Of "A Texas Chain Saw Massacare"~~~~

Alright Darklings,

I know----what do I mean by that....Well Doyle, Sis and I had been watching the news earlier this week and there was one story about trees that appear healthy but suddenly falling over or losing huge limbs without warning.

Part of it appears to be "stress" caused to the trees because of lack of water, part of it is because of soil conditions and the ground can no longer hold the tree, I could understand it if a tree gets too much water that can cause rot to form, and considering that last year with a lot of rain and then heavy windy conditions one of the largest trees near Lake Merritt fell over like a huge dinosaur, I can understand that.

I can also understand if there is too little rain trees either dropping limbs and in essence pruning itself because of lack of water.   And if the soil becomes too dry and roots die off for a whole tree to fall over, but we seem to be, according to the news broadcast losing a lot of trees espeically in the city.

Well that did set me to thinking,  I do have some trees in the back garden area that need to be trimmed and before they start leafing out too much, so I talked to my gardener and he agreed that it would be good to trim back unruly branches and shape the canopy a bit on them, do it right and the trimming could last for several years.

So I planned on having him over on Saturday, ........  well things took a sudden turn.

I have on one side of my property my Sisters house and she does not have any trees on her property, but on the other side is my neighbor who has a wonderful old Oak Tree, and I had been looking at that tree and thinking it might be a wise idea to talk to my neighbor who is elderly and baby sits Belladonna and Weiner Dog, for us to see about making arrangements to trim her Oak tree and I would pay for it, I knew she had limited income.

The other evening that was taken out of my hands when both Doyle and I woke up to the sound of a loud crack---crash!!!  Doyle got up grabbed his robe and flashlight and went out into the back yard where we heard the sounds----I quickly followed but made sure the dogs stayed put, Sis joined me as she decided to spend the night at my place since her bedroom was being painted at her place.

And what did our eyes see????  A huge branch of the old Oak Tree had come crashing down into the garden breaking the fence and crushing the plants----Oh dear!  Thought I,  We do have a problem, our neighbor came out on to her back porch and started crying out "My God!!!"  Well that did cause another neighbor to call 911 thinking that she was hurt.

So admist the flurry of police officers, a fire truck, ourselves calming our neighbor down and other neighbors coming over to see what was the excitment, and poor Brian holding the fort with the dogs, we were able to ascertain that no one was hurt, a fence was seriously broken, an Old Oak Tree had shedded one of it's large branches, some rose bushes were pruned in an extreme way and smaller plants crushed.  

I was very glad that one of the police officers was my "cute" friend, he was one of the first on scene and pretty much took charge until his sargent showed up and saw that things were under control.

The EMT's checked our elderly neighbors blood pressure and although elevated, not dangerously so, the police put up caution tape, and I persuaded our neighbor to come and stay the night at my house so she wouldn't feel frightened and alone and assured her that things will look much better in the morning.  The EMT's took her blood pressure again and it had come down to a more resonable level and she declined going to the ER. 

I said that if she didn't feel any better in the morning we would take her to the ER.   Morning had dawned and all of us with coffee cups in hand went to look at the damaged and although there was damaged, it was not insurmountable.  My gardener showed up ready to trim trees and instead found a fallen giant of a tree limb, his first remark to me was "I'm gonna need a bigger truck".  For some reason that scene in "Jaws" flashed through my mind of that sheriff saying to the 2 sailors "We're gonna need a bigger boat"  and I started laughing. 

So sitting in the patio drinking coffee, we formed a plan of action, my Gardner called his son who brought the bigger truck, and said that once the tree limb was removed could acertain what damage was done to the plants underneath,  I thought to myself "well this is the right time to buy new rose bushes", but my poor neighbor said that she didn't have the funds to cover any repairs or replacements, and I knew her financial situation pretty well, she received enough to cover general maintance and if she was pro-active could take care of things in advance  without it being too much and on any long term projects could save up for it, but this was not planned and it was a question of the health of the tree, was it rotted?  Would it have to be completely removed?  This she didn't have the funds for, and of course the fence.

