No Bed at the Inn

L

uke and I had an adventure this week that we will not soon forget. We had to make a trip to Vanderbilt Emergency room due to Luke experiencing severe upper right quadrant pain. We were seen soon after arriving at 11 am. Luke was triaged then brought back for blood work.

By Noon on Wednesday, we were taken back to a private room in the Emergency room. Here they took more history and blood cultures. Due to Luke’s history and condition they elected to place him on a monitor so we were moved down the hall to a private room that was equipped with a monitor. Luke was soon taken down for a CAT Scan.

The Oncology team that float through the hospital and ER started coming in first one then two, asking the same line of questions and getting the same answers that Luke and I had provided since arriving. We were finally told that they wanted to Admit Luke and we would be moving up stairs as soon as they had a bed available.

At about 10 pm we were told it looked like we would not be moving till the next day, so we requested a hospital bed for Luke and nice reclining sleep chair for myself. Wednesday night was a fun time the room was not very large and if I reclined I blocked the door. So every time staff needed to get into the room, they had to knock slide in through the door, close it and move around me after I sat up.

After the 5 am Thursday blood work, it was determined that Luke would need another two units of blood and they were still looking to move him to a bed upstairs.  By Noon the two units had been changed to three units and still no bed available. It was decided that he might had an infection and they needed to make adjustments to his pain medication so we would be staying till the blood cultures returned after 48 hours.

 By 3 pm the first unit of blood was started and I decided to take fast trip to Clarksville. We made a list of items we both would need for another night so off I went to shower, see my dogs and collect the items. While I was gone another unit was started but an accident caused lines to be cut and upon my return it looked as if there had been a blood bath in the room. By 8 pm we were told still not room available upstairs. We moved all the rolling cabinets, the hospital bed and the sleep chair so we could make room for the nurses to enter and do their work without disturbing Luke or myself.

Friday finally arrived and the Oncology team stopped by and stated that once blood culture were back we would most likely go home with oral antibiotics. The new pain medication regiment seem to be providing Luke with some control over the pain. So we waited, well Luke slept and waited, while I worked to end the Month of May.

Of course, by this time we realized we would be discharged from the ER never making it to a room upstairs. We were told it would be after the blood cultures were complete. Now during all this time, we had become squatters in this ER room we were provided, the staff provided excellent care even though the care they were providing was something they all were not use to doing having the same patient for nearly 48 hour. Around 3 pm, the nurse came in and simply stated I have your paperwork and proceeded to advise Luke of the discharge orders.  From that point on we were treated worse than the actual criminals who had police protection in the room down the hall.

Before we could even get our bags packed, housekeeping was outside the door waiting to pounce on the room, the staff acted like we had overstayed our welcome and kept trying to hurry us out of the room.

We got out the ER 53 hours after walking in the door. Never did see a room upstairs. After all the wonderful care provided, at the end the attitude was totally different like we were the ones that were under police protection. 

Luke has a wonderful Oncology team at Vanderbilt and we cannot wait to see them next week to express our opinion on this last adventure to the Greaty Vanderbilt Emergency Department.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B.

Geek Pride Day, Honoring those Techies every where!

Well in honor of Geek Pride Day , May 25^th, I have to pay homage to the wonderful Tech support team with Brain Host.  A week ago, I tried to sign into the Admin side of my web site and kept getting critical errors. I was cut off from everything. I was not able to do any site work on computer or Ipad.  Of course, after I recovered from the shock, I ran every diagnostic I have on the computer and Ipad. I deleted files/programs I determined were not necessary any longer.  I still could not resolve my problem and I am pretty good with this techie stuff.  I then composed a detailed description of my problem and what I had done to resolve it on my end and sent to Brain Host Support.

 They responded quickly and stated they felt that site was functioning. I was able to sign in one time and the next day same issue reappeared. So off went another email. This time they felt the IP address was being blocked by their server so they fixed that but that did not resolve my critical error message and then we discovered the site itself was no longer available to public. Visitors could see the first page they landed on but if they tried to go to another page they would see an error page.

Now this continued for the week, emails back and forth, attempts on their side, frustration on my side. Finally they fixed the site and the Admin side of the site. I can now do what needs to be done but now the Logo on the site has disappeared.  I can live with my missing Logo for a day or so, while they investigate what has happen to that piece.   I am just pleased that I can update the site and enter data again.

I appreciated so much all the patience and knowledge that these support guys provided to help me.  Even when they, themselves could not figure out why the site was doing this strange action.  I got to thinking how difficult it must be for them every day dealing with irate customers and strange computer issues.

We all have that support person in our company or even in our own home that is always catching the heat when our technology goes awry.  So why not let them know we do appreciate and acknowledge their skill. The next time you speak to a support person, express your gratitude and apologize for your attitude.  For that person in your home, make them a special dinner and thank them for putting up with your impatience.

