the fruit of the species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta . It can refer to a specific variety of the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata, which are all of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae. [1]
Distribution and Habitation
Pumpkins are grown all around the world for a variety of reasons ranging from agricultural purposes (animal feed) to commercial and ornamental sales. [10] Out of the seven continents only Antarctica is unable to produce pumpkins, the biggest international producers of pumpkins include the United States, Mexico, India, and China. [11][12] The pumpkin capital of the world is Morton, IL. [13] The traditional American pumpkin is the Connecticut Field variety. [14]
Although native to the Western hemisphere, pumpkins are cultivated in North America, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and some other countries.[citation needed] The pumpkin is the state fruit of New Hampshire.
Ecology
Cultivation in the US
Main article: Pumpkin cultivation
Pumpkin Field
As one of the most popular crops in the United States, 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced each year. [15] The top pumpkin producing states in the U.S. include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. [16] Pumpkins are a warm weather crop that are usually planted in early July. The specific conditions necessary for growing pumpkins require that soil temperatures 3 inches deep are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil that holds water well. Pumpkin crops may suffer if there is a lack of water or due to cold temperatures (in this case, below 65 degrees; frost can be detrimental), and sandy soil or soil with poor water filtration. Pumpkins are, however, rather hardy and even if many ;leaves and portions of the vine are removed or damaged, the plant can very quickly re-grow secondary vines to replace what was removed.[17]
Pumpkins produce both a male and female flower; honeybees play a significant role in fertilization. [18]Pumpkins have historically been pollinated by the native squash bee Peponapis pruinosa, but this bee has declined, probably due to pesticide sensitivity, and today most commercial plantings are pollinated by honeybees. One hive per acre (4,000 m² per hive) is recommended by the United States of America (US) Department of Agriculture. If there are inadequate bees for pollination, gardeners often have to hand pollinate. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. An opportunistic fungus is also sometimes blamed for abortions.
Giant Pumpkins
The largest pumpkins are Cucurbita maxima. They were cultivated from the hubbard squash genotype, crossed with kabocha-pumpkin types by enthusiast farmers through intermittent effort since the early 1800s. As such germplasm is commercially provocative, a U.S. legal right was granted for the rounder phenotypes, levying them as constituting a variety, with the appellation "Atlantic Giant." Process ually this phenotype graduated back into the public domain, except now it had the name Atlantic Giant on its record (see USDA PVP # 8500204).
“Weigh-off” competitions for giant pumpkins are a popular festival activity. 460 pounds held the world record for the largest pumpkin until 1981 when Howard Dill(of Nova Scotia) broke the record with a pumpkin near 500 pounds. Dill patented the seeds used to grow this giant pumpkin, deeming them Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds, and drawing growers from around the world. Howard Dill is accredited for all of the giant pumpkins today, most of which are borne from crossing and re-crossing his patented seed with other varieties. [19] By 1994 the Giant Pumpkin crossed the 1000 pound mark. In September 2007, Joe Jutras (of Rhode Island) obtained the title of world’s largest pumpkin with a 1,689 pound, cream colored fruit.[20] He is currently said to be working on producing a giant orange pumpkin, as orange pumpkins tend to be smaller and have thinner shells, but are more desirable in appearance. [21]
Uses
Cooking
Pumpkin, rawNutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 10 kcal 60 kJ
Carbohydrates
6.5 g
- Sugars 1.36 g
- Dietary fiber 0.5 g
Fat
0.1 g
- saturated 0.05 g
- monounsaturated 0.01 g
- polyunsaturated 0.01 g
Protein
1.0 g
Vitamin A equiv. 369 μg
41%
- β-carotene 3100 μg
29%
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.05 mg
4%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.110 mg
7%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.6 mg
4%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.298 mg
6%
Vitamin B6 0.061 mg
5%
Folate (Vit. B9) 16 μg
4%
Vitamin C 9 mg
15%
Vitamin E 1.06 mg
7%
Calcium 21 mg
2%
Iron 0.8 mg
6%
Magnesium 12 mg
3%
Phosphorus 44 mg
6%
Potassium 340 mg
7%
Sodium 1 mg
0%
Zinc 0.32 mg
3%
Percentages are relative to USrecommendations for adults.Source: USDA Nutrient database
Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking, from the fleshy shell, to the seeds, to even the flowers, most parts of the pumpkin are edible. Traditionally, pumpkin is a very popular Halloween and Thanksgiving staple. Although most people use store bought canned pumpkin, home-made pumpkin puree can serve the same purpose. [22]
When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. Often, it is made into various kinds of pie which is a traditional staple of the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holiday. Pumpkins that are still small and green may be eaten in the same way as the vegetable marrow/zucchini. Pumpkins can also be eaten mashed or incorporated into soup. In the Middle East, pumpkin is used for sweet dishes; a well-known sweet delicacy is called halawa yaqtin. In South Asian countries like India, pumpkin is cooked with butter, sugar, and spices; this dish is called kadu ka halwa. In Australia, pumpkin is often roasted in conjunction with other vegetables. In Japan, small pumpkins are served in savory dishes, including tempura. In Thailand, small pumpkins are steamed with custard inside and served as a dessert. In Italy it can be used, with cheeses, as a savory stuffing for ravioli.[citation needed] And also, pumpkin can be used to flavor both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Pumpkin seeds
Main article: Pepita
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are small, flat, green, edible seeds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a white husk, although some pumpkin varieties produce seeds without them. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack that can be found hulled or semi-hulled at most grocery stores, however, roasting pumpkin seeds (usually scooped out of jack-o-lanterns) is a popular Halloween treat. Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include a good source of protein, zinc and other vitamins, and are even said to lower cholesterol. [23] One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk.[24]
Pumpkin seed oil
Main article: Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a thick, green oil that is produced from roasted pumpkin seeds. When used for cooking or as a salad dressing, pumpkin seed oil is generally mixed with other oils because of its robust flavor. [25] It is used in cooking in central and eastern Europe, and long believed to be a folk remedy for prostate problems, has in fact been shown to combat benign prostatic hyperplasia.[26]
Activities involving pumpkins
Halloween
A pumpkin carved into a Jack-o'-lantern for Halloween.
Pumpkins are commonly carved into decorative lanterns called jack-o'-lanterns for the Halloween season in North America. Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from vegetables, particularly the turnip, mangelwurzel, or swede.[27] But not until 1837 does jack-o'-lantern appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern,[28] and the carved lantern does not become associated specifically with Halloween until 1866.[29] Significantly, both occurred not in Britain or Ireland, but in North America. Historian David J. Skal writes,
Although every modern chronicle of the holiday repeats the claim that vegetable lanterns were a time-honored component of Halloween celebrations in the British Isles, none gives any primary documentation. In fact, none of the major nineteenth-century chronicles of British holidays and folk customs make any mention whatsoever of carved lanterns in connection with Halloween. Neither do any of the standard works of the early twentieth century.[30]
In America, the carved pumpkin was first associated with the harvest season in general, long before it became an emblem of Halloween.[31]
Chucking
Pumpkin chucking is a competitive activity in which teams build various mechanical devices designed to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas and air cannons are the most common mechanisms. Some pumpkin chuckers breed and grow special varieties of pumpkin under specialized conditions in order to improve the pumpkin's chances of surviving a throw.
Pumpkin festivals and competitions
Competitive Weight Pumpkins
Pumpkin growers often compete to see whose pumpkins are the most massive. Festivals are often dedicated to the pumpkin and these competitions.
Circleville, Ohio, holds a big festival each year, the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Half Moon Bay, California, holds the annual Pumpkin and Arts Festival, drawing over 250,000 visitors each year and including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off.[32] Farmers from all over the west compete to determine who can grow the greatest gourd.[33] The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1200 pounds. The world record pumpkin in 2007 was 1689 pounds, grown by Joe Jutras in Topsfield, Massachusetts.[20]
Morton, Illinois, the self-declared pumpkin capital of the world,[34] has held a Pumpkin Festival since 1966. The town, where Nestlé's pumpkin packing plant is located (and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed) carved and lit pumpkins in one place, a record which the town held for several years before losing it to Boston, Massachusetts in 2006. A large contributor of pumpkins to the festival is local Keene State College which hosts an event called "Pumpkin Lobotomy" on their main quad. Usually held the day before the festival itself, Pumpkin Lobotomy has the air of a large party, with the school providing pumpkins and carving instruments alike (though some students prefer to use their own) and music provided by college radio station, WKNH.
Folklore
There seems to be a connection in folklore and popular culture between pumpkins and the supernatural. Famous examples include:
The story of Cinderella, in which the fairy godmother turns a pumpkin into a carriage, but it later reverts to a pumpkin.
A commonplace motif of people being turned into pumpkins by witches.
The Jack-o-lantern custom discussed above, which connects to Halloween lore about warding off demons.
The legend of the Great Pumpkin in the Peanuts stories.
The short story Pumpkin Juice by R. L. Stine, in which juice from a pumpkin has magical effects.
The Harry Potter witch-school stories, in which pumpkin juice as a favorite drink of the Hogworts pupils is a recurring element.
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkin Queens
Pepitas
Vegetable juice
References
^ a b Integrated Taxonomic Information System
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ "Pumpkin." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 2004. Credo Reference. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/4294972>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ cucurbitaceae. (1995). In Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia (8th ed.). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
^ a b pumpkin. (1992). In The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated.
^ a b pumpkin. (2007). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 28, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9061895.
^ Pumpkin Nook: Color Me Pumpkin.
^ Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ "Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6.
^ a b Joe Jutras' 2007 world record pumpkin
^ Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6.
^ Roberts, Tammy. "The Many Uses of Pumpkin." Food & Fitness 7 Aug. 2006. 10 Feb. 2008 <http://www.missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut107.htm>.
^ "Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>.
^ "New Study Demonstrates Treatment of Anxiety Disorders using Pumpkin Seed"
^ Tyler Herbst, Sharon. The New Food Lover's Companion. 3rd ed. Barron_ 2001. Pumpkin Seed Oil. 14 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.coom/entry/5068383>.
^ World's Healthiest Foods
^ They continue to be popular choices today as carved lanterns in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although the British purchased a million pumpkins for Halloween in 2004. "Pumpkins Passions", BBC, 31 October 2005. Retrieved on 19 October 2006. "Turnip battles with pumpkin for Hallowe'en", BBC, 28 October 2005. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Great Carbuncle," in Twice-Told Tales, 1837:
Hide it [the great carbuncle] under thy cloak, say'st thou? Why, it will gleam through the holes, and make thee look like a jack-o'-lantern!
^ Daily News (Kingston, Ontario), November 1, 1866:
The old time custom of keeping up Hallowe'en was not forgotten last night by the youngsters of the city. They had their maskings and their merry-makings, and perambulated the streets after dark in a way which was no doubt amusing to themselves. There was a great sacrifice of pumpkins from which to make transparent heads and face, lighted up by the unfailing two inches of tallow candle. Agnes Carr Sage, "Halloween Sports and Customs," Harper's Young People, October 27, 1885, p. 828:
It is an ancient Scottish custom to light great bonfires on Halloween, and carry blazing fagots about on long poles; but in place of this American boys delight in the funny grinning jack-o'-lanterns made of huge yellow pumpkins with a candle inside.
^ Skal, David J. (2002). Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween. New York: Bloomsbury, 32. ISBN 1-58234-230-X. The earliest reference to associate carved vegetable lanterns with Halloween in Britain is Ruth Edna Kelley, The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), Chapter 8, which mentions turnip lanterns in Scotland.
^ As late as 1900, an article on Thanksgiving entertaining recommended a lit jack-o'-lantern as part of the festivities which encourages kids and families to join together to make their own jack-o-lanterns. "The Day We Celebrate: Thanksgiving Treated Gastronomically and Socially," The New York Times, Nov. 24, 1895, p. 27. "Odd Ornaments for Table," The New York Times, Oct. 21, 1900, p. 12.
^ [1]History of Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
^ [2]Gargantuan Gourd Weigh-Off
^ Morton Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin seeds on The worlds Healthiest Foods, The George Mateljan Foundation.
Illinois Leads Nation in Pumpkin Production, Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The Largest Pumpkin Ever, bigpumpkins.com.
Keene Pumpkin Festival, list of world records.
