Day 37 Let's start with good news

 

Happy Day, Brooks! 

Although I'm now officially 2 days behind the Nana-curve, little bubbi Brooks turned 4 months old on Feb 14th! 

Everything goes in the mouth 

He's growing so fast and doing so many new things as each week passes. They got settled into their house and with this janky weather, have even gotten to spend a little extra time unpacking. So happy for you all!

What's shakin at MDA

It's always fun to log in and see what the patient portal says for MD Anderson. Will they be open Wednesday? We know they are still closed today, Tuesday. Let's see, so we take a peekie poo. Yep, David's radiation treatment shows for tomorrow after all. We all know another storm is coming, so we'll know for sure in the morning.

What David did have today is his 1) Radiation Oncologist appt with Dr Rosenthal via telemed. He said that David is doing well (another A+) and with MDA closed for 2 days, that likely David will have radiation over the weekend, and then into next week as well. Thus far, he's scheduled in his patient portal, MyChart to have radiation for 8 days straight, oh and his chemo.  Now, this may change, but for now, that's what he's scheduled for, then 2) The dietician had a telemed call with David today as well. He's lost some weight due to a variety of reasons. Mostly because he can't taste, and his appetite is much less, but also because the nausea rides shotgun with him much of the time. Overall, he's doing well as we approach the tail end of this journey. He's had 2 extra days this week to recover, and no chemo today. That in itself is giving his body time to climb its way back up - at least a little bit. 

More good news

We are fortunate enough to have several great friends helping us out on the farm this week during this winter wonderland of terror for the farm animals. I often think of ALL the animals outside that are affected by the freezing temps and snow. It's such a shock to any animal - pet, farm animal or wildlife animal. I can only imagine how hard it must be to stay warm, find water and food. 

The morning started with Rosie and her Dad arriving at the farm to provide fresh water and food to the animals. They empty the frozen water out, and replace it with fresh water. Yes, it will just freeze, but it does give them an opportunity to have water in that moment. Thanks Rosie and Dad for all you do!

Then, as a bonus, Anthony traveled from Celina to Gunter in a Jeep 4 wheel drive to set up a generator which could power the heated water buckets for the animals. This would give the animals a chance to have water available longer than usual. We are SO grateful for this endeavor! Anthony also walked inside and around the house to check it, as well. No water leaks in the house, and although we've not had electricity for 1 1/2 days at this point, we are hopeful it will come back on soon. Thank you, Anthony!!

As Paul and Angela made their afternoon trek to the farm, they too, made a huge impact in the water situation, this time, for the donkeys. They got an axe and chopped an area in the pond for the donkeys to drink out of. We SO appreciate this effort. They gave treats to everyone, and were able to check how everyone was. 

No, there's no water or electricity at the farm. But there's so many wonderful friends helping keep our animals alive and safe. It's a miracle, we cannot even express our gratitude for all they do. Thank you is not enough. These are our cherished farm animals, guard dogs and barn cats. I can only imagine how confused the animals are, and stressed with this bitter cold. Thank you all for being there for them, while we are not able to be there. 

The Fallout

Everyone is scrambling to find the end of this winter storm and see the sun - and non-freezing temps again. Everyone is trying to figure out the fallout and what it means to them. Whether it's getting family back home, getting out for more food and supplies, fixing broken pipes, or just maybe having electricity again. Maybe it's getting back to work and school. Maybe it's allowing children to be free of the inside for awhile - and get back outside and see friends. There's so many things to be grateful for. Even to eat out again, or drive without the fear of ice on the road will be the best feeling ever. Whatever it is for you, I'm hopeful that you'll be able to do those things that are important to you and your family. It's much needed right now. 

Although the roads and upcoming storm (tonight) did not give David nor I the opportunity to travel back home, I am planning to go back Friday - for many reasons. Mainly though, to check the water pipes as they defrost and see where the leaks might be. We know we have one on the faucet attached to the back of the house facing the north. It busted and froze in mid-pour out. My goal will be to get there and shut the water off to the property to prevent any flooding (inside or outside) as everything starts defrosting. 

As I get another rent car for David to make it up to MDA safely, I'll venture back to Gunter and start seeing what the aftermath of this winter storm brought to the farm. We are like so so many other people who are doing this very same thing. If you happen to be a plumber, you're busy as busy can be. I have reserved an appt with a plumber for Sunday, as that's the soonest I could get someone to come. I'm thrilled at that - I'll take it!

I can see clearly now

As Tuesday comes to a close and Wednesday is hovering, we have another round of snow and cold hitting us all. Yet, I'm able now to finally see what is behind that. It's relief for those without water, electricity and transportation. It will take time to get all these things back, with so many people working overtime to make it happen. As these days creep by, we will get there together. 

I'm happy to report that while David's treatments start up again, we are hoping for the same for our WiFi/Internet service in Houston. We have water and electricity here, which has been a blessing. I know that getting service back to the farm is not the priority for Oncor, as with only 4 houses on a long road in the country does not constitute as much priority as a neighborhood or a business. So we will wait our turn. 

If I could just tell all the animals to hang on for a couple more days. After days long of below freezing, I can't even imagine how they do it. But they are trying hard, with the help of so many friends. 

Speaking of friends, Amber in Whitesboro did some “chicken-in” with me today: 

She was the recipient of an all-white teenage silkie,
who was one of the daughter’s of Frankie.

You probably remember this story. She was the wife of an electrician who did some work at our house awhile back. She’d been looking for a silkie for awhile. I gifted her one of mine, and there’s really nothing better than gifting a chicken to another fellow chicken lady. 

I hope this post finds you warm, safe and healthy. Prayers are pouring out over here, and times like these bring out our grit and determination. God will bring us out the other side of this, and I can see it inside my mind. The beauty of it all. 

Please know I'm thinking of everyone,

C

Update: Rosie feed the animals tonight and I’m thrilled to report our electricity in Gunter is back on......at least for now. Big smiles over here!