We Are Deep In the Heart of Texas

Nomadic seasons of farming adventures with nature thrown in to include; a pinch of family, snippets of friends, counting our blessings, paying IT forward, home school, and the spicy things I decide to rant about.















Friday, March 9, 2012

Have Ya'll Noticed Spring Has Shown Up Early?

      Back in early Feb, we noticed our mesquite trees already budding along with some other of our fruit trees that made it through last year's drought.  I find it worrying how the seasons seem to be all messed up with climate change.  My heart goes out to all those who were harmed by such early tornados and then snow right after.  This leaves me wondering if this summer the United States will be plagued with hurricanes.  La Nina has been doing some really crazy things with our weather pattern.

What do ya'll think?

      I want to thank those of you who have inquired as to why my posts have been greatly reduced.  Seems, I have been in a bi-polar funk after my knee injury back in November.  I did not go see a doctor simply because after 20 years of being poked and prodded by doctors who were adept at treating symptoms.  I just did not want to waste my time listening to lectures or theories. I was just happy to be alive and able to stay with my boys. 

     Two weeks ago, I had to go to the emergency room because I was having muscle spasms so hard; I could not move or turn my head. Let me tell you, when spasms hurt worse than contractions, you have issues.  There the doctors found my blood pressure (BP) to be far too high at 240/120.  Even though I was in pain after a shot and flexeril, there was little reduction in my resting BP.  Basically, I could have 'stroked' out at any time.  The kind doctors there gave me meds, told me to rest, and make an appointment with my regular; which I did.

     This week's visit with Dr. Beasely was wonderful.  She actually listened to my concerns and complaints; asked tons of questions.  She told me I had a middle ear infection plus my BP was still too high at 180/110. The next thing she did was doubled my dose of BP meds, ordered a ten day dose of azithromycin, and put me a Symbyax which is a med for bi-polar disorder.  Let me tell you; this med has made a HUGE difference in my ability to function as a human being.  Just after four days on medications I am back to zooming around taking care of my menfolk and not over or under sleeping.

     This leaves me to wonder about all the other 'care-givers' out in the world.  How often do we put others first so much in our lives; we in effect forget to nuture ourselves? Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen.  Heart diease is the number one killer of people in the US.  Ya'll get your cholesterol and bp checked.  High blood pressure is a silent killer and gives little to no warning. 

For you homeschooling parents,

     Have you tried Reading Eggs grades K-3 or ages 4 through 7?  It has been such a sucess, the company is going to expand to other grade/age levels with ABC Reading Express. Also the site allows a trial offer of two weeks to try it free with no use of a credit card. Zephyr adores the online reading program.  He doesn't even realise he is working.  Homeschoolbuyerscoop is having a 25% off special for an annual subscription.  I will be writing more later about our choices this year in curriculum.
     So now,  will leave ya'll with a picture of Roux, going on 4 months at a hefty 5.8 lbs.  She is such a funny puppy, follows me everywhere, chases her own tail, loves to chew dirty socks (dog chewing gum?), and still falls asleep in the strangest of places.  As you can see, she is sleeping on my crossed legs, head down and body up. 

Take Care,
Mal

13 comments:

Patrice said...

What a cute pup! Thanks for stopping by Everyday Ruralty today:)

Nekkid Chicken said...

My pleasure Patrice, :O)

Jim said...

Mal, good to hear you have gotten some meds that will help with both BP's.
Blood pressure can get right out of control, happened to me a few times after my concussion....it's good now.

So, you really must stop BRAGGING about spring there!! lol Oh alright then, brag away, if you must! Have a great weekend.
Jim

Jen said...

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing much better. It's wonderful to have a doctor who listens and prescribes the correct medicine. From my own encounters with Bi-polar it makes all the difference.

Such a cute puppy! And yay to a great reading program!

John Going Gently said...

AND VISITING YOU is like wearing a MAD pair of slippers!!!
jxxx

Kids and Canning Jars said...

Mel
Sorry you had to go through all that. I hope will all be hearing om you more again...Melissa

They call me Blue said...

How precious...good job with the Home Schooling...I greatly admire you for that...get yourself checked out...you're strong...don't worry about the Climate change thing...it's been going on since and before the creation of man...the same climate change that is happening here is happening on Mars too...Let God handle it...luv ya...Blue

Vickie said...

Lady, you better take care of yourself! You had a scare there for sure! I'm glad you got some meds for your BP.

Yes, we are springing all around, too. My husband's already mowed twice and it needed it badly. And I'm anxious to see what happens this summer, too. It'll be interesting!

Cute puppy!

Sharon said...

Morning Mal,

I did notice even last year, spring was a little early. This year though, it's at least a month ahead! My peaches by the privy usually bloom around April Fool's Day, now they are nearly bloomed out. Climate change is a reality.

Glad you got some new meds and you're doing better.

Little Roux is really a darling.

Nice to see you!

Chris said...

Hi Mal, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.com/

Nekkid Chicken said...

Hey Jim! How is life up there in Nova? I am always jealouse of your greeny pictures. LOL

JEN! Can't wait to visit your blog. & meet your new baby.

Hugs to you Big John!

Nekkid Chicken said...

Welcome Chris, I will hop on over to your blog here in a spell. :O)

Howdy Blue

Sharon it is so nice to see you here. I miss you!

Thanks Ms. Melissa, How is spring treating ya'll. We are running the mower twice a week now. WHAT a blessing.

Nekkid Chicken said...

Thanks Vicki, I am slowing down until I get the green light again on my BP. :O) Mal