External links
Squash Display at Missouri Botanical Garden - Pics of 150 varieties from The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur, IL
Pumpkin Varieties - backyardgardener.com, site focused on North-Eastern U.S.
April 2004 – In season describes several varieties available in Australia.
Pumpkins - Lots and lots of Varieties! - American pumpkin varieties, arranged by species.
Pumpkin Recipes - Recipe suggestions for pumpkins.
Pumpkin Carving
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin"
Description
The word pumpkin originates from the word “pepon” which is Greek for “large melon.” The French adapted this word to “pompon,” which the English changed to “pompion” and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin.” [2] The origin of pumpkins is not known, although pumpkins are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 B.C., were found in Mexico. [3][4] Pumpkins are a squash-like fruit that range in size (less than 1 pound to over 1000 pounds), shape, color, and appearance (smooth or ribbed). [5]
Since some squash share the same botanical classifications as pumpkins, the names are frequently used interchangeably. In general, pumpkins have stems which are firmer, more rigid, pricklier, have a +/- 5 degree angle, and are squarer in shape than squash stems which are generally softer, more rounded, and more flared where joined to the fruit. [6] [7]
Pumpkins generally weigh 9–18 lbs (4–8 kg) with the largest (of the species C. maxima) capable of reaching a weight of over 75 lbs (34 kg).[8] The pumpkin varies greatly in shape, ranging from oblate through oblong. The rind is smooth and usually lightly ribbed.[8] Although pumpkins are usually orange or yellow,[7] some fruits are dark green, pale green, orange-yellow, white, red and gray.[9]
Pumpkins are monoecious, having both male and female flowers, the latter distinguished by the small ovary at the base of the petals. These bright and colorful flowers have extremely short life spans, and may only open for as short a time as one day. The color of pumpkins is derived from the orange pigments abundant in them. The main nutrients are lutein, and both alpha- and beta- carotene, the latter of which generates vitamin A in the body.[citation needed]
Taxonomy
Pumpkin is the fruit of the species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta . It can refer to a specific variety of the species Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata, which are all of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae. [1]
Distribution and Habitation
Pumpkins are grown all around the world for a variety of reasons ranging from agricultural purposes (animal feed) to commercial and ornamental sales. [10] Out of the seven continents only Antarctica is unable to produce pumpkins, the biggest international producers of pumpkins include the United States, Mexico, India, and China. [11][12] The pumpkin capital of the world is Morton, IL. [13] The traditional American pumpkin is the Connecticut Field variety. [14]
Although native to the Western hemisphere, pumpkins are cultivated in North America, continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India and some other countries.[citation needed] The pumpkin is the state fruit of New Hampshire.
Ecology
Cultivation in the US
Main article: Pumpkin cultivation
Pumpkin Field
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As one of the most popular crops in the United States, 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are produced each year. [15] The top pumpkin producing states in the U.S. include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. [16] Pumpkins are a warm weather crop that are usually planted in early July. The specific conditions necessary for growing pumpkins require that soil temperatures 3 inches deep are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil that holds water well. Pumpkin crops may suffer if there is a lack of water or due to cold temperatures (in this case, below 65 degrees; frost can be detrimental), and sandy soil or soil with poor water filtration. Pumpkins are, however, rather hardy and even if many ;leaves and portions of the vine are removed or damaged, the plant can very quickly re-grow secondary vines to replace what was removed.[17]
Pumpkins produce both a male and female flower; honeybees play a significant role in fertilization. [18]Pumpkins have historically been pollinated by the native squash bee Peponapis pruinosa, but this bee has declined, probably due to pesticide sensitivity, and today most commercial plantings are pollinated by honeybees. One hive per acre (4,000 m² per hive) is recommended by the United States of America (US) Department of Agriculture. If there are inadequate bees for pollination, gardeners often have to hand pollinate. Inadequately pollinated pumpkins usually start growing but abort before full development. An opportunistic fungus is also sometimes blamed for abortions.
Giant Pumpkins
The largest pumpkins are Cucurbita maxima. They were cultivated from the hubbard squash genotype, crossed with kabocha-pumpkin types by enthusiast farmers through intermittent effort since the early 1800s. As such germplasm is commercially provocative, a U.S. legal right was granted for the rounder phenotypes, levying them as constituting a variety, with the appellation "Atlantic Giant." Process ually this phenotype graduated back into the public domain, except now it had the name Atlantic Giant on its record (see USDA PVP # 8500204).
“Weigh-off” competitions for giant pumpkins are a popular festival activity. 460 pounds held the world record for the largest pumpkin until 1981 when Howard Dill(of Nova Scotia) broke the record with a pumpkin near 500 pounds. Dill patented the seeds used to grow this giant pumpkin, deeming them Dill’s Atlantic Giant seeds, and drawing growers from around the world. Howard Dill is accredited for all of the giant pumpkins today, most of which are borne from crossing and re-crossing his patented seed with other varieties. [19] By 1994 the Giant Pumpkin crossed the 1000 pound mark. In September 2007, Joe Jutras (of Rhode Island) obtained the title of world’s largest pumpkin with a 1,689 pound, cream colored fruit.[20] He is currently said to be working on producing a giant orange pumpkin, as orange pumpkins tend to be smaller and have thinner shells, but are more desirable in appearance. [21]
Uses
Cooking
Pumpkin, rawNutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 10 kcal 60 kJ
Carbohydrates
6.5 g
- Sugars 1.36 g
- Dietary fiber 0.5 g
Fat
0.1 g
- saturated 0.05 g
- monounsaturated 0.01 g
- polyunsaturated 0.01 g
Protein
1.0 g
Vitamin A equiv. 369 μg
41%
- β-carotene 3100 μg
29%
Thiamin (Vit. B1) 0.05 mg
4%
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.110 mg
7%
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.6 mg
4%
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.298 mg
6%
Vitamin B6 0.061 mg
5%
Folate (Vit. B9) 16 μg
4%
Vitamin C 9 mg
15%
Vitamin E 1.06 mg
7%
Calcium 21 mg
2%
Iron 0.8 mg
6%
Magnesium 12 mg
3%
Phosphorus 44 mg
6%
Potassium 340 mg
7%
Sodium 1 mg
0%
Zinc 0.32 mg
3%
Percentages are relative to USrecommendations for adults.Source: USDA Nutrient database
Pumpkins are very versatile in their uses for cooking, from the fleshy shell, to the seeds, to even the flowers, most parts of the pumpkin are edible. Traditionally, pumpkin is a very popular Halloween and Thanksgiving staple. Although most people use store bought canned pumpkin, home-made pumpkin puree can serve the same purpose. [22]
When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed, or roasted. Often, it is made into various kinds of pie which is a traditional staple of the Canadian and American Thanksgiving holiday. Pumpkins that are still small and green may be eaten in the same way as the vegetable marrow/zucchini. Pumpkins can also be eaten mashed or incorporated into soup. In the Middle East, pumpkin is used for sweet dishes; a well-known sweet delicacy is called halawa yaqtin. In South Asian countries like India, pumpkin is cooked with butter, sugar, and spices; this dish is called kadu ka halwa. In Australia, pumpkin is often roasted in conjunction with other vegetables. In Japan, small pumpkins are served in savory dishes, including tempura. In Thailand, small pumpkins are steamed with custard inside and served as a dessert. In Italy it can be used, with cheeses, as a savory stuffing for ravioli.[citation needed] And also, pumpkin can be used to flavor both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Pumpkin seeds
Main article: Pepita
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are small, flat, green, edible seeds. Most pumpkin seeds are covered by a white husk, although some pumpkin varieties produce seeds without them. Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack that can be found hulled or semi-hulled at most grocery stores, however, roasting pumpkin seeds (usually scooped out of jack-o-lanterns) is a popular Halloween treat. Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits, some of which include a good source of protein, zinc and other vitamins, and are even said to lower cholesterol. [23] One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much tryptophan as a full glass of milk.[24]
Pumpkin seed oil
Main article: Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a thick, green oil that is produced from roasted pumpkin seeds. When used for cooking or as a salad dressing, pumpkin seed oil is generally mixed with other oils because of its robust flavor. [25] It is used in cooking in central and eastern Europe, and long believed to be a folk remedy for prostate problems, has in fact been shown to combat benign prostatic hyperplasia.[26]
Activities involving pumpkins
Halloween
A pumpkin carved into a Jack-o'-lantern for Halloween.
Pumpkins are commonly carved into decorative lanterns called jack-o'-lanterns for the Halloween season in North America. Throughout Britain and Ireland, there is a long tradition of carving lanterns from vegetables, particularly the turnip, mangelwurzel, or swede.[27] But not until 1837 does jack-o'-lantern appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern,[28] and the carved lantern does not become associated specifically with Halloween until 1866.[29] Significantly, both occurred not in Britain or Ireland, but in North America. Historian David J. Skal writes,
Although every modern chronicle of the holiday repeats the claim that vegetable lanterns were a time-honored component of Halloween celebrations in the British Isles, none gives any primary documentation. In fact, none of the major nineteenth-century chronicles of British holidays and folk customs make any mention whatsoever of carved lanterns in connection with Halloween. Neither do any of the standard works of the early twentieth century.[30]
In America, the carved pumpkin was first associated with the harvest season in general, long before it became an emblem of Halloween.[31]
Chucking
Pumpkin chucking is a competitive activity in which teams build various mechanical devices designed to throw a pumpkin as far as possible. Catapults, trebuchets, ballistas and air cannons are the most common mechanisms. Some pumpkin chuckers breed and grow special varieties of pumpkin under specialized conditions in order to improve the pumpkin's chances of surviving a throw.
Pumpkin festivals and competitions
Competitive Weight Pumpkins
Pumpkin growers often compete to see whose pumpkins are the most massive. Festivals are often dedicated to the pumpkin and these competitions.
Circleville, Ohio, holds a big festival each year, the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Half Moon Bay, California, holds the annual Pumpkin and Arts Festival, drawing over 250,000 visitors each year and including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off.[32] Farmers from all over the west compete to determine who can grow the greatest gourd.[33] The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1200 pounds. The world record pumpkin in 2007 was 1689 pounds, grown by Joe Jutras in Topsfield, Massachusetts.[20]
Morton, Illinois, the self-declared pumpkin capital of the world,[34] has held a Pumpkin Festival since 1966. The town, where Nestlé's pumpkin packing plant is located (and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed) carved and lit pumpkins in one place, a record which the town held for several years before losing it to Boston, Massachusetts in 2006. A large contributor of pumpkins to the festival is local Keene State College which hosts an event called "Pumpkin Lobotomy" on their main quad. Usually held the day before the festival itself, Pumpkin Lobotomy has the air of a large party, with the school providing pumpkins and carving instruments alike (though some students prefer to use their own) and music provided by college radio station, WKNH.
Folklore
There seems to be a connection in folklore and popular culture between pumpkins and the supernatural. Famous examples include:
The story of Cinderella, in which the fairy godmother turns a pumpkin into a carriage, but it later reverts to a pumpkin.
A commonplace motif of people being turned into pumpkins by witches.
The Jack-o-lantern custom discussed above, which connects to Halloween lore about warding off demons.
The legend of the Great Pumpkin in the Peanuts stories.
The short story Pumpkin Juice by R. L. Stine, in which juice from a pumpkin has magical effects.
The Harry Potter witch-school stories, in which pumpkin juice as a favorite drink of the Hogworts pupils is a recurring element.
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkin Queens
Pepitas
Vegetable juice
References
^ a b Integrated Taxonomic Information System
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ "Pumpkin." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 2004. Credo Reference. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.com/entry/4294972>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ cucurbitaceae. (1995). In Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia (8th ed.). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
^ a b pumpkin. (1992). In The Encyclopedia Americana International Edition. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier Incorporated.
^ a b pumpkin. (2007). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 28, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9061895.
^ Pumpkin Nook: Color Me Pumpkin.
^ Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ "Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ The Pumpkin Patch. 2007. Halloween Online. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Wolford, Ron, and Drusilla Banks. Pumpkins and More. 2008. University of Illinois Extension. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Michael, Orsolek D., George L. Greaser, and Jayson K. Harper. "Pumpkin Production." Agricultural Alternatives (2000). Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 19 Feb. 2008 <http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/pumpkin/pumpkin.pdf>.
^ Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6.
^ a b Joe Jutras' 2007 world record pumpkin
^ Raver, Anne. "In the Pumpkin Patch, an Orange Thumb." New York Times 18 Oct. 2007, sec. F: 6.
^ Roberts, Tammy. "The Many Uses of Pumpkin." Food & Fitness 7 Aug. 2006. 10 Feb. 2008 <http://www.missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut107.htm>.
^ "Pumpkin Seeds." World's Healthiest Foods. 2008. The George Mateljan Foundation. 11 Feb. 2008 <http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=food&spicedbid=82#healthbenefits>.
^ "New Study Demonstrates Treatment of Anxiety Disorders using Pumpkin Seed"
^ Tyler Herbst, Sharon. The New Food Lover's Companion. 3rd ed. Barron_ 2001. Pumpkin Seed Oil. 14 Feb. 2008 <http://www.credoreference.coom/entry/5068383>.
^ World's Healthiest Foods
^ They continue to be popular choices today as carved lanterns in Scotland and Northern Ireland, although the British purchased a million pumpkins for Halloween in 2004. "Pumpkins Passions", BBC, 31 October 2005. Retrieved on 19 October 2006. "Turnip battles with pumpkin for Hallowe'en", BBC, 28 October 2005. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Great Carbuncle," in Twice-Told Tales, 1837:
Hide it [the great carbuncle] under thy cloak, say'st thou? Why, it will gleam through the holes, and make thee look like a jack-o'-lantern!
^ Daily News (Kingston, Ontario), November 1, 1866:
The old time custom of keeping up Hallowe'en was not forgotten last night by the youngsters of the city. They had their maskings and their merry-makings, and perambulated the streets after dark in a way which was no doubt amusing to themselves. There was a great sacrifice of pumpkins from which to make transparent heads and face, lighted up by the unfailing two inches of tallow candle. Agnes Carr Sage, "Halloween Sports and Customs," Harper's Young People, October 27, 1885, p. 828:
It is an ancient Scottish custom to light great bonfires on Halloween, and carry blazing fagots about on long poles; but in place of this American boys delight in the funny grinning jack-o'-lanterns made of huge yellow pumpkins with a candle inside.
^ Skal, David J. (2002). Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween. New York: Bloomsbury, 32. ISBN 1-58234-230-X. The earliest reference to associate carved vegetable lanterns with Halloween in Britain is Ruth Edna Kelley, The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), Chapter 8, which mentions turnip lanterns in Scotland.
^ As late as 1900, an article on Thanksgiving entertaining recommended a lit jack-o'-lantern as part of the festivities which encourages kids and families to join together to make their own jack-o-lanterns. "The Day We Celebrate: Thanksgiving Treated Gastronomically and Socially," The New York Times, Nov. 24, 1895, p. 27. "Odd Ornaments for Table," The New York Times, Oct. 21, 1900, p. 12.
^ [1]History of Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
^ [2]Gargantuan Gourd Weigh-Off
^ Morton Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin seeds on The worlds Healthiest Foods, The George Mateljan Foundation.
Illinois Leads Nation in Pumpkin Production, Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The Largest Pumpkin Ever, bigpumpkins.com.
Keene Pumpkin Festival, list of world records.
External links
Squash Display at Missouri Botanical Garden - Pics of 150 varieties from The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur, IL
Pumpkin Varieties - backyardgardener.com, site focused on North-Eastern U.S.
April 2004 – In season describes several varieties available in Australia.
Pumpkins - Lots and lots of Varieties! - American pumpkin varieties, arranged by species.
Pumpkin Recipes - Recipe suggestions for pumpkins.
Pumpkin Carving
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin"
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fluffy socks
Yes, the days are flying by. Way to quickly in my opinion. The weather's already turning cold and frosty. I'm already needing my fluffy socks. And this time in 9 weeks Christmas will be over. Where has the year gone?
Speaking of my fluffy socks, I got some new ones. Actually, my Mam got them for me. They have little characters stitched on the sides of them so I can match them properly. I still had my snowmen ones like that, but my Santa ones had ended up in the bin due to the Santas falling off and the big holes in the heels. If it wasn't for the holes I'd have just had Mam reatatch the Santas. Anyway, I have four new pairs. One with penguins on, one with cows on, and two different bear ones. One has panda bears and the other has polar bears (the difference is in the noses... the panda's nose is flat, the polar bear's nose sticks out). And the best part is... They're lovely and warm on the toes. :)
Anyway, my Mam's here so I'm going to let this do for now. :)
Tori
Speaking of my fluffy socks, I got some new ones. Actually, my Mam got them for me. They have little characters stitched on the sides of them so I can match them properly. I still had my snowmen ones like that, but my Santa ones had ended up in the bin due to the Santas falling off and the big holes in the heels. If it wasn't for the holes I'd have just had Mam reatatch the Santas. Anyway, I have four new pairs. One with penguins on, one with cows on, and two different bear ones. One has panda bears and the other has polar bears (the difference is in the noses... the panda's nose is flat, the polar bear's nose sticks out). And the best part is... They're lovely and warm on the toes. :)
Anyway, my Mam's here so I'm going to let this do for now. :)
Tori
Friday, October 24, 2008
Birthdays
Today there are two birthdays I would like to mention.
The first is the birthday of one of my oldest friend's. I don't mean oldest age wise, I mean oldest as in one of the friends I've known longest. Anyway, her name is Louise. So... "Happy Birthday, Louise!" :)
The second birthday I want to mention is that of one of my newest friends... Barb (CelticSpirit). Today is her birthday too. So... "Happy Birthday, Barb!" :)
Hope you both have a fantastic birthday! *HUGS* :)
Tori
The first is the birthday of one of my oldest friend's. I don't mean oldest age wise, I mean oldest as in one of the friends I've known longest. Anyway, her name is Louise. So... "Happy Birthday, Louise!" :)
The second birthday I want to mention is that of one of my newest friends... Barb (CelticSpirit). Today is her birthday too. So... "Happy Birthday, Barb!" :)
Hope you both have a fantastic birthday! *HUGS* :)
Tori
It seems I've been tagged
Since I wasn't having much luck with sleeping, I decided to take the time to catch up on everyone's blog posts. While doing this I discovered that Ausgrl had tagged me with the Four Things Meme that's going around. So - despite the fact I'm almost a week late spotting it - I decided to play along.
***~***
Top four wishes.
For the people I care about to be happy and healthy
For the people on this planet to learn not to be so greedy and selfish
To finally heal from this op and move on with my life
To be a mother
Four places I want to travel.
Scotland
Ireland
Africa
The moon
Four Careers I want to try.
Journalist
Nursery school teacher
Vetenary nurse
Pet photographer
Four things I want God to say at the gates of heaven AKA Four things I want to do whilst in Summerland
I'm not sure how to answer this one. To be honest, I don't think I can at the moment. So I'm going to have to pass on this question. Sorry.
I tag anyone who hasn't done this already and wants to give it a go. :)
***~***
Enjoy your day. :)
Tori
***~***
Top four wishes.
For the people I care about to be happy and healthy
For the people on this planet to learn not to be so greedy and selfish
To finally heal from this op and move on with my life
To be a mother
Four places I want to travel.
Scotland
Ireland
Africa
The moon
Four Careers I want to try.
Journalist
Nursery school teacher
Vetenary nurse
Pet photographer
Four things I want God to say at the gates of heaven AKA Four things I want to do whilst in Summerland
I'm not sure how to answer this one. To be honest, I don't think I can at the moment. So I'm going to have to pass on this question. Sorry.
I tag anyone who hasn't done this already and wants to give it a go. :)
***~***
Enjoy your day. :)
Tori
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Blood and gunk (AE&D... PTMI)
So... I went to see a doctor. It was one of my specialist's assistants. My specialist isn't back until Monday, which is when I'm meant to see him. Anyway, the doctor we saw really didn't know what to do. He was worried though, I could tell. And my suspicions were confirmed when he said that if he was sure my specialist was back in the country he'd have called him to see if he could come in and see me. Talk about confidence building... NOT!
Anyway, it seems that the flap of flesh taken from my eyelid to cover the implant has decided that it doesn't belong where they put it and receeded back up to where it thinks it should be. Leaving the implant exposed. And without my specialist all that can be done is for me to be kept on antibiotic tablets and drops to try and make sure that the blood and gunk pouring from my eye doesn't turn in to a nasty infection or something. Oh, and I've still got to wear a patch too... Obviously!
The thing is that judging by how I'm feeling at the moment we suspect it's already turned in to an infection. Especially since the gunk is - according to Kelly and Mam - yellow-ish in colour. Doesn't yellow gunk usually mean an infection is at least starting up? Hopefully the antibiotics will keep it from getting bad while I wait for Monday to arrive.
That's all I can really tell you for now. I'm home until Monday anyway, but I don't know if I'll get to the blogs. For one thing I don't know if I'll have the time, for another I'm not feeling 100% at the moment. After Monday... *Shrugs*... I don't know. I know I'll be back in hospital soon. Maybe for at least part of next week. The question is which part?
And - if I didn't have enough to deal with at the moment with my eye - I cut my lip yesterday (Wednesday).
I was playing with Kero and he went to reach up to give me the toy as I bent down to pick it up. The result was that he ended up headbutting me in the chin, causing me to bite down hard on my own lip. Those kinds of cuts don't half bleed!
So, right now I'm a bloody mess... Literally!
Hope you're in better shape than I am! ;)
Tori
Anyway, it seems that the flap of flesh taken from my eyelid to cover the implant has decided that it doesn't belong where they put it and receeded back up to where it thinks it should be. Leaving the implant exposed. And without my specialist all that can be done is for me to be kept on antibiotic tablets and drops to try and make sure that the blood and gunk pouring from my eye doesn't turn in to a nasty infection or something. Oh, and I've still got to wear a patch too... Obviously!
The thing is that judging by how I'm feeling at the moment we suspect it's already turned in to an infection. Especially since the gunk is - according to Kelly and Mam - yellow-ish in colour. Doesn't yellow gunk usually mean an infection is at least starting up? Hopefully the antibiotics will keep it from getting bad while I wait for Monday to arrive.
That's all I can really tell you for now. I'm home until Monday anyway, but I don't know if I'll get to the blogs. For one thing I don't know if I'll have the time, for another I'm not feeling 100% at the moment. After Monday... *Shrugs*... I don't know. I know I'll be back in hospital soon. Maybe for at least part of next week. The question is which part?
And - if I didn't have enough to deal with at the moment with my eye - I cut my lip yesterday (Wednesday).
I was playing with Kero and he went to reach up to give me the toy as I bent down to pick it up. The result was that he ended up headbutting me in the chin, causing me to bite down hard on my own lip. Those kinds of cuts don't half bleed!
So, right now I'm a bloody mess... Literally!
Hope you're in better shape than I am! ;)
Tori
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Computers, eyes and Ipods
This is just going to be a quick post. I don't really have the time to do a long one. Besides, I'm tired and want/need to go curl up in my nice, warm bed.
As my Mam (Karen) told you in the comments of my last post, we've had a few computer issues. Mostly centred around graphics card issues on Kelly's computer and the one of my Dad's that's here, and my laptop deciding that it's going to turn Jaws off when it feels like it, and that it really doesn't want to be used to connect to the internet... At least, not without a fight. So, we decided to put the laptop aside for me to use for things that don't need internet access (e.g. my writing) and a spare PC my Dad has that's good enough for me, but not really for him because it doesn't have the required memory or graphics or something to play the games he plays has been set up with Jaws on it for me to use. Thing is that because of other stuff going on it's taken until today for Dad to be able to sort the machine for me.
***~***
I was "meant to" see one of my specialist's assistants on Monday, but when we phoned on Friday we were told no appointment had been made for me. We finally got one for tomorrow morning though.
I'm packing a hospital bag before we go "just in case"... With how sore my eye is there's a chance the doctor may want me pulled in to hospital to go on the antibiotic drip or something. I hope not, but I figure we should be prepared.
There's also the possibility that my specialist is now back from his holiday and that it's him I'm seeing. In which case he may want me in for another op or something. We shall have to see what happens.