Keep Dancin’  LB

Remembering Cousin Charles Ray

Today is Armed Forces Day so I am reposting an article from last year in honor of my dear friend John Persico. John served this country in Vietnam and just recently lost his battle with Cancer. John was a true fighter for this country and showed that determination through his greatest battle. Thank you John and we miss you..

Charles Ray was a cousin on my Mother’s side of the family who was in the armed services during the Vietnam Era.

Charles Ray was a good Arkansas boy that served our country. I never got to meet my cousin for he was killed while saving others during a conflict at an air base. My family always talked with high praise of how Charles Ray served our country and died doing his job of saving others.

My Mom always spoke of him with words like special, dedicated, courageous and good hearted. I only saw pictures of Charles Ray in uniform growing up and as a young man in Southeast Missouri farm country; I wanted to be like my cousin.

I learned that Charles Ray’s name was on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC and the first chance I got to go there I made sure to find his name and photographed it for my mom. As I stated, I had wanted to be like my cousin but as I got ready to enlist, I realized I was not service material. I did not like anyone telling me what to do and when to do it. So instead, I went to college and majored in two areas that I would be able help others, Speech Disorders and Nursing, my own way of honoring my cousin, Charles Ray.

Charles Ray was just one of several of our family’s members that served our country over the years prior and past. We are very proud of each and every one of them for the service they provided to our country. I know this year as in years past, family members will be placing special arrangements at the grave of Charles Ray and several others in the next few weeks in remembrance of their service to us and our country.

While thinking of Charles Ray, I also started thinking of the many men and women currently serving our country in the many branches of the armed services. Many are far away from their loved ones and even though it is hard to say many may never see their loved ones again. That is the reality they all face when they join to serve our country.

Armed Services Day is the 3^rd Saturday of May, This is simply a day to salute sharply all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

Even if you don’t have a loved one currently serving in the Armed Forces, contact your local veteran’s organization and see what you can do to show your appreciation this Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. Many have programs that you can join to assist with those currently serving or a veteran who is in need of some companionship.

It really does not matter what you do as long as you do something to show those that serve in the Armed Forces, you appreciate their dedication and service to protect you and this country. Thank you to all the men and women of our Armed Services and God Bless the United States.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B

Quick and Easy Last Minute Desserts

I was asked to repost this article for two of my Quick Desserts. So here you go two of my favorite Quick and Easy Desserts.  Have a great Mothers’ Day Weekend and please treat your mom to a great meal and dessert.

First you have to understand how I shop for food items.  I love the “buy one get one free” items, you just never know when that extra item will come in handy for last minute dishes.  I am also watchful for sale items, even though I might not need the item for that weeks meal menu, it is always good to save a little money now for that great dish later.

Although I think fresh is best, you can never go wrong with a canned  or frozen item for these last minute recipes.

 This offering is of two of my most recent creations that were a big success and only took 45 minutes to prepare and bake. First one that was a great success for my chocolate lover friends a few weeks ago.

Double Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars

1 box chocolate cake mix

2 packages cream cheese room temperature

2 eggs

1 ½ cups chocolate chips

1 box confectionery sugar

1 stick butter room temperature

mix the cake mix with butter till crumbly

separate ½ cup of mix and set aside

press the rest of cake/butter mix into bottom of a 8x11.5x2 baking dish

take the cream cheese, eggs, sugar and blend till smooth

melt the chocolate chips and mix into this mixture till well blended

Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of your cake mix,

sprinkle the half cup of cake mixture on top 

Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes till center is set.

Let cool, then cut into 2 inch squares.

Refrigerate the left over bars,  just set out few minutes prior to serving.

Substitution for cream cheese, and sugar- cream cheese icing

So what was the dessert that inspired me to start sharing my recipes with all of you and especially my Apple loving friends. From the kitchen Cabinets of Larry, here is the newest creation.

 

Quick and Easy Apple Oatmeal Crisp

2 cans of Apple Pie Filling

1 cup of Golden Raisins

1 ½ sticks of butter room temperature

1 ¼ cup all purpose flour

1 ½ cup light brown sugar

1 ½ cup Oats

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1teaspoon nutmeg 

Prepare a 8x11.5x2 baking dish by rubbing with oil or spray with cooking spray

MAY 2013

 

Five years ago, I would get depressed the Month of May; I had lost my mother and was not able to carry on my Mother’s Day tradition. It was also her Birthday month. I was losing out on two of my favorite gift giving dates in my personal life, Mother’s Day and Mom’s Birthday so May was not a good month in my opinion.

After that first May, I turned my tradition of sending Roses to Mom; to sending Roses to my Aunt Dorothy and my adopted Mom, Ms. Honey.  Mom would be proud that I have continued our tradition with her best friend, Aunt Dorothy and our Ms. Honey.  Sadly, this year, I won't be able to send to Ms. Honey for she lost her fight with cancer earlier this year.

So No matter how you remember your MOM this Mother’s Day, taking her out to a special dinner or sending an unique gift for her to remember for years, the most important thing is to be in her life every day.

This May, I have a new special day right after Mother's Day. Luke's Birthday is on the 14th. Poor Luke has no idea what I do to friends on their birthday. 