So I decided to deal with it, and assured her to not worry about the fence, I would pay for replacing the broken section and see about the limb removal and my Gardener knew of a arborist who could check on the tree, I said I'd pay for it and if it needed removal I would attend to it.  After all she does baby sit our dogs even on a moment's notice.  And has been helpful in many other ways.

Once we were sure that my neighbor's health was in good shape, and with cotton balls for ear plugs for us and Doyle taking the dogs to the doggie day care so the sound of chain saws would not frighten them, the chain saws began their massacare on the Oak tree limb being careful in regards to the plants underneath.

Those saws chewed and chewed and even found a couple of spikes that the Oak tree had grown around, the good thing is that the saws were not damaged,  I was watching how they were working on it, for some reason why is it that things like chain saws, jack hammer and big heavy duty trucks see to attract little boys, the reason why I say this is that some of my neighbors came by with their little sons who wanted to see the chain saws do "their thing"and they watched from my porch "the show". 

I did have to turn on "Kitty Kat" incase one of the little darlings wandered away and one did and came running back talking frantically about the BIG KITTY that scared him, of course I showed his mother what he was talking about, she liked the idea and wondered if there was away to do something like that when those door-to-door solisitors showed up.  I thought that might be a good idea, that or a "fog horn" for  a door bell. 

Sis could not stay around for the show and Brian had to go to the City, so with Doyle recruited to watch the children on the porch, I took the mother's on an improtu tour of my home, one of the mother's remarked about how I decorate the house for Halloween and I smiled at her and said "It's always Halloween in my home".   I finished the tour in the formal parlour where the portrait of my Great Aunt looked down upon them, one of the ladies remembered her but only as an old lady I was asked if I had plans for the house after I died, I said I was thinking of a few things but that I didn't plan on dying any time soon.   

Then the show was over, the mother's gathered up their little ones who wanted to play in the garden but the mother's wisely thought that was going a little too far on imposing on me.

After the bits and pieces of the limbs and broken fence were removed, I could look at what was left of the carnage,  3 rose bushes would have to be replaced, but I thought to move the seriously damged ones over to the cemetery and plant them there if they revived, they revived, if they didn't well compost is always good.

Much of the smaller plants were crushed, so once the fence is replaced I'll get some annuals to fill in the spaces so there'd be some dark color, my neighbor was so sorry about it but I told her it was only Mother Nature doing what she does best---wreaking havoc where ever she goes. 

I put in a call to my contractor and he'll come by on Tuesday afternoon, my gardener will come by on monday to do what was orginally planned,  I think we'll have to wait until the following week to do any fence replacement, so that means the dynamic duo will have to do their 1's and 2's in the patio section of the yard.

And I invited my neighbor over for dinner that evening, I told her to not worry about cooking we'll have dinner, a little wine, a little laughter over what happened and all will be well, and it was.

Now if I can get the sound of chain saws out of my ears and mind.

Later Darklings

Of Major Celebration or "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!"~~~~

My Dear Darklings,

Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU all, Trisha, Lucretia, Tea and all you wonderful, wonderful Darklings for you Best Wishes!!!

In just a few words-----I WON!!!!  EVERYTHING!!!

He is paying for all the medical expenseses that was not covered by my medical plan that I had to pay out of pocket, he is paying for the replacement cost of the "nearly new" car that I purchased, he is paying all lawyer/legal fees and he will pay for any continuing medical treatment and therapy up to two years.  He is also re-imbusrsing me for 1/2 the costs of my two caregivers.  I wanted the full amount but my Lawyer said we were in the home streach and to not "blow it".    And he is paying me the difference in loss income because I had to go on disablity which pays less.

Oh there was some consessions from me, but they were minor.  All so he won't lose his job and position, it seems he gets paid "Very Well".  But there was one thing I would not budge on.  I insisted that he admit he had an drinking problem and to go to AA for treatment and that he had to stay with the program for at least 2 years, the same time that covers my continuing medical treatment.  If he didn't there would be serious ramifications.  He accepted the terms.

Darklings, it was a mild day, the room was comfortable but he was sweating "buckets".  The overwhelming evidence nearly made him faint, as a matter of fact I thought he would.   Later, his lawyer informed my lawyer who informed me that he realized that not only would I have won in court but if we insisted on a jury trial it most likely would have resulted in him being bankrupted and losing his job.  But my lawyer told me that if I had been so injured that I could not work anymore or was going to be in a wheelchair there would have been a trial and he still would have lost.