***~***
Since it looks like I'm probably going back in hospital my Mam and Dad let me have my birthday present from them early. It's a blue Ipod Shuffle. I've been using it to listen to the Kim Harrison audio books I mentioned in one of my posts last week. And I'm enjoying both the player and the story. :)
***~***
I've got a few scheduled posts set up so you have stuff to read if I can't get on here until next month. Most of them will be published on Samhain/Halloween... I think I have about half a dozen scheduled for that day.
And I'll get to your blog posts when I can.
***~***
Hope you and your family are all well.
Tori
As my Mam (Karen) told you in the comments of my last post, we've had a few computer issues. Mostly centred around graphics card issues on Kelly's computer and the one of my Dad's that's here, and my laptop deciding that it's going to turn Jaws off when it feels like it, and that it really doesn't want to be used to connect to the internet... At least, not without a fight. So, we decided to put the laptop aside for me to use for things that don't need internet access (e.g. my writing) and a spare PC my Dad has that's good enough for me, but not really for him because it doesn't have the required memory or graphics or something to play the games he plays has been set up with Jaws on it for me to use. Thing is that because of other stuff going on it's taken until today for Dad to be able to sort the machine for me.
***~***
I was "meant to" see one of my specialist's assistants on Monday, but when we phoned on Friday we were told no appointment had been made for me. We finally got one for tomorrow morning though.
I'm packing a hospital bag before we go "just in case"... With how sore my eye is there's a chance the doctor may want me pulled in to hospital to go on the antibiotic drip or something. I hope not, but I figure we should be prepared.
There's also the possibility that my specialist is now back from his holiday and that it's him I'm seeing. In which case he may want me in for another op or something. We shall have to see what happens.
***~***
Since it looks like I'm probably going back in hospital my Mam and Dad let me have my birthday present from them early. It's a blue Ipod Shuffle. I've been using it to listen to the Kim Harrison audio books I mentioned in one of my posts last week. And I'm enjoying both the player and the story. :)
***~***
I've got a few scheduled posts set up so you have stuff to read if I can't get on here until next month. Most of them will be published on Samhain/Halloween... I think I have about half a dozen scheduled for that day.
And I'll get to your blog posts when I can.
***~***
Hope you and your family are all well.
Tori
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Medical mutterings
I was going to post this tomorrow, but decided to do it today instead.
***~***
My Nan's not well. She keeps getting really dizzy and things. It seems to be something to do with some lumps she has on her head. She's had them for as long as I can remember, but they never caused any issues so she left them alone. That seems to have changed now though.
She went to the doctor and he's refering her to one of the nearby hospitals to have the lumps removed (and I assume tested and such too).
Will let you know how things go for her when she goes in.
***~***
I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had a blood test to check my iron level so the doctor could decide if I should continue with my iron tablets or not? Well, it's taken me until today to find out what they want me to do.
The results were there, but all they'd tell me was that "the results are satisfactory," Which doesn't tell me anything. I mean, does that mean my iron level is high enough so I don't need the tablets any more? Or does that mean that it's not as low as it could be but it's not too bad and they want me to carry on with the tablets?
I eventually managed to make them understand that "satisfactory" isn't a good enough answer, so they made me an appointment to see the nurse.
The appointment was for 11:00 am. And - after an hour of waiting - I went in, asked the nurse what "Satisfactory" was meant to mean, got my answer and went home. So,, Mam and I sat in the waiting room of the doctors' surgery for an hour to spend maybe 30 seconds in with the nurse. Even the nurse didn't understand why I wasn't just put on the "call back list" for the nurse to give me a quick ring instead of me coming in just for something like that.
Anyway...
Apparently "satisfactory" means that my iron level is above average so they want me to stop taking the iron tablets. Which is exactly what I knew they'd say.
Yep, I went all the way there just to be told that. *Sigh*
***~***
If our suspicions are correct then the "third time lucky" or "third time's the charm" thing hasn't worked out with my eye. The stitching appears to have come undone... AGAIN!
What does this mean? Well, it means that - when my specialist comes back from his holiday - I'm probably going back in to hospital. This time, however, I'm telling him to take the implant out. I've had enough. Sod the cosmetic result!
We're phoning his secretary tomorrow (Friday) to ask what we should do in the meantime. Especially since my antibiotic tablets have run out. I'm meant to be seeing one of my specialist's assistants on Monday though, so she might just tell us to hang in until then.
*Sigh*
***~***
The worst part is that I got a letter the other day from the person who's meant to be sorting out my artificial eye. It was for October 30th, but I can't have the artificial eye sorted if the socket hasn't settled, and it can't settle when it's still being operated in.
So I called her up and explained.
She told me to call her back when I think I'm ready and she'll make me an appointment as soon after that as she can. We both agreed that until we know what exactly is going on with the eye there's no point trying to make another appointment that I might have to cancel anyway.
Tori
***~***
My Nan's not well. She keeps getting really dizzy and things. It seems to be something to do with some lumps she has on her head. She's had them for as long as I can remember, but they never caused any issues so she left them alone. That seems to have changed now though.
She went to the doctor and he's refering her to one of the nearby hospitals to have the lumps removed (and I assume tested and such too).
Will let you know how things go for her when she goes in.
***~***
I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had a blood test to check my iron level so the doctor could decide if I should continue with my iron tablets or not? Well, it's taken me until today to find out what they want me to do.
The results were there, but all they'd tell me was that "the results are satisfactory," Which doesn't tell me anything. I mean, does that mean my iron level is high enough so I don't need the tablets any more? Or does that mean that it's not as low as it could be but it's not too bad and they want me to carry on with the tablets?
I eventually managed to make them understand that "satisfactory" isn't a good enough answer, so they made me an appointment to see the nurse.
The appointment was for 11:00 am. And - after an hour of waiting - I went in, asked the nurse what "Satisfactory" was meant to mean, got my answer and went home. So,, Mam and I sat in the waiting room of the doctors' surgery for an hour to spend maybe 30 seconds in with the nurse. Even the nurse didn't understand why I wasn't just put on the "call back list" for the nurse to give me a quick ring instead of me coming in just for something like that.
Anyway...
Apparently "satisfactory" means that my iron level is above average so they want me to stop taking the iron tablets. Which is exactly what I knew they'd say.
Yep, I went all the way there just to be told that. *Sigh*
***~***
If our suspicions are correct then the "third time lucky" or "third time's the charm" thing hasn't worked out with my eye. The stitching appears to have come undone... AGAIN!
What does this mean? Well, it means that - when my specialist comes back from his holiday - I'm probably going back in to hospital. This time, however, I'm telling him to take the implant out. I've had enough. Sod the cosmetic result!
We're phoning his secretary tomorrow (Friday) to ask what we should do in the meantime. Especially since my antibiotic tablets have run out. I'm meant to be seeing one of my specialist's assistants on Monday though, so she might just tell us to hang in until then.
*Sigh*
***~***
The worst part is that I got a letter the other day from the person who's meant to be sorting out my artificial eye. It was for October 30th, but I can't have the artificial eye sorted if the socket hasn't settled, and it can't settle when it's still being operated in.
So I called her up and explained.
She told me to call her back when I think I'm ready and she'll make me an appointment as soon after that as she can. We both agreed that until we know what exactly is going on with the eye there's no point trying to make another appointment that I might have to cancel anyway.
Tori
Carl's birthday and some reviews (LBE)
Today - October 16th - is Carl (my brother)'s birthday. I don't know if he'll see this because he doesn't visit the blogs very often, but... "Happy birthday, Carl!"
I always love when my brother's birthday comes around, because it means mine is only 4 weeks away, and Christmas is only 10 weeks away. :)
***~***
I've got a couple of reviews for you all...
Mam and I watched "Joey" last weekend. It was about a kangaroo named "Joey" who was left behind when his parents were taken away, and a little boy named "Billy" who uncovers some illegal kangaroo fighting when trying to reunite little Joey with his parents. It was a really good movie!
We also attempted to watch "In Persuit Of Happiness" but couldn't get in to it and gave up after maybe 1/4 of the movie. I'm not even sure what it was meant to be about.
I've got the new "Boyzone" CD (it came out Monday just gone). And it's as good as I'd expected it to be. ;)
My Mam got the new "Duffy" CD a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually it's the only Duffy CD at the moment, but anyway... She brought it down for me to listen to on the weekend. It's pretty good. I wasn't sure if I liked Duffy or not when I first heard her, but she seems to be one of those artists who grow on you the more you hear them. Duffy is a Welsh artist, but I'm afraid that's all the info I can give you at this point.
And then there's the books...
Mam and I were reading "Pongwiffy And The Pantomime" which we finished on the weekend. It was one of the books from Kaye Umansky's Pongwiffy series about a thilthy witch named Pongwiffy, and all the things she gets up to. In this particular book Pongwiffy suggests the coven does a Christmas pantomime, but things don't run smoothly. I love the Pongwiffy books... They're really funny!
I also finished reading the "Animal Ark Stories" by Lucy Daniels. Which is a collection of animal themed stories about anything from hamsters to horses. They're nice little stories that I'm sure most animal lovers will enjoy. :)
I finally got around to listening to "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. I've seen the movie (live action and animated) based on the book, but I'd never read or listened to the actual book before. So when I was in Waterstones in Norwich and my Dad read out that title to me I decided it was high timeI got it and listened to it. It was fantastic! For those who don't know, it's about a boy named "Tom Sawyer" who's known for his ability of getting in to trouble all the time. The book tells some of the mischief Tom got in to - sometimes on his own, sometimes with his friends.
I got a couple of new audio books the day before I went in to hospital the last time.
One of them is "The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks. I'd read the book before and had been trying to get hold of it, so when we spotted it I just "had to" have it. This story's not for everyone though. Iain Banks has a very unique writing style and from what I've heard from Carl (my brother) - who has read a lot of Iain Banks' books - all his work is as graphic and twisted as The Wasp Factory. Anyway, the story is about "Frank" who's brother's escape from the mental institution he'd been put in triggers a chain of events that reveal some secrets in Frank's past. That's the mild, non-graphic version of the synopsis anyway. LOL!
The other audio book I got is "Stig Of The Dump" by Clive King. Apparently Stig Of The Dump was on TV years and years ago, and apparently my Mam read the book to us when we were little. But I don't remember that. My Mam and Dad seemed really excited about the story though, so I figured I'd get it for myself. I'm glad I did. It's a really good book! It's about a little boy named "Barney" who finds a cave man living in the dump near his Grandmother's house, and the things Barney and "Stig" do together.
There are a couple of books I'm working on getting that I've heard about too.
One of them is Michelle Paver's "Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness" series. We spotted part of the set in W H Smith a couple of weeks back and it looked good, so I'm getting it. Parts 4 and 5 have arrived, part 3 is in the post, parts 1 and 2 haven't been sent out to me yet. LOL! Apparently there are 6 parts to it, but we've only been able to find the first 5 so far. Mam's getting them in print too. And they must be, because Dad got her the first three books and she read them in about four days. LOL! Will tell you more about them when I've got the rest of them and listened to them.
The other set is Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. Kelly got the mp3s from it sent to him from a friend, and what I've heard of it sounds good. Haven't listened properly yet though. Kelly's listened to the first two books and is on book three and loving it though. And, like I said, what I've heard of it sounds good. Again I will tell you more when I've heard it for myself.
***~***
I think that covers all the reviews. I'll fill you in on everything else tomorrow or something.
Enjoy the rest of your day. :)
Tori
I always love when my brother's birthday comes around, because it means mine is only 4 weeks away, and Christmas is only 10 weeks away. :)
***~***
I've got a couple of reviews for you all...
Mam and I watched "Joey" last weekend. It was about a kangaroo named "Joey" who was left behind when his parents were taken away, and a little boy named "Billy" who uncovers some illegal kangaroo fighting when trying to reunite little Joey with his parents. It was a really good movie!
We also attempted to watch "In Persuit Of Happiness" but couldn't get in to it and gave up after maybe 1/4 of the movie. I'm not even sure what it was meant to be about.
