So long 2008 -- It's Been Good to Know Ya

PLEASE--don't look like this in the New Year

An ALS Pal

Every now and again I share a mini profile of another ALS patient who has helped me along the way. 

This is a picture of my Southern California ALS pal and her family at the 2008 ALS walk. Marilyn worked as a registered nurse in hospital management until ALS forced her retirement. She has been a great help to me throughout this challenging journey. You may or may not know how alone we can feel as we lose our strength and abilities. Although we have good friends and caring families, it's a comfort to share our ups and downs with others travelling along the same road. We learn so much by sharing ideas about treatment, support workers, available equipment, ways to cope, and how to have some fun while living with this disease.
Thank you Marilyn for "being there."

12th & Main

This is a favorite painting in my collection. Every time I look at it I feel the heartbeat of the city.  It is the work of friend, writer and artist/illustrator Cynthia Nugent.

Merry Christmas

To All My ALS pals

To all my amazing ALS pals who show strength and courage when struggling with various stages of this challenging disease, I send you this song: I Believe In You

My Christmas Gift To You

Oh My Gosh!

I was tightly tucked into my soft cozy bed
On a miserable, rain-pelting night,
When all of a sudden I heard a “squeak squeak,”
And shot up in bed in a fright.

I flicked on the light and to my delight,

Saw the tiny black eyes of a mouse,

I laughed with relief and then blurted out loud,

“Oh my gosh, there’s a mouse in my house!”

“Oh dear Mr. Mouse you half-scared me to death,

Please, never do that again.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, “but I’m glad to be here,

My name is Benny-- or Ben.

“The cat in the barn was chasing me round,

No fun for a mouse you’ll agree.

Your home is so warm, and I mean you no harm,

Is there room in that fine bed for me?”

“I can’t sleep with a mouse, you’ll keep me awake,

But there’s room in the shawl on the chair.”

He snuggled right down, said thanks and goodnight,

Content in his new little lair.

It was just before dawn when Ben woke me up,

His whiskers tickled my nose,

He said, “Breakfast is served, my special Monsieur,

Ground grains, some milk and a rose.”

“There’s raw oats in my bowl,” I said with a laugh,

“And where did you learn to speak French?”

“I’m quite well-schooled for a mouse,” he said,

As he leaned on my old parson’s bench.

“If you get rid of that cat I’ll leave you alone

And go back to my home in the shed,

But if the cat still remains and you send me back out,

By morning I’ll surely be dead.”

“Dear Benny or Ben, I won’t send you back,

But that cat keeps my grain sacks intact.

Without that big Tom I’d have holes in each bag

And the barn would be full of fat rats.

“Oh dear, what a problem we both have to solve,

Let’s put our bright brains to the test,

We’ll make up a plan that will satisfy all

And then we can both take a rest.”

“You could grow rows of oats on the back of your farm

And the rats could live way out there,

Tom can come in and be a house cat

And finally be out of my hair.”

“I don’t really want a cat in my house

And Tom wouldn’t like to be here.

But perhaps the idea of oats grown out back

Might work as a plan for next year.”

“Next year, dear Monsieur, is a lifetime away,

Where will I lodge in the cold?

Perhaps I could stay in this fine house of yours?

I know my request is quite bold.”

“A mouse in my house? I’ll have to think long

For it’s a strange thing to do, I must say.”

“But Monsieur, I can bring you breakfast in bed

And help in a thousand more ways.”

“And what would those be, my new little friend?

Just what would you do in my house?”

“I could dust with my tail and carry small pails,

I’m quite an industrious mouse.

“I can read all those stories you have on the shelf,

I can scare away burglars and mice,

I can check out your drains and hide behind doors

And clean up spilled cheese bits and rice.

"I can thread a needle to darn your socks

When your hands begin to shake,

And I can gnaw through hard-to-open bags

To help you when you bake.

"I can shred old files or paper towels

For lining your pillows and hats,

I can look in the attic for leaks in the roof

And squeal to scare off the bats."

“You’re very convincing, and I must agree

You could be of help my dear Ben.”

“Oh thank you Monsieur, you’ll have no regrets,

I think we’ll become best of friends.”

“It’s agreed. For the winter, we’ll both share my house,

And revisit the plan in the spring,

Now scoot to the barn and gather your stuff,

While I clean out a drawer for your things."