I half expected the man to be arrogant, and I think in other circumstances he would have been, but for what we had.   There was a woman with him who never said a word, never looked at me just down at the confrence table,  I found out later she was his wife, and the look on her face would have made God run in fear, and the look was not directed at me or my lawyer, but at her husband at the conclusion of the meeting.  My lawyer said that the wife has "major bucks", extremely monied, I thought so by the cut of her clothes and the expensive diamond pin she wore on her jacket.  I knew it wasn't costume jewerly.

And now I'm home, HOME!!  Relaxing, typing on my computer, Louise called me to find out the results and was happy for me, I'll see her tomorrow and Friday and then sadly she will be off to another assignment.  My sister called our brother to give him the good news which he will inform his family, seems there is some event at School and he's to join them there.

Doyle is insisting that he treat us to a very fancy dinner, I do wish that Chez Pannisse was open but he is going to surprise me, and Sis is setting up the television to record "Law and Order" at 8 p.m. something about the murder of a female vampire, which should be interesting viewing for later.  And my Doctor said that if I'm not taking any pain pills tonight I can have a glass of wine. 

What wine, it will be Champagne!!!  Doyle surprised me with a bottle of Dom Perion Oh you know Darklings, the Champagne that "James Bond" drinks although not the most expensive vintage, but at $250 dollars a bottle expensive enough!  It was enough to make my eyes grow wide and pop out of my head!  Where he got it I haven't a clue, but Doyle can be that way.

And now my Sister is insisting that I go upstairs and freshen up and put on my most glamorous dress, and to be on the safe side my fanciest cane. 

Later Darklings

Of Seeing the Lawyers (very short post)~~~~

Well My Darklings,

I am a bit nervous.  But I'll have my sister and Doyle as well as my Lawyer at my side.  We are going in 15 minutes to my Lawyers office to have The Meeting with the Lawyer and the idiot who hit me and put me out of work for a long period of time, totalling my car, and medical costs.

My Lawyer re-assured me yesterday that we hold all the cards, the man is nervous, is in a very bad position, and wants to settle this quickly without going to court.  But coming to an agreement could take most of the day as there are various points to go over, and we have a serious stack of paperwork.  I've made notes of the points that I want to be sure will be covered.

So my Darklings, wish me well.   I may have this man's scalp by this evening (as I put on my "War Paint")

Later Darklings

Of Medical set-backs and progress~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Well I had a nasty medical set back, and it was very rough.  The cough that I was developing turned into fever and chills.  My temp went to 102.

Now usually if it's the flu or a cold the doctor's say "Bed rest, fluids, aspirin"   and I did have my flu shot a few months ago.   But whatever this was was affecting my breathing as well.  And since my ribs and other parts of my body were seriously bruised, my doctor didn't want to take any chances so to the hospital I was admitted.

This did throw all the scheduling off, but both Ella and Louise were willing to stand by, they even came to the hospital to make sure I would eat and take my meds.  Ella in the morning and Louise in the afternoon, this took pressure off of my sister and Doyle and they could stay in touch with them as well if any changes happened.

It took nearly 5 days for the fever to break, and my appetite was gone, anything that even looked like food I could not stomach, so to prevent de-hydration I had an IV to make sure that would not happen.  I slept, coughed, dry heaved, moaned, sweated----I was not at my glamorous.  And I lost over 8 pounds, not a good way to lose weight. 

The fever broke on Saturday, and I looked at Louise saying "I wish I could have some won-ton soup", well she snuck some in but said for me to only have the broth, I felt like a baby bird, happy for it.  Sunday we tried a little walking I was weak, but the Doctor was happy, by Tuesday he said I could go home today. 

And although I'm weak I've made a little progress.  I cannot eat much but I can stomach things now provided it's light, even a poached egg is a wonderful banquet for me.

My bruising is healing nicely and so are the cuts although there is one on my face that might require a little cosmetic surgery to prevent scar tissue.