I've got the new "Boyzone" CD (it came out Monday just gone). And it's as good as I'd expected it to be. ;)
My Mam got the new "Duffy" CD a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually it's the only Duffy CD at the moment, but anyway... She brought it down for me to listen to on the weekend. It's pretty good. I wasn't sure if I liked Duffy or not when I first heard her, but she seems to be one of those artists who grow on you the more you hear them. Duffy is a Welsh artist, but I'm afraid that's all the info I can give you at this point.
And then there's the books...
Mam and I were reading "Pongwiffy And The Pantomime" which we finished on the weekend. It was one of the books from Kaye Umansky's Pongwiffy series about a thilthy witch named Pongwiffy, and all the things she gets up to. In this particular book Pongwiffy suggests the coven does a Christmas pantomime, but things don't run smoothly. I love the Pongwiffy books... They're really funny!
I also finished reading the "Animal Ark Stories" by Lucy Daniels. Which is a collection of animal themed stories about anything from hamsters to horses. They're nice little stories that I'm sure most animal lovers will enjoy. :)
I finally got around to listening to "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. I've seen the movie (live action and animated) based on the book, but I'd never read or listened to the actual book before. So when I was in Waterstones in Norwich and my Dad read out that title to me I decided it was high timeI got it and listened to it. It was fantastic! For those who don't know, it's about a boy named "Tom Sawyer" who's known for his ability of getting in to trouble all the time. The book tells some of the mischief Tom got in to - sometimes on his own, sometimes with his friends.
I got a couple of new audio books the day before I went in to hospital the last time.
One of them is "The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks. I'd read the book before and had been trying to get hold of it, so when we spotted it I just "had to" have it. This story's not for everyone though. Iain Banks has a very unique writing style and from what I've heard from Carl (my brother) - who has read a lot of Iain Banks' books - all his work is as graphic and twisted as The Wasp Factory. Anyway, the story is about "Frank" who's brother's escape from the mental institution he'd been put in triggers a chain of events that reveal some secrets in Frank's past. That's the mild, non-graphic version of the synopsis anyway. LOL!
The other audio book I got is "Stig Of The Dump" by Clive King. Apparently Stig Of The Dump was on TV years and years ago, and apparently my Mam read the book to us when we were little. But I don't remember that. My Mam and Dad seemed really excited about the story though, so I figured I'd get it for myself. I'm glad I did. It's a really good book! It's about a little boy named "Barney" who finds a cave man living in the dump near his Grandmother's house, and the things Barney and "Stig" do together.
There are a couple of books I'm working on getting that I've heard about too.
One of them is Michelle Paver's "Chronicles Of Ancient Darkness" series. We spotted part of the set in W H Smith a couple of weeks back and it looked good, so I'm getting it. Parts 4 and 5 have arrived, part 3 is in the post, parts 1 and 2 haven't been sent out to me yet. LOL! Apparently there are 6 parts to it, but we've only been able to find the first 5 so far. Mam's getting them in print too. And they must be, because Dad got her the first three books and she read them in about four days. LOL! Will tell you more about them when I've got the rest of them and listened to them.
The other set is Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series. Kelly got the mp3s from it sent to him from a friend, and what I've heard of it sounds good. Haven't listened properly yet though. Kelly's listened to the first two books and is on book three and loving it though. And, like I said, what I've heard of it sounds good. Again I will tell you more when I've heard it for myself.
***~***
I think that covers all the reviews. I'll fill you in on everything else tomorrow or something.
Enjoy the rest of your day. :)
Tori
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The award for the stupidest question goes to... (AE&D)
I've been asked several stupid questions over the years, but the stupidest one I've ever heard - from a doctor, I mean - was one I was asked during my last visit to the hospital.
I think the easiest way to tell you about it is to type up the conversation I had with the doctor in question.
Note: I'm not refering to the bit about "Congenital"... I've been asked that stupid question so many times I hardly notice it any more, and my response is automatic.
Doctor: It's your right eye we're dealing with, correct?
Me: Yes
Doctor: And you've previously had your left eye out... Is that right?
Me: Yes... About eight years ago now.
Doctor: So the eye in it is artificial?
Me: Yes, it is
Doctor: Why was it you had your eyes out?
Me: Congenital Glaucoma
Doctor: Oh? And, how long have you had that?
Me: Well, since the word "Congenital" is in it, I'd rather say it was from birth. What do you think?
Doctor: Yes... Of course...
(Slight pause while the doctor scribbles stuff in my medical notes)
Doctor: So... Can you see anything at all?
When I could stop laughing long enough I replied that, "Unless a microchip was put in the implants or artificial eye, which nobody taught me to work, I don't think that's possible... Do you?"
At least she had the decency to be embarrassed... LMAO!
Tori
I think the easiest way to tell you about it is to type up the conversation I had with the doctor in question.
Note: I'm not refering to the bit about "Congenital"... I've been asked that stupid question so many times I hardly notice it any more, and my response is automatic.
Doctor: It's your right eye we're dealing with, correct?
Me: Yes
Doctor: And you've previously had your left eye out... Is that right?
Me: Yes... About eight years ago now.
Doctor: So the eye in it is artificial?
Me: Yes, it is
Doctor: Why was it you had your eyes out?
Me: Congenital Glaucoma
Doctor: Oh? And, how long have you had that?
Me: Well, since the word "Congenital" is in it, I'd rather say it was from birth. What do you think?
Doctor: Yes... Of course...
(Slight pause while the doctor scribbles stuff in my medical notes)
Doctor: So... Can you see anything at all?
When I could stop laughing long enough I replied that, "Unless a microchip was put in the implants or artificial eye, which nobody taught me to work, I don't think that's possible... Do you?"
At least she had the decency to be embarrassed... LMAO!
Tori
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Yellow Roses
My flowers (the ones I posted pics of a couple of weeks ago) lasted until about the end of last week. Which wasn't too bad considering the fact the special plant food stuff they give us was put in while I was at the hospital, and since the vase I used there was the hospitals and didn't come home that bit was wasted. So we were trying to keep them alive without the aid of the special plant food.
Anyway...
Kelly and I were talking about flowers we're planning on putting in the garden next year, and I said we "had to" have some yellow roses since they're my favourite flower. Then today Kelly came home from shopping with a pressie for me...
Anyway...
Kelly and I were talking about flowers we're planning on putting in the garden next year, and I said we "had to" have some yellow roses since they're my favourite flower. Then today Kelly came home from shopping with a pressie for me...
Apparently he thought I deserved them... I didn't ask him why. LOL!
Tori
Eleri's Dad
As the whole world embraces Autumn/Fall, and acknowledges that the year is waning and Winter is on its way, it's clear that nature isn't the only thing slipping in to darkness and experiencing death. All around us there are reminders that human beings - like the rest of nature - must one day reach the end of their life cycle.
I'm sure from that first paragraph you can guess where this post is going.
At least some of you may remember me mentioning Eleri (my neighbour from upstairs)'s Dad and how he had cancer and didn't have long to live. Well, on Saturday October 11th 2008 he lost his battle with the cancer, which had spread quickly throughout his body in the past couple of months.
I found out yesterday.
I really feel for Eleri and her family at the moment. It was only in May of this year that Eleri's mother passed on (also from Cancer, I believe). And now her Dad... *Sigh*... It really makes you think about how lucky you are to still be living and breathing, doesn't it?
Tori
I'm sure from that first paragraph you can guess where this post is going.
At least some of you may remember me mentioning Eleri (my neighbour from upstairs)'s Dad and how he had cancer and didn't have long to live. Well, on Saturday October 11th 2008 he lost his battle with the cancer, which had spread quickly throughout his body in the past couple of months.
I found out yesterday.
I really feel for Eleri and her family at the moment. It was only in May of this year that Eleri's mother passed on (also from Cancer, I believe). And now her Dad... *Sigh*... It really makes you think about how lucky you are to still be living and breathing, doesn't it?
Tori
Monday, October 13, 2008
Random Question: Thankfullness
With today being Canadian Thanksgiving, I thoght I would ask the question many people ask when Thanksgiving comes around... What are you Thankful for?
Tori
Tori
The Turkey And The Pumpkin
The following is the first page of an e-book called "The Turkey And The Pumpkin" by Artie Knapp. You have to click on the "next page" link to read more.
I'm posting this today because of the fact that today is Canadian Thanksgiving, and I thought it was a nice little story, and thought it would be a nice thing to post for Thanksgiving. Judging by some of the details it was written near Halloween with the date of American Thanksgiving in mind, but that doesn't matter. Either way, I thought it was a cute little story... Enjoy!
Oh yeah, and... Happy Thanksgiving, Canada. :)
***~***
The Turkey and The Pumpkin
ONE CRISP AUTUMN MORNING a turkey named Oscar escaped from his farm.
Thanksgiving was just weeks away and Oscar knew that his only hope for survival was to reach the petting zoo in Belvar.
After crossing a large hill on his journey, Oscar came across a pumpkin patch that stretched as far as the eye could see. Suddenly a voice shouted out, “Thank goodness someone’s finally come for me.”
The voice startled Oscar, but he didn’t see anyone. “Who’s there?” asked Oscar nervously.
______
Go to the next page to read the next part of the story.
I'm posting this today because of the fact that today is Canadian Thanksgiving, and I thought it was a nice little story, and thought it would be a nice thing to post for Thanksgiving. Judging by some of the details it was written near Halloween with the date of American Thanksgiving in mind, but that doesn't matter. Either way, I thought it was a cute little story... Enjoy!
Oh yeah, and... Happy Thanksgiving, Canada. :)
***~***
The Turkey and The Pumpkin
ONE CRISP AUTUMN MORNING a turkey named Oscar escaped from his farm.
Thanksgiving was just weeks away and Oscar knew that his only hope for survival was to reach the petting zoo in Belvar.
After crossing a large hill on his journey, Oscar came across a pumpkin patch that stretched as far as the eye could see. Suddenly a voice shouted out, “Thank goodness someone’s finally come for me.”
The voice startled Oscar, but he didn’t see anyone. “Who’s there?” asked Oscar nervously.
______
Go to the next page to read the next part of the story.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
About the latest op (LBE)
You know you've been in hospital too much when....
1. You walk in to the hospital and everyone says hello to you by name.
2. You can recognise the voices of most of the nurses from the next room.
3. You know the first names of at least half the doctors and nurses.
4. The woman who brings the tea trolley round knows how you like your cups of tea.
5. You can answer the questions on the pre-op check list before they've been asked.
6. The nurses and doctors take your advice on things when treating you.
Yep... I've been in hospital too many times. LOL!
***~***
Thanks all of you for the comments on my last post. I really appreciate all the thoughts, get well wishes, etc, etc. :)
I've been home since Wednesday, but I'm really tired and haven't felt up to doing much. Not to mention the fact that the only usable vein they could find on my hands or arms to put the needle in for the anasthetic drip was in my right wrist, and using your hands to type is very difficult when your wrist is sore.
Anyway...
The op was Tuesday night. I was on a list of prioratized ops. Meaning that I was having the op any time from 5:00 pm, but exactly how long after depended on what else had to be done, and if something was more of an emergency than my op then it would be done first. So it turned out I went down for the op at about 7:40 pm (ish). Was back in my room by about 9:45 pm.
My specialist came in early Wednesday morning to see me before his outpatient appointments for the day started. Partly so I could go home, partly so he could go off earlier and start his holiday. LOL!
Anyway, he's "quite confident" that he's secured the implant this time. He trimmed some of it off again to give himself more flesh to work with, and put more stitches in than he normally would. He also decided that we should put a patch over it instead of putting the plastic shell thingy in. I think he's wondering if my theory about the shell causing at last part of the problem is right? I don't know his reasons really, he just said he thinks it would be best to patch it instead, and I'm assuming he's wondering about the shell causing the problem. I didn't see any reason to ask him why he thinks it's best to use the patch instead of the shell.
So... Anyway... I've got to have a patch on for a couple of weeks. We've got to change the patch and put drops in once a day, and leave it alone other than that (though we clean it when changing the patch, obviously). And I'm on strong antibotics until Wednesday to keep away any possible infection.
My specialist is away for a couple of weeks, so a week on Monday (October 20th 2008) I'm seeing one of his assistants because he doesn't want me going more than a couple of weeks without being seen "just in case." And the following week I'm seeing the specialist himself, because he wants to see me as soon as he's back.
