Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Uh-oh. Snow.

We've had rain (Yeah!). I awoke around 4 AM and listened to it on the roof until about 5 AM when I fell back to sleep but fortunately it kept raining. This is badly needed precipitation and the ducks LOVE it. The cloud formations have been awesome, and by early afternoon we've had alternate sun and awesome clouds. I was sitting in the living room around 2 PM and looked out the window to the east, toward Stinking Water Ridge. The clouds had cleared and there was snow, a light dusting on the ridge.  First of the season that I know of and it is September 25. It looks like a line of white under the gray of the clouds. Stinking Water Ridge is about 600 feet higher than we are on the old lake bed which is 4200'. Possibility of a freeze Thursday night. We've been harvesting snow peas, spinach, turnips, beets, radishes, tomatoes and lettuce. John has the tomatoes covered and the potatoes should be ready to dig soon. The cooler weather has been refreshing. 



Thursday, September 19, 2013

Around the Ranch

Cows going to winter pasture
Starting to feel like fall here. We had a light freeze last night and weather today is sunny, breezy and in the 70s. Our ranch neighbors, McBain and Toelle, moved their cows to winter pasture. Many friends came to visit while I've been recovering from surgery.  Today I'm starting to feel like my old self. It's been a month. Having folks visit always cheers me up. The turks are getting big. We think we might have two hens and two gobblers. We all know what happens to gobblers. They are entertaining. This morning they flew up on the chicken shed and were walking around. They tend to travel in a group. They are great foragers and love bugs. Okay with us. Tegin, Sam and Bella came through on the weekend on their way to San Jose, CA to seek their fortune.  They left Portland behind and will call the Winnebago home for a while. They want to play music. They are both very talented and resourceful artists. We know they will do well. We might hook up with them this winter down south where it is warmer. Their cat Bella always travels with them and she was a great hit with the turkeys. Thanks to all of you who keep in touch and wish me well with my recovery.  Happy Fall!
Diane comes to visit and coach Qigong

Turks watch oncoming storm. Hey, what's that on the ground, you guys?

Tegin and Sam start their next big adventure

Road Warrior Winnebago is their new home

Old Bella travels along with them

Sunday, September 1, 2013

St. Charles Medical Center, Bend, Oregon



Main Entrance
Life on the Oregon Frontier may include the occasional visit to the hospital. On August 20 I paid a visit to the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon which lies 150 miles west of the Lazy J ranch. The purpose of the visit was total hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Michael Caravelli and his surgical team. Included in the team was anesthesiologist, physician assistant, scrub nurse and someone who managed all the tools. 

A week before the operation I met with a physician assistant in Dr. Caravelli’s office as well as his assistant. There were the usual X-rays, blood work, and other evaluations necessary before major surgery and a visit to my doctor in Burns who helped arrange for some of the tests like chest x-ray and EKG. There’s a huge cadre of people needed to make an operation like this happen. My experience with all of the people involved was pleasant and efficiency was the word of the day.
Dr. Michael Caravelli

In the recovery room the Nurse Ruth was very businesslike. I on the other hand was very chatty, chirpy and singing which was a little unusual for me. I had had a spinal block and light sleep for the surgery and a various times could hear banging, clanging and whirring but it didn’t register. I could care less what was happening. The surgery started at 2 PM, I was in recovery by 4 PM and by 5 PM I was in my room. I had a light salad for dinner. The nurse had me sitting on the edge of the bed that evening.

The next day I was up and walking in the room, then down the hall in the afternoon. I discussed my body functions with more people in three days than I have in a life time. And for some reason, maybe the pain meds, I would not shut up. Anyone who came in the room was fair game. I had my own room on the Ortho/Neuro floor with TV which I didn’t watch but there were two music channels with lovely, soothing music to listen to. When I wasn’t  having meds administered, vital signs checked, physical therapy, occupational therapy, meals, visits, and phone calls, I’d nod off.
Donna, RN, and Julie, CNA

The hospital experience itself was exceptional. I loved being waited on. Three shifts of RNs, CNAs, PTs, OTs and more attended to the needs of the patients on their floor.The food was spectacular. It was healthy! Even vegans would be pleased. I ordered what I wanted from a room menu and it was delivered anytime I wanted it between 6:00 AM and midnight. (Not like the old days where tray of questionable food came only at specified times.) 
Kelly, Physical Therapist



Karen, Radiologist













Beth, Day RN
St. Charles is well laid out and easy to navigate. Volunteers help if a visitor becomes lost. There’s a deli and a cafeteria that serve wholesome food to visitors and staff. There an organic dish of the day in the cafeteria, a resplendent salad bar and healthy entrees. I was very impressed. My husband could find good food while he waited and there is also a beautiful chapel and airy garden space for visitors and staff. And I loved my hospital bed because it adjusted up and down so easily.
Vince, Night RN


Laura, Floor Supervisor
 Everyone was kind, helpful and courteous from the admitting officers to the surgery team. Thank you Dr. Carvelli and crew and the folks at St. Charles Hospital for a positive experience. Recovery is in progress. 

(I took lots more photos, which didn't come out because I was rather fuzzy at the time. And I hope I got everyone's name right.)