My Lawyer has been in touch with Doyle and it looks like it will be at least 4 months to have a hearing, the stupid man refuses to settle out of court insisting he's in the right when everything including his lawyer knows that this other driver is going to lose. 

I've been feeling very un-glamorous because of this but Doyle knows the way to encourage my heart.   He found a number of Dita Von Teese interviews on You Tube, I just saw one now where she says "How boring is the world going to be if we have to make everything Politically Correct."  And she is so right my Darklings.

You can be Politically Incorrect provided that you do it with grace and elegance, and not be crass.

And now I must lie down  Louise says I'm pushing it and she's right. 

Before I forget I found a photo of one of the roses that will be soon blooming in my garden----enjoy!

Later Darklings

Of further Updates and dealing with Lawyers~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Thank you Carrie and Kellie for your warm concern and your good wishes,  I will do my best to be patient and take my time, even my Doctor said healing cannot be hurried.

I saw my Doctor yesterday afternoon, Louise took me to my appointment, she and Ella are very caring people.  I feel very safe in their care.

The Doctor said I am healing but slowly, he is concerned about the spasms that I have in my back muscles, but the heat therapy seems to be working, and I'll have to use a muscle relaxant for a short while,  the cuts and bruises are slowly healing, but the worse of them make take a couple of months, he is photographing my progress for my Lawyer.

It seems I will not be able to go back to work for at least 8 weeks minimum and I will still need treatment, possibly massage and heat therapy afterwards, he's looking into several things.  There is no bone damage which is good.  And he has seen some progress in my range of motion with the exercises, not a lot but more than before.

I'm seeing my Lawyer this afternoon, I did have a chance to talk to him on the phone yesterday, he said that the other driver's Lawyer is trying to delay things, and looking at the progress of my case it may be several months before we go to trial,  but he said that is good because with everything it will help build my case even better, he's finding witnesses who saw the accident and the photo's clearly show the other driver is in the wrong.

My Doctor is a little concern because I'm starting to cough, he was concern about my heart or that I'm coming down with a cold, but so far it appears to be allergies, so I'm on medication for that as well.  Just when I want to enjoy the dark beauty of my garden this happens.  My caregivers and Marie and Doyle are going to monitor this new development.   My Doctor thinks that with the shock of the accident my system went down, as he calls it.

Oh Darklings, you should see the beautiful plantings my friends did, lovely deep dark reddish purple pansy's, outlined with these white flowers that I've seen I think it's called "carpet of snow",  and my Iris's bulbs that were planted last year are coming up, dark colors I know and some unusual ones as well.  Whitish Daffodil's as contrast.  One of my friends have planted several rose bushes the color's are a deep purple red, and several that are a purple red with white center, I never had a chance to get the names, but the pictures of them are so beautiful.

They also started work in the Greenhouse to make it into a garden to enjoy during the cold months, my Koi are already established in their pond in there and the outside pond has the free mosquito fish from the water company, with a little feeding they should get a bit bigger,  my friends also put in the inexpensive gold fish in there for color, what they call "feeder fish"  if any of them disappear I can always get more.

The cat that use to sleep under my front porch has a permanent home now, it seems to have adopted a neighbor who is taking good care of the little thing, it looks much healthier.

I am able to move around the house a little better, but I still need help to bathe and dress, but Ella thinks that in 4 or 5 weeks I should be far more independent, between her, Louise, My sister and Doyle they make sure I do my exercises and walking, it's not good to sit or lie down for too long, too much of a chance to develop clots in the legs and they are right.

I am sad about the loss of my car, but Doyle and my Lawyer said that we can make the cost of a replacement car part of the settlement,  we shall see, I just do not have an idea what would be a good replacement, all these new cars have so many whistles and bells, so something reliable and stylish and easy to drive and get in and out of.   Some of these cars you feel like you are being stuck in a sardine can.

I am so glad I didn't drive my vintage car that night.   If that had been damaged I would have cheerfully strangled the other driver in spite of my injuries.  Just a simple run to the grocery store, who would have thought such a calamitous event would have happened.