It's too early for me to know if things are going right this time, and I'm not even going to hazard a guess this time. We're just doing as we've been told to do, and keeping our fingers crossed... Not much more we can do, is there?
My hospital trip was better this time. Only issue was an argument I had with them while in recovery because they attempted to put tubes up my nose and I wasn't having it. Apparently I'm VERY bad tempered when I first come out of anasthetic. But I would be... I'm usually really hungry by the time I go down for the op, and I get irritable when I'm hungry. So I'm kinda bad tempered before they start messing me about and pulling me around and stuff. And you'd be bad tempered too if you were trying to sleep and someone kept pulling you about to check your blood pressure, temperature, etc, and suggest that you have a tube shoved up your nose for the night.
Anyway... The response to the buzzer was better too. Not perfect since one time it took about 5 minutes to get an answer. BUT five minutes maximum is much better than 45 minutes minimum for a response to the buzzer.
I'm sure my specialist had a word with them. I know he was on the ward early enough on Tuesday to be the one who took me in to my room and all that. And we know he was talking to the nurses before and after seeing me.
I think that covers everything. It'll have to do for now anyway. I'm tired just from writing this, so if there's more then it can wait.
I've got a post scheduled for tomorrow, and some more for later in the month. Not sure how much I'll actually be around though... Or when I'll get to your blogs... Too tired right now.
Will tell you about the stupid question and the seagull later in the week. ;)
Hope you're all doing OK. *hugs*
Tori
1. You walk in to the hospital and everyone says hello to you by name.
2. You can recognise the voices of most of the nurses from the next room.
3. You know the first names of at least half the doctors and nurses.
4. The woman who brings the tea trolley round knows how you like your cups of tea.
5. You can answer the questions on the pre-op check list before they've been asked.
6. The nurses and doctors take your advice on things when treating you.
Yep... I've been in hospital too many times. LOL!
***~***
Thanks all of you for the comments on my last post. I really appreciate all the thoughts, get well wishes, etc, etc. :)
I've been home since Wednesday, but I'm really tired and haven't felt up to doing much. Not to mention the fact that the only usable vein they could find on my hands or arms to put the needle in for the anasthetic drip was in my right wrist, and using your hands to type is very difficult when your wrist is sore.
Anyway...
The op was Tuesday night. I was on a list of prioratized ops. Meaning that I was having the op any time from 5:00 pm, but exactly how long after depended on what else had to be done, and if something was more of an emergency than my op then it would be done first. So it turned out I went down for the op at about 7:40 pm (ish). Was back in my room by about 9:45 pm.
My specialist came in early Wednesday morning to see me before his outpatient appointments for the day started. Partly so I could go home, partly so he could go off earlier and start his holiday. LOL!
Anyway, he's "quite confident" that he's secured the implant this time. He trimmed some of it off again to give himself more flesh to work with, and put more stitches in than he normally would. He also decided that we should put a patch over it instead of putting the plastic shell thingy in. I think he's wondering if my theory about the shell causing at last part of the problem is right? I don't know his reasons really, he just said he thinks it would be best to patch it instead, and I'm assuming he's wondering about the shell causing the problem. I didn't see any reason to ask him why he thinks it's best to use the patch instead of the shell.
So... Anyway... I've got to have a patch on for a couple of weeks. We've got to change the patch and put drops in once a day, and leave it alone other than that (though we clean it when changing the patch, obviously). And I'm on strong antibotics until Wednesday to keep away any possible infection.
My specialist is away for a couple of weeks, so a week on Monday (October 20th 2008) I'm seeing one of his assistants because he doesn't want me going more than a couple of weeks without being seen "just in case." And the following week I'm seeing the specialist himself, because he wants to see me as soon as he's back.
It's too early for me to know if things are going right this time, and I'm not even going to hazard a guess this time. We're just doing as we've been told to do, and keeping our fingers crossed... Not much more we can do, is there?
My hospital trip was better this time. Only issue was an argument I had with them while in recovery because they attempted to put tubes up my nose and I wasn't having it. Apparently I'm VERY bad tempered when I first come out of anasthetic. But I would be... I'm usually really hungry by the time I go down for the op, and I get irritable when I'm hungry. So I'm kinda bad tempered before they start messing me about and pulling me around and stuff. And you'd be bad tempered too if you were trying to sleep and someone kept pulling you about to check your blood pressure, temperature, etc, and suggest that you have a tube shoved up your nose for the night.
Anyway... The response to the buzzer was better too. Not perfect since one time it took about 5 minutes to get an answer. BUT five minutes maximum is much better than 45 minutes minimum for a response to the buzzer.
I'm sure my specialist had a word with them. I know he was on the ward early enough on Tuesday to be the one who took me in to my room and all that. And we know he was talking to the nurses before and after seeing me.
I think that covers everything. It'll have to do for now anyway. I'm tired just from writing this, so if there's more then it can wait.
I've got a post scheduled for tomorrow, and some more for later in the month. Not sure how much I'll actually be around though... Or when I'll get to your blogs... Too tired right now.
Will tell you about the stupid question and the seagull later in the week. ;)
Hope you're all doing OK. *hugs*
Tori
Monday, October 06, 2008
*Sigh* (AE&D... PTMI)
So... Today was my post op check-up. And guess what?
My specialist looked at my eye, then sort of sighed and said, "Ah!" in barely more than a whisper. That kind of a reaction is never good from a doctor. And it told me that my suspicions were correct.
You see, over the weekend my eye has been bleeding again, and quite sore and gunky. So - especially when I woke up in the night with it hurting, and woke up this morning to find the area around the eye and my pillow covered in blood and gunk - I was almost certain I'd end up back in hospital. So certain, in fact, that I left my bank card with Kelly "just in case" and very nearly packed up a bag to take with me (but instead decided to just tell Kelly to be ready to pack one at short notice).
Well...
My specialist grabbed a couple of tubes of those anasthetic drops and proceeded to squeeze both tubes in to my eye so he could make sure it was definately numb enough for him to have a good look. Then he pulled out the protective shell thing and confirmed my suspicions about his previous reaction.
The implant is very exposed... Even more so than last time for some reason. So guess where I'm going tomorrow? Yup! That's right! Back in to hospital. *Sigh*
He wants to "take a look" with me under anasthetic to see if he can figure out a simple explanation for it not working. I told him that was fine but that if either he can't find a simple and easily remedied solution, or if he finds one but it still doesn't work, then I've told him straight that I've had enough and this is his last chance to try keeping the implant in. If it fails this time then I want him to take it out, let me heal in peace, and sod the "better cosmetic result."
He asked why, so I told him that I was getting fed up of being "pulled about" and wanted all this sorted out and over and done with. Then I added that I wasn't entirely confident in the ability of the hospital to take proper care of me either. He asked what I meant (he wasn't involved in - or aware of - what happened during my last trip to hospital). So I told him about it.
He said it was "disgraceful" for any patient to be treated that way, and was "even more dispicable" because of the fact I have "more specialist needs" which needed to be catered for, but weren't. And he actually told us that we should put a formal complaint down in writing so that - even if I don't end up back in hospital - nobody else has to be put through what I was.
It's bad when even the surgeon is advising you write and complain, isn't it?
On a slightly more possitive note...
We got the results from the swob they took of the gunk from my eye when I was rushed in to A&E two weeks ago. Apparently nothing grew from the gunk on the swob, which means we caught the infection quick enough for it not to cause any problems or find its way in to my brain.
So, that's something comforting at least. :)
Anyway...
I would have gone in tonight, but since my op isn't until tomorrow evening I said no. So I'm going in the morning instead. I've got to be there for 10:00 am, which means getting up early enough to be bathed, dressed and ready to leave at 9:00 am.
I don't know how long after the op I'll be back online. I've got a couple of posts scheduled for later in the month though, and I'll be on as soon as I'm well enough to let you know how I'm doing.
In the meantime...
Stay safe, get well soon (if you're sick), stay well (if you're not sick), and so on and so forth. :)
Tori
My specialist looked at my eye, then sort of sighed and said, "Ah!" in barely more than a whisper. That kind of a reaction is never good from a doctor. And it told me that my suspicions were correct.
You see, over the weekend my eye has been bleeding again, and quite sore and gunky. So - especially when I woke up in the night with it hurting, and woke up this morning to find the area around the eye and my pillow covered in blood and gunk - I was almost certain I'd end up back in hospital. So certain, in fact, that I left my bank card with Kelly "just in case" and very nearly packed up a bag to take with me (but instead decided to just tell Kelly to be ready to pack one at short notice).
Well...
My specialist grabbed a couple of tubes of those anasthetic drops and proceeded to squeeze both tubes in to my eye so he could make sure it was definately numb enough for him to have a good look. Then he pulled out the protective shell thing and confirmed my suspicions about his previous reaction.
The implant is very exposed... Even more so than last time for some reason. So guess where I'm going tomorrow? Yup! That's right! Back in to hospital. *Sigh*
He wants to "take a look" with me under anasthetic to see if he can figure out a simple explanation for it not working. I told him that was fine but that if either he can't find a simple and easily remedied solution, or if he finds one but it still doesn't work, then I've told him straight that I've had enough and this is his last chance to try keeping the implant in. If it fails this time then I want him to take it out, let me heal in peace, and sod the "better cosmetic result."
He asked why, so I told him that I was getting fed up of being "pulled about" and wanted all this sorted out and over and done with. Then I added that I wasn't entirely confident in the ability of the hospital to take proper care of me either. He asked what I meant (he wasn't involved in - or aware of - what happened during my last trip to hospital). So I told him about it.
He said it was "disgraceful" for any patient to be treated that way, and was "even more dispicable" because of the fact I have "more specialist needs" which needed to be catered for, but weren't. And he actually told us that we should put a formal complaint down in writing so that - even if I don't end up back in hospital - nobody else has to be put through what I was.
It's bad when even the surgeon is advising you write and complain, isn't it?
On a slightly more possitive note...
We got the results from the swob they took of the gunk from my eye when I was rushed in to A&E two weeks ago. Apparently nothing grew from the gunk on the swob, which means we caught the infection quick enough for it not to cause any problems or find its way in to my brain.
So, that's something comforting at least. :)
Anyway...
I would have gone in tonight, but since my op isn't until tomorrow evening I said no. So I'm going in the morning instead. I've got to be there for 10:00 am, which means getting up early enough to be bathed, dressed and ready to leave at 9:00 am.
I don't know how long after the op I'll be back online. I've got a couple of posts scheduled for later in the month though, and I'll be on as soon as I'm well enough to let you know how I'm doing.
In the meantime...
Stay safe, get well soon (if you're sick), stay well (if you're not sick), and so on and so forth. :)
Tori
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Random thoughts and musings (LBE)
I was trying to figure out that blog following thing. I had no trouble putting a widget for it on my sidebar, and no trouble clicking on the link on other people's blogs to follow their blogs. But I can't seem to figure out how to add blogs to my list of blogs I follow without that link. Actually, that's not strictly true. I've found the link for it, but I can't make it work! I've tried all the usual ways Jaws works links, but it wont work. *Sigh* Oh, well, it doesn't really matter. I just thought I'd mention it because I didn't want anyone who noticed I was only following certain blogs to think it was anything personal. It's not! I just can't seem to add blogs to the list without that link that's in the sidebar widget thingy.
~~~~~~
It's cold today. At least the rain's stopped for a bit though. This is the closest to a sunny day we've had since I was well enough from my op to want to go outside. Funnily enough, when I was in hospital - and the weekend afterwards when I wouldn't have had the energy to go out if you paid me to go - it was beautiful and sunny. I swear it did that last time too! Maybe I have to be in hospital for the rest of the country to enjoy some sunshine? Hmmm... Well, if that's the case then forget it! I'm not going back in just so everyone else gets some sunshine! You can all just put up with the rain! LOL!
~~~~~~
There's an oak tree almost half way along where I walk Kero. I never realised before, but I took Kero out for a walk this afternoon and stepped on something hard. So, I wanted to know what it was and bent down to investigate. Turned out it was an acorn. There were lots of them on the ground under a really big tree that appeared to have shed them. I picked up a couple and brought them home to have Kelly confirm my suspicions. He said I was right. I like being right. :)
Wonder where the squirrels are and why they aren't around collecting the nuts. Maybe the tree is too close to where people are for their liking? I mean, a lot of people use that path, and there are houses the opposite side of it to the tree. Or maybe the squirrels - like most of us humans - didn't want to go out in the rain we've been having? *Shrugs*
Kero likes acorns. He wanted to see what I was showing Kelly. I think he ate them. Is that normal for dogs? I know he eats other nuts (well, some kinds) so I'm not really worried.