We also want to honor our brothers and sisters that are in the armed forces this month. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of May to salute all the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.

So how did this special day start to honor those in the services? Well, each branch of the military had their own day of celebration. But, on August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. All branches of the military were asked to celebrate on this day and they complied on the first Armed Forces Day which was held the following year on May 20, 1950. Now you know! So if you have a loved one currently serving in the service why not send them a Care Package to let them know you are thinking of them and proud of what they are doing for you and the country.

The month of May ends with Memorial Day. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in General Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971.

So even though the Month of May was not one of my favorite months a few years ago. I have regained what the different Holidays truly mean during this Month. Honoring those that have served you and your country. Mothers to Soldiers all are due our respect and honor so begin your own unique tradition for Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day this year with a Unique Gift or Care Package.

Keep Dancin’ Larry B　

Power of Three

I have decided that I do believe in the power of three and  here is how I have come to that decision.  My Best friend, Luke mentioned that an item on his Bucket List was to do Tandem Hang Gliding. I told him if he wanted to do it, I would do it with him. Hey, one item I could remove from my own list!  I thought why not make it happen prior to his next Chemotherapy session. This was also going to be prior to the first CT scan to see if the first three chemo treatments had done anything to his cancer.

So we researched and found Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding. They offered tandem hang gliding at two different levels 1800 feet or 3000 feet. I told Luke if we were going to hang from a big kite we were going all the way. So I booked us for the 3000 foot flight.

So on April 20, 2013, Luke and I made our way to Lookout Mountain. We signed our waivers and made our way to the flight field. For this flight, you are placed in a harness and basically hang from the center of the hang glider along side a qualified instructor. Your Glider is then attached to an ultralight plane and you are pulled up to 3000 feet. Once you are at the desired altitude your instructor pulls the rip cord and you are Hang Gliding back to earth.

I can tell you it was the most awesome experience I have ever had. It was peaceful and exhilarating at the same time. At 3000 feet on a beautiful clear day, you are able to see the foot hills of the Smokey Mountains which are about 100 miles from where we were gliding. You are able to see some of the most beautiful landscape in Tennessee and Georgia.

Following our great flying experience, Luke and I spent the day in Chattanooga where we ate at the Fork & Pie for lunch and the tab was $30.00.  We stayed at the  Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel that evening in a train car and the number was divisible by 3.

On Sunday, April 21st, we made our way back to Nashville where Luke had the CT scan. This scan was to evaluate how the first three chemotherapy sessions had performed on Luke's cancer.  On Monday April 22nd, Dr. Goff gave us the results of the scan. Dr. Goff gave us the beat news possible after three sessions all the cancer lesions on liver and stomach tumor was showing decrease in size.  A very good sign that the current treatment was doing its job. 

So your see the number three follow us around all weekend and Luke could not have gotten better news after only three Chemo treatments that all lesions and tumors showed a decrease in size.  The power of  three , Yes, I will latch onto any possibility to assist my friend in his fight. 

Keep Dancin’ Larry B.

LIFE

Funny how we take life for granted every single day.  When life is so precious and we are never guaranteed that we will have another day.  Over the past year, I have been reminded of this fact over and over. Yet everyone is so busy with making a living, making ends meet, meeting deadlines, rearing kids, ensuring their place in society. We worry about what our neighbors, co-workers, friends and the man on the street think of us that we tend to forget the most important aspect of life.

Being yourself, being happy with whom you are and accepting that God has a true purpose for you. We should be showing those in our lives just how much they mean to us every single day. We should be living our lives and not working ourselves into emotional and physical wrecks.

Oh sure, easy to say and even easier to type; but to truly enrich our lives, we should be focused on ourselves and those in our lives more so than our jobs and status among our peers, co-workers and the man on the street. I know when I was younger; I was focused on a career and my status among co-workers, peers and the man next door.  I see that all that was just an attempt to be accepted by the standards that society had set forth as being the norm.  Sure advancing in my career has provided a nice living. But over the years there were times that the job superseded family, friends and my personal wellbeing.

Anyone that knows me; knows I am far from being labeled as normal in today’s society. I have accepted who I am and I have grown to love the man I have become over the years. I take pride in my family because without them I would not be who I am today. I don’t really care what society says is normal, I don’t care what the man next door thinks.  I strive to show respect to my co-workers for we are all in the same struggle with corporate America. My friends know that they become part of my family and are cared for just as any other family member.

Oh sure everyone needs to be productive to simply survive in today’s society but we should not let our jobs rule our lives. We need to maintain a balance between the job and our personal life. We should not let Society dictate normal but accept that we are all unique individuals. We should not be concern what others think as long as we are true to ourselves and cause no harm to others.

I guess what I am trying to express this week is each of us need to take a step back and reassess our lives every chance possible. The bombing in Boston this week is just another example of how life can change in a heartbeat. Time to reassess, regroup and refocus on life...

Keep Dancin'   Larry B.