I did have fun getting my Mani-Pedi---Marie was right, a bright color was and is perfect, I have "geranium" by Essie on my fingers and toes,  the ladies at the shop were so kind to me, even brought me tea, and told me to relax and enjoy everything.   And Louise's suggestion about going to a gym that has a very warm jacuzzi tub to help my muscles has been working,  we are going right after we see my Lawyer today. 

I must be getting better I was able to type much longer than before, but now I must go.  My therapist is here and she will not tolerate a delay.  ***sigh***  I hate the idea of surrendering myself to other's care, but there are times when it is for the best.

I will post more later.

And Thank you for all your warm concerns.

Later Darklings

Of Updates and slow progress~~~

Hello Darklings,

Well I am going to have a treat today,  Marie is taking me to the manicurist so I can have a mani-pedi, she is having one too.

Marie is insisting that even though I feel bad, I should do little things to encourage and uplift me, and she is right.  It is still painful for me to walk any great distance, so I'll have to use the wheelchair and wear one of my caftans.

My sister wants me to enjoy the sun a little and to not feel cabin fever,  later this afternoon some of my friends are coming over who are gardening enthusiasts to put annual plantings in the ground as well as some perennials.  I gave them cash told them what I was interested in and should on the diagram where I'd like to have them, if they paid for more things I'll reimburse them. 

And there is a very nice sunny spot in the garden where I can sit and enjoy it, and they are bringing over pot luck as well, so it will be a "planting party", very impromptu, but it does uplift my spirits.

Marie and Doyle helped me get ready although I'm able to do a little more for myself, the exercises do work, but I need my pain medication at night so I can sleep,  I'm trying to take a little less of it each day so I can be more alert and also better gauge my improvement.

Marie thinks I'm rushing it and Doyle agrees, I'm not going to argue with them if they want to fuss over me, if it makes them feel better, but I don't want to impose on them either. 

Poor Belladonna its so hard on her she wants to be close to her "Mommy" but if she jumps on my left side its painful,  so I have to arrange myself so she is on my right side.  And she senses that there are changes in her "schedule" the little thing likes routine and she can't understand why Mommy isn't taking her for the evening walk, even though she likes Miranda.

Doyle is bringing the car around while I type this and he told me that my favorite movie will be on "Svengoolie" tonight---if I can stay awake.   It's "Dracula's Daughter" with Gloria Holden.  Although I have it on DVD, I am going to enjoy Sven's silly but sometimes informative comments.  So this Day is looking to be a very good one.

I'm seeing the Doctor on Monday and we'll see how things are progressing,  and my Lawyer on Tuesday, he is also working with the insurance companies on my behalf, since technically with the pain medication I may not be in a "clear mind" to make important decisions, seems that already the Lawyer for the other driver is trying to make a deal,  much too soon says my Lawyer, so we shall see.

My sister is here, time to go, she says I should wear a brighter color for my mani-pedi,  decisions, decisions.

Later Darklings.

Of owe, ouch, owe and pain~~~~

Dear Darklings,

For three days (today being the third) I've have a therapist coming to work with me especially on range of motion in my left shoulder and arm.  The concern is that the dislocation might limit my range.

Oh the pain!  I find myself in tears, and this morning I took a good look at myself in the Mirror.  I nearly broke down at what I saw, my caregiver Ella and even Louise said that I'm depressed, because of the trauma and the pain, and perhaps the pain medication.

The therapist is concern that if I do not get back my full range of motion then doing something like pinning my long hair I may not ever be able to do that, I may be facing cutting my hair,  it's so long it's well past my derriere.

That thought just depresses me.  But the therapist has re-assured me that it's early days yet and I'm still healing,  but even Doyle and my sister think I should consider cutting my hair just to make it easy on me.  It is a handful to wash.

Louise said to not rush into it, something can be worked out,  right now she is making arrangements to take me to a gym that has a warm water jacuzzi, she thinks that the heat might be therapeutic and the Doctor said it would be good. 

But I just can't stand the idea of anyone seeing me so battered, bruised and ugly looking----who ever said "Vanity thy name is woman" is right---but I am vain for a reason, of course I'm getting old and my body is heir to what age brings---but there is getting old and there is getting ugly. 

Marie says I'm being impatient about getting well, and she's right.   I want to be well and beautiful NOW!