~~~~~~
Have you ever noticed how warm and inviting a home feels with incense sticks or cones burning in it? Especially when you come in from a walk on a chilly Autumn afternoon. Usually I'm already in the house when the incense is put on, so - although I notice it - I don't notice how inviting it makes the home feel. But today they'd not long gone on when I went out, so I came home to them nicely burning away. And it smelled really nice. Almost as inviting as when you come home on a cold Winter's evening and smell something delicious cooking.
(Don't worry, I didn't leave them burning in an empty flat... Kelly was home and able to keep an eye on them).
~~~~~~
Why is it that every time you get all the dishes up to date someone wants a cuppa? Or, you just get the washing caught up and someone has a bath and/or changes their clothes! Is it a law or something?
~~~~~~
I was just thinking...
*Waits for the groans and whispers of, "Uh-Oh!" to die out*
People often say, "A penny for your thoughts," but nobody ever pays up. I mean, plenty of times people have said that to me, and I'm still waiting for my pennies! Then there's the people who say they're putting their two cents worth in... They don't pay up either! We need a thought jar. You know? Like some people have a swear jar, except you put pennies in it either if you said, "a penny for your thoughts," or if you said you were putting your two cents in.
~~~~~~
If everyone's body temperature is the same, why do some people feel the cold more than others? I mean, you'd think if one person's body temperature was dropping then another person's would too, right? I understand the way it works if one person has more body fat than the other, but what about people who are the same build?
~~~~~~
OK, I think that's enough of my nonsense for one evening. Before I publish this though, I'd just like to say, "happy birthday," to AliceKay, since - if I'm not very much mistaken - today is her birthday. :)
Enjoy whatever's left of your day. Stay safe, get well soon, and all those other things that people say to you that you intend - or don't intend, as the case may be - to do anyway, but they just "have to" be said. ;)
Tori
~~~~~~
It's cold today. At least the rain's stopped for a bit though. This is the closest to a sunny day we've had since I was well enough from my op to want to go outside. Funnily enough, when I was in hospital - and the weekend afterwards when I wouldn't have had the energy to go out if you paid me to go - it was beautiful and sunny. I swear it did that last time too! Maybe I have to be in hospital for the rest of the country to enjoy some sunshine? Hmmm... Well, if that's the case then forget it! I'm not going back in just so everyone else gets some sunshine! You can all just put up with the rain! LOL!
~~~~~~
There's an oak tree almost half way along where I walk Kero. I never realised before, but I took Kero out for a walk this afternoon and stepped on something hard. So, I wanted to know what it was and bent down to investigate. Turned out it was an acorn. There were lots of them on the ground under a really big tree that appeared to have shed them. I picked up a couple and brought them home to have Kelly confirm my suspicions. He said I was right. I like being right. :)
Wonder where the squirrels are and why they aren't around collecting the nuts. Maybe the tree is too close to where people are for their liking? I mean, a lot of people use that path, and there are houses the opposite side of it to the tree. Or maybe the squirrels - like most of us humans - didn't want to go out in the rain we've been having? *Shrugs*
Kero likes acorns. He wanted to see what I was showing Kelly. I think he ate them. Is that normal for dogs? I know he eats other nuts (well, some kinds) so I'm not really worried.
~~~~~~
Have you ever noticed how warm and inviting a home feels with incense sticks or cones burning in it? Especially when you come in from a walk on a chilly Autumn afternoon. Usually I'm already in the house when the incense is put on, so - although I notice it - I don't notice how inviting it makes the home feel. But today they'd not long gone on when I went out, so I came home to them nicely burning away. And it smelled really nice. Almost as inviting as when you come home on a cold Winter's evening and smell something delicious cooking.
(Don't worry, I didn't leave them burning in an empty flat... Kelly was home and able to keep an eye on them).
~~~~~~
Why is it that every time you get all the dishes up to date someone wants a cuppa? Or, you just get the washing caught up and someone has a bath and/or changes their clothes! Is it a law or something?
~~~~~~
I was just thinking...
*Waits for the groans and whispers of, "Uh-Oh!" to die out*
People often say, "A penny for your thoughts," but nobody ever pays up. I mean, plenty of times people have said that to me, and I'm still waiting for my pennies! Then there's the people who say they're putting their two cents worth in... They don't pay up either! We need a thought jar. You know? Like some people have a swear jar, except you put pennies in it either if you said, "a penny for your thoughts," or if you said you were putting your two cents in.
~~~~~~
If everyone's body temperature is the same, why do some people feel the cold more than others? I mean, you'd think if one person's body temperature was dropping then another person's would too, right? I understand the way it works if one person has more body fat than the other, but what about people who are the same build?
~~~~~~
OK, I think that's enough of my nonsense for one evening. Before I publish this though, I'd just like to say, "happy birthday," to AliceKay, since - if I'm not very much mistaken - today is her birthday. :)
Enjoy whatever's left of your day. Stay safe, get well soon, and all those other things that people say to you that you intend - or don't intend, as the case may be - to do anyway, but they just "have to" be said. ;)
Tori
Eventful night
We had quite an eventful night last night (Saturday night). It started at some point in the evening...
We kept hearing this beeping noise. It wasn't a regular beep, it just seemed to happen on and off. We couldn't figure out where it was coming from though. So, we figured it was someone's car alarm and that they'd gone off to the pub and didn't know it was going off. I mean, with the wind it could have been that a strong gust had jolted the car enough to make it go off or something.
Eventually though, we realised it was coming from upstairs. Kelly went and knocked to see if everything was OK, but we couldn't get an answer. So we tried to get in touch with them (I have phone numbers for them). But still no luck.
We were just wondering what we should do when there was a knock at the door. Some neighbours had come to investigate and tried to knock for them and got no answer.
By this time it's getting close to midnight and we're trying to figure out the source of the beep. It sounded like a fire alarm, but there was no sign of smoke or any glowing of flames, and since they had left a couple of windows slightly open we'd have been able to at least smell the smoke. So that left us with the options that either it wasn't a fire alarm, or it was but it was just from carbonmonoxide (sp?) in the air, or the alarm had a low battery (which also makes them beep on and off).
The other big question was... Where were Eleri, Faye and Daisy? Were they in there and either hurt - or worse? Or, were they somewhere else and just not answering the phones?
The key to finding that out was the car... Eleri recently passed her driving test, and her Dad brought her a car as a present. Only problem was, the only person that knew this was me, and I, obviously, didn't know what it looked like.
Then I remembered one other person had seen the car... And been admiring it, so maybe - just maybe - she could remember what it looked like. That person was my Mam. So - despite the lateness of the hour - my Mam was phoned.
She described the car, and sure enough it wasn't there. So that meant they probably weren't there. So that was a bit of comfort. But we still needed to pin-point the source of that beeping, because if there was something wrong it needed to be sorted out before it got worse.
So, while I tried - and failed - again to get hold of Eleri, the neighbours who'd come and knocked phoned 999.
The fire department arrived, forced their way in via one of the windows, and checked it out. I think they decided on a window because the window was open a little and it would cause less damage to open that more and squeeze in than to force open the door.
It was the fire alarm... The battery was low in it. So they disconnected it and left a report or something for Eleri to find when she got home.
Eleri must have found my text when she woke up, 'cause she was here first thing this morning asking what happened.
She said she was sorry, but - as I said to her - we were more concerned there was something wrong (especially when I couldn't get a reply to my texts and phone calls) and didn't need any kind of appology.
I hardly slept last night though, because I was worried about the lack of answer to the phones. I had a couple of hours sleep after Eleri came this morning though. Basically, once I knew they were OK.
Like I said, it was a bit of an eventful night.
Tori
We kept hearing this beeping noise. It wasn't a regular beep, it just seemed to happen on and off. We couldn't figure out where it was coming from though. So, we figured it was someone's car alarm and that they'd gone off to the pub and didn't know it was going off. I mean, with the wind it could have been that a strong gust had jolted the car enough to make it go off or something.
Eventually though, we realised it was coming from upstairs. Kelly went and knocked to see if everything was OK, but we couldn't get an answer. So we tried to get in touch with them (I have phone numbers for them). But still no luck.
We were just wondering what we should do when there was a knock at the door. Some neighbours had come to investigate and tried to knock for them and got no answer.
By this time it's getting close to midnight and we're trying to figure out the source of the beep. It sounded like a fire alarm, but there was no sign of smoke or any glowing of flames, and since they had left a couple of windows slightly open we'd have been able to at least smell the smoke. So that left us with the options that either it wasn't a fire alarm, or it was but it was just from carbonmonoxide (sp?) in the air, or the alarm had a low battery (which also makes them beep on and off).
The other big question was... Where were Eleri, Faye and Daisy? Were they in there and either hurt - or worse? Or, were they somewhere else and just not answering the phones?
The key to finding that out was the car... Eleri recently passed her driving test, and her Dad brought her a car as a present. Only problem was, the only person that knew this was me, and I, obviously, didn't know what it looked like.
Then I remembered one other person had seen the car... And been admiring it, so maybe - just maybe - she could remember what it looked like. That person was my Mam. So - despite the lateness of the hour - my Mam was phoned.
She described the car, and sure enough it wasn't there. So that meant they probably weren't there. So that was a bit of comfort. But we still needed to pin-point the source of that beeping, because if there was something wrong it needed to be sorted out before it got worse.
So, while I tried - and failed - again to get hold of Eleri, the neighbours who'd come and knocked phoned 999.
The fire department arrived, forced their way in via one of the windows, and checked it out. I think they decided on a window because the window was open a little and it would cause less damage to open that more and squeeze in than to force open the door.
It was the fire alarm... The battery was low in it. So they disconnected it and left a report or something for Eleri to find when she got home.
Eleri must have found my text when she woke up, 'cause she was here first thing this morning asking what happened.
She said she was sorry, but - as I said to her - we were more concerned there was something wrong (especially when I couldn't get a reply to my texts and phone calls) and didn't need any kind of appology.
I hardly slept last night though, because I was worried about the lack of answer to the phones. I had a couple of hours sleep after Eleri came this morning though. Basically, once I knew they were OK.
Like I said, it was a bit of an eventful night.
Tori
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Flowers, Kero & Friday (LBE & FD)
It's a cold, wet Saturday here in Wales, and I don't feel like doing much today. So I thought I'd post the couple of photos we took recently for me to put on here.
These first two are of the flowers Kelly got me when I was in hospital.
They smell really nice, and everyone says they're as pretty to look at as they are to smell - if not more so - so I asked him to take a photo of them for me before they had a chance to wilt and die.
As you can see, he did a couple from different angles.
These photos were taken a couple of days ago, and the flowers are still doing well, which doesn't happen often with flowers nowadays. Especially this time of year.
I did have a couple of get well cards and some chocolates and sweets too, but I didn't see the point in having Kelly take photos of them.
Oh yeah, and I also had some grapes... Everyone gets grapes when they go in hospital for some reason. I was good though, I ate them before starting to munch my way through the chocolates and sweets. LOL!
And this next pic is one I took of Kero (after many attempts from different angles, but still... lol!) I took it Wednesday evening, I think. I just figured people might like a new pic of him.
These first two are of the flowers Kelly got me when I was in hospital.They smell really nice, and everyone says they're as pretty to look at as they are to smell - if not more so - so I asked him to take a photo of them for me before they had a chance to wilt and die.
As you can see, he did a couple from different angles.
These photos were taken a couple of days ago, and the flowers are still doing well, which doesn't happen often with flowers nowadays. Especially this time of year.I did have a couple of get well cards and some chocolates and sweets too, but I didn't see the point in having Kelly take photos of them.
Oh yeah, and I also had some grapes... Everyone gets grapes when they go in hospital for some reason. I was good though, I ate them before starting to munch my way through the chocolates and sweets. LOL!
And this next pic is one I took of Kero (after many attempts from different angles, but still... lol!) I took it Wednesday evening, I think. I just figured people might like a new pic of him.