Well the good thing is the schedule for me Ella arrives just as my sister is leaving, so they have a chance to talk while I'm having my coffee, then Ella makes a simple breakfast for me that's easy to chew and is filling.
Then she helps me bathe and get dressed, I can only wear a simple caftan right now and wearing makeup is impossible, then a few exercises to keep my circulation going and to loosen up my joints.

The therapists arrives and works on me while Ella takes care of the dishes, both Ella and Louise know what exercises I'm suppose to do,  come lunch time Louise arrives and takes over and Ella tells her what a baby I've been in the morning.  

Louise helps me move around the house again so I'm not stiff, sees if I have any appointments, we just came back from the dentist to make sure my teeth were not damaged, let's me rest and have a cup of tea.  Then I'll either nap or go on the computer, for an hour then more exercises.  Louise has to prepare a special dinner for me again because it's painful for me to chew, and checks on my appointments for the week. 

I'm going to have to go, Louise said there is a place that would be happy to allow me to use their hot baths, and I don't need a membership can just pay by the use.  I asked if we could pick up some won-ton soup when we go home and she said yes, but she'll have to mash the large pieces.  Oh well, at least it's won-ton.

Later Darklings

Of Being in an auto accident~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

I haven't posted much but I was in an auto accident,  some idiot fool, ignored a red light and, to use the common term "T-Boned" me on my driver side.

The fool was drunk, he didn't have a scratch, but I was in the hospital with a dislocated shoulder, cuts, major bruising and a throbbing head ache and back ache,  the good thing is that my back and neck or any other part of my body wasn't broken.

The bad part is the muscle damage and strain put on my back and neck, and my shoulder.   My insurance company totaled my car.  And it looks like we're going to have to go to court,  what makes it worse is this man has an excellent high paying job and is financially well off.

And yet he insists the accident was my fault,  thank goodness for traffic camera's and Doyle's former associates doing the investigation, because everything  clearly points to the other driver at being at fault and his lawyer is saying don't go to court settle it out of court.   I am listening to what my Doctor's are saying I have to face in further treatments and what my lawyer is saying. 

This person is going to be financially hurting when I'm done.  And it seems he received a DUI the month before.  It is a miracle no one was killed---especially me.

Fortunately I have good car, health insurance, I have an excellent income from both my job for sick leave and personal financial investments.

The good thing is my house keeping service will take care of the house and will do some extra cleaning for me (of course for an extra fee) and I have a caregiver who will come in the mornings to help me bathe and dress and will make a breakfast for me, and I'll be starting therapy next week.

My sister and Doyle have hired someone else come in the afternoons to be with me and take me to my appointments, any shopping, laundry and prepare dinner and if they are out of town be with me at night.  It will only be for a short while, but I hate feeling helpless.

I can type because it's minimal movement, but unfortunately Coralline cannot come and visit me, my neighbor's daughter Miranda will take Belladonna for an evening walk for her exercise.  And she can call Coralline and keep her updated on me, as sometimes my medications for pain make me very fuzzy.

I will be so glad to put this behind me, and just when the weather is starting to look beautiful and everything is starting to bloom.   Some of my friends will take care of the plantings and with a little effort I won't be so limited or confined.

This after noon Louise will come in and we can talk about what will her "assignments" be.   I like her, she was highly recommended to us by her previous charges, she is both friendly and professional, and she can gauge about my physical limitations and needs,  I don't want to be pampered or spoiled, but I do need help at this time until I get my mobility back,  Doyle is letting me have his car and has purchased a light weight wheel chair to help me move around the house,  we've set up a bedroom in what use to be the maid's ground floor room, until I can start climbing stairs again.  I can go up and down a few stairs to get to the car.

I'm hoping to be able to be far more mobile by the end of this month.   But I just hate being like this.

Doyle is suggesting that I might want to consider retiring from my job, I told him that the accident and the job are un-related.   I really hate being inactive, but on the job decision I'll put that off to another day, I'll just take one day at a time to heal.

So Darklings, if you don't see me posting for a while, its because I'm healing.

St. Patricks Day is coming, and all you Elder Goth darklings should wear your very dark green to celebrate.

Later Darklings, now I must rest.