***~***
I went out for the afternoon with my Mam and Dad yesterday (Friday). I don't remember the last time I went out for a few hours with my Mam and Dad without at least most of the outing being taken up by a trip to the doctor or hospital, so it was a nice change. LOL!
We went and looked in a couple of shops. Dad was going to get me an audio book, but I couldn't decide which one I wanted. And the one I might have chosen I didn't want to get because they only had part of the set and I didn't want to get it if I couldn't be sure of getting the rest at some point. Especially since they had the parts they had (books 1 & 4 of 6) in different formats. Book 1 was on cassette and book 4 was on CD. So I decided not to bother, and - of course - because I wasn't bothering with the one I "really" wanted I couldn't make my mind up about wich to choose instead.
In the end Dad got me three music CDs instead of an audio book.
One of the CDs is the new "Boyzone" single "Love You Anyway" which is their first after getting back together. They've got a new album coming out some time this month too, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that one.
The second was "The Very Best Of Dolly Parton."
And the third was an album called "Seventh Tree" by a group called "Goldfrapp." I'm sure I've heard of their existance before, but the name didn't ring any bells. Dad was pretty sure I'd like them though, so we decided we'd get the CD and I'd have a listen and see what I thought. They're pretty good, actually.
Mam and Dad got a couple of CDs too. I don't remember which ones they had though, sorry.
Anyway...
Where we went we were right by a Subway, so Dad got Mam and me a sub each. He didn't fancy one himself though. But Dad's not big on subs, so I can't say I was surprised that nothing took his fancy.
I had a foot long, but only ate half of it at the time, because I wasn't hungry enough to eat it all right then. So when I got home I put the other half in the fridge and had it for lunch today. :)
Mam and Dad stayed for dinner and we had spaghetti bolagnese, which my Mam cooked. We'd planned on having it Thursday with Wayne, but by the time they got back from the vet it was too late to fuss about with making it, so instead we had microwavable meals since they could be done quickly.
There would have been plenty of time for it, but when Kelly, Wayne and Kero arrived at the vet they were informed that the day before (October 1st) the way the afternoon appointments worked had changed. So, instead of just going in between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm and you'd get to see a vet in the order you got there (first come, first served kinda thing) you now had to make an appointment. Luckily there was a free spot at 4:20 pm, but this meant that instead of being there early enough so they could be seen first and be home again by 4:45 pm at the latest it was close to 5:30 pm before they got home. And since it poured with rain on their way home we were more concerned with getting them all dried off and the humans in to dry clothes. So by the time that was done time was getting on and we were all getting quite hungry and wanted food "NOW" rather than in an hour. So we all agreed that meals that took about 10 minutes were a better idea.
I think the appointment thing is a good idea, but it would have been nice if they'd let us know. Especially since they would have been due to send out Kero's reminder card anyway. Mind you, that would have taken time (and money) from them, and - as my Dad mentioned recently (on a non-related topic) - that's not how you do things when trying to run a business. You try and save money, not spend it when it can be avoided. And, at least they were able to fit Kero in, I suppose.
***~***
I've been working on this post now for around 1 & 1/2 hours, and it's now about 4:15 pm, which means that it's time for me to go find some food (especially since the mention of food is making me rather hungry).
Enjoy whatever's left of your day... And get well soon to all not doing too well - for whatever reason - *hugs* :)
Tori
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Hello all (LBE)
First of all, thanks to everyone for their comments. I have read them all, but just haven't responded since I'm not sure what I can say other than, "Thank you!"
This second operation seems to have drained me more than the first. I think perhaps because I wasn't 100% recovered from the last one. That combined with the fact my hands ended up a bit of a mess from their "attempts" at finding a good vein will explain why it's taken me longer this time to get back on the blogs properly.
Monday afternoon I'll be seeing my specialist, but I don't know if he'll be able to tell this soon whether this has worked or not. I mean, it looked like things were going well last time, after all.
All I know right now is that it's still feeling kinda sore from the op, but that Mam and Kelly say that the bruises are healing up nicely. Also, the "gunk" that is coming from it is a very small amount, and Mam and Kelly say it's still the clear stuff you get from healing wounds - if you know what I mean - so at least it doesn't appear to have any sort of infection in it.
I had to go for a blood test today to check my iron level to see if the doctors feel I should stay on my iron tablets. As if I wasn't having enough needles in me right now! Funny thing is that - since they did the test with me on the tablets - I don't know how they expect to get a proper idea of whether or not I still need the tablets. I know what's going to happen, because it's happened before. They'll say I don't need the tablets, so they'll stop them. Then they'll do a full blood count test for some reason and discover that I'm very anemic and ask why I'm not on iron tablets. LOL! I don't mind in a way though. Since I'm eating more veg and stuff now I should be able to keep my iron level up to a decent level. And if I don't have to have the tablets then - once all this with my eye is over - it'll only be my inhalers that I need to have on prescription regularly, and it would be nice to be free from all the drops, eye ointments and tablets.
***~***
I've watched a few movies over the past week or so. The first one I might have already mentioned, but I can't remember. Anyway, the movies are:
"Racing Stripes" - About a Zebra who thinks he's a horse and dreams of being a race horse. Mam, Dad, Kelly and I watched it together... It was really good!
"The Water Horse" - Mentioned recently, but watched again with my Mam and Dad last Friday.
"Driving Lessons" - I know I mentioned this one recently too... The low budget movie starring Rupert Grint. I watched it with my Mam on Saturday... Or was it Friday night? *Shrugs* I dunno! It was one or the other.
"Thunderpants" - Also mentioned recently, and also starring Rupert Grint. But, again watched with Mam on Saturday (definately Saturday for this one).
"Serendipity" - A movie about a man and a woman who meet accidentally and fall in love, but both have partners and aren't sure if they should trust their feelings. So they decide to leave it up to fate to decide. It was a really good movie. Mam and I both enjoyed it.
"Open Season" - An animated movie about a tame bear who's living in the lap of luxury until a moose comes in to his life and he ends up being released back in to the wild three days before hunting season begins. It's a VERY funny movie.
"The Clan Of The Cave Bear" - I know I've seen it before, but not sure if I mentioned it on here. It's based on the first book in Jean M Auel's "Earth's Children" series of books about "Ayla" who's orphaned by an earthquake when she's five years old and taken in by the medicine woman of "The Clan." It's an old movie, but a good one. Wayne wanted to watch it today, which was how I ended up watching it today.
I did start watching an animated movie called "The Batman And Superman Movie" with Kelly and Wayne this afternoon, but I was very tired so went for a nap rather than watch the rest of the movie. The DVD is Kelly's anyway, so I can watch it any time I want.
***~***
A few weeks ago I "finally" got around to getting the Harry Potter audio book I was missing from the set. I had them all as print books, but hadn't done much towards getting them on audio until last year. Well, they aren't cheap, so it took me a while to be able to justify paying out that much money on just one item. The one I was missing was book six... "Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince"... And it cost me £40 (that's about US$60 ish). And that was the cheapest I was able to find it (a lot of places wanted £65).
Anyway...
I listened to it pretty much right away. I actually only finished listening to it the night before I went in to hospital. There's a lot of disks in those Harry Potter books. Especially the last few books!
I don't think I need to tell you I enjoyed it... If I do then you're obviously new to my blog and don't know me very well yet. LOL!
When I've finished listening to and reading the books I've got waiting for me to listen to or read I'm going to have a Potter-a-thon and listen to all seven books... One after the other! That's not going to be until some time next year though. LOL!
***~***
Wayne and Kelly took Kero for his yearly check-up and booster shot today. I wasn't feeling up to going. Partly from being tired still from the op anyway and partly because I didn't feel like it after going to the doctor earlier.
Anyway...
Kero got a clean bill of health, so that's good. :)
***~***
I think that covers everything.
*Sending thoughts and prayers to those in need of them*
Tori
This second operation seems to have drained me more than the first. I think perhaps because I wasn't 100% recovered from the last one. That combined with the fact my hands ended up a bit of a mess from their "attempts" at finding a good vein will explain why it's taken me longer this time to get back on the blogs properly.
Monday afternoon I'll be seeing my specialist, but I don't know if he'll be able to tell this soon whether this has worked or not. I mean, it looked like things were going well last time, after all.
All I know right now is that it's still feeling kinda sore from the op, but that Mam and Kelly say that the bruises are healing up nicely. Also, the "gunk" that is coming from it is a very small amount, and Mam and Kelly say it's still the clear stuff you get from healing wounds - if you know what I mean - so at least it doesn't appear to have any sort of infection in it.
I had to go for a blood test today to check my iron level to see if the doctors feel I should stay on my iron tablets. As if I wasn't having enough needles in me right now! Funny thing is that - since they did the test with me on the tablets - I don't know how they expect to get a proper idea of whether or not I still need the tablets. I know what's going to happen, because it's happened before. They'll say I don't need the tablets, so they'll stop them. Then they'll do a full blood count test for some reason and discover that I'm very anemic and ask why I'm not on iron tablets. LOL! I don't mind in a way though. Since I'm eating more veg and stuff now I should be able to keep my iron level up to a decent level. And if I don't have to have the tablets then - once all this with my eye is over - it'll only be my inhalers that I need to have on prescription regularly, and it would be nice to be free from all the drops, eye ointments and tablets.
***~***
I've watched a few movies over the past week or so. The first one I might have already mentioned, but I can't remember. Anyway, the movies are:
"Racing Stripes" - About a Zebra who thinks he's a horse and dreams of being a race horse. Mam, Dad, Kelly and I watched it together... It was really good!
"The Water Horse" - Mentioned recently, but watched again with my Mam and Dad last Friday.
"Driving Lessons" - I know I mentioned this one recently too... The low budget movie starring Rupert Grint. I watched it with my Mam on Saturday... Or was it Friday night? *Shrugs* I dunno! It was one or the other.
"Thunderpants" - Also mentioned recently, and also starring Rupert Grint. But, again watched with Mam on Saturday (definately Saturday for this one).
"Serendipity" - A movie about a man and a woman who meet accidentally and fall in love, but both have partners and aren't sure if they should trust their feelings. So they decide to leave it up to fate to decide. It was a really good movie. Mam and I both enjoyed it.
"Open Season" - An animated movie about a tame bear who's living in the lap of luxury until a moose comes in to his life and he ends up being released back in to the wild three days before hunting season begins. It's a VERY funny movie.
"The Clan Of The Cave Bear" - I know I've seen it before, but not sure if I mentioned it on here. It's based on the first book in Jean M Auel's "Earth's Children" series of books about "Ayla" who's orphaned by an earthquake when she's five years old and taken in by the medicine woman of "The Clan." It's an old movie, but a good one. Wayne wanted to watch it today, which was how I ended up watching it today.
I did start watching an animated movie called "The Batman And Superman Movie" with Kelly and Wayne this afternoon, but I was very tired so went for a nap rather than watch the rest of the movie. The DVD is Kelly's anyway, so I can watch it any time I want.
***~***
A few weeks ago I "finally" got around to getting the Harry Potter audio book I was missing from the set. I had them all as print books, but hadn't done much towards getting them on audio until last year. Well, they aren't cheap, so it took me a while to be able to justify paying out that much money on just one item. The one I was missing was book six... "Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince"... And it cost me £40 (that's about US$60 ish). And that was the cheapest I was able to find it (a lot of places wanted £65).
Anyway...
I listened to it pretty much right away. I actually only finished listening to it the night before I went in to hospital. There's a lot of disks in those Harry Potter books. Especially the last few books!
I don't think I need to tell you I enjoyed it... If I do then you're obviously new to my blog and don't know me very well yet. LOL!
When I've finished listening to and reading the books I've got waiting for me to listen to or read I'm going to have a Potter-a-thon and listen to all seven books... One after the other! That's not going to be until some time next year though. LOL!
***~***
Wayne and Kelly took Kero for his yearly check-up and booster shot today. I wasn't feeling up to going. Partly from being tired still from the op anyway and partly because I didn't feel like it after going to the doctor earlier.
Anyway...
Kero got a clean bill of health, so that's good. :)
***~***
I think that covers everything.
*Sending thoughts and prayers to those in need of them*
Tori
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