© 2008 Karyn Ruddick

A song for Ben and the farmer with the big heart.

Many thanks to Caren, Cynthia, my writing club and many others who continue to encourage me to write.

Merry Christmas!

Snow at a friend's house

We broke records with cold and snow. It is rather nice to have the snow stay for Christmas...says I who doesn't have to drive or walk in it.

The view out my window today is incredible. Fresh snow, sunshine, boats, mountains--it doesn't get much better than this. It's a John Denver Rocky Mountain High.

C.S. photo

My Mom

I came across this photo in some papers yesterday.

My Mom was married on New Year's Eve 1942. Life was VERY different then--no computers, no T.V. Like so many others, Mom and Dad worked hard trying to make a better life for their children. They were good role models for good work ethics.

I'll miss them both this Christmas.

What Things Cost in 1942:
Minimum Wage: 30 cents per hour
Average Annual Salary: $2,400
Car: $1,100
Gasoline: 19 cents/gal
House: $6,950
Bread: 9 cents/loaf
Milk: 60 cents/gal
Postage Stamp: 3 cents

First day of winter

The winter solstice occurs at the instant when the Sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane from the observers hemisphere. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the event of the winter solstice occurs some time between December 20 and December 23 each year in the northern hemisphere.

I need one of these!

The special 14” x 5.40” low pressure pneumatic tires provide a very smooth ride. Going over rough terrain is no longer bumpy and jarring. The aggressive knobby tire design provides excellent traction when traversing loose terrain, mud or even snow. The Super Torque 4 medium speed motors have all the torque needed to climb steep hills. The Off Road Option Package is what power wheelchair users want in a performance chair.

Dreaming

In Memory

For many of us who have lost someone special, Christmas can be a very emotional time. 

I dedicate this song to all those no longer here--but forever in our hearts. 

Back on track

I'm writing again so stay tuned for, "One dark and stormy night--"

Rockefeller Center at Christmas

My first visit to New York City at Christmas made me believe in Santa Claus again. My child eyes and heart 

loved everything Christmas.

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was one of the most spectacular sights. It was approximately 75 ft. high and 40 ft. wide.

What's a PEG?

PEG=Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy--a procedure for placing a tube into the stomach. It's used when swallowing is a problem and the patient needs nutrition. This is something I will get eventually if a bus doesn't get me first. I've often been asked to explain it so I thought a picture was best. It is a tiny button that you hook a tube to and pour down the beer--oops I mean liquid formula or pureed food or water or Starbucks latte. A direct buzz.
Just be thankful that I used a child's picture and not my own!

Thank you Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury Shares Career Highlights and Commitment to
The Fight Against ALS in Sunday’s Parade Magazine

On Sunday, Dec. 21, Parade Magazine is scheduled to publish an interview with Angela Lansbury that focuses on her legendary career on stage and screen. The article will also reference Lansbury’s work with The ALS Association and her passion to fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease through the Cure ALS Campaign.

You can find the Angela Lansbury interview in Parade’s “In Step With” column by James Brady.

With readership of 73 million, PARADE magazine is distributed by more than 440 Sunday newspapers, including the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, The Baltimore Sun, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, The Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, the New York Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times & Post Intelligencer and The Washington Post.

A patriotic little fellow

Oh Happy Day

My humans wonder why I'm not fond of Christmas.

Dentist again--oh yeah

Well-- I go for x-rays and another consult tomorrow.

What to do about my 2 broken roots will be the topic of the day.

If only I hadn't punched that fellow in the lobby for being so darn happy and humming a Christmas tune. His reflexes were amazing. lol

I could either get the expensive surgery and an even more expensive bridge or I could go around without my 2 front teeth and take you all on a cruise. Hmmm? Decisions, decisions.

All mine!!

Some times you get lucky and a friend gives you a home cooked meal for Christmas. This was my dessert. The downside is: I had to share it with several people.

Oh, by the way--both wine glasses don't belong to me!

It was a good time.

Oh no!

Well it finally happened. I've been infected with the memory virus--in my brain. This morning for the first time ever I was trying to recall who phoned about a particular issue. No one called--it was a question asked on a forum. It's a sad day when I confuse computer talk with phone talk. Will I soon mix up my friends with people in cyberspace? Lordy, Lordy, I need to put chains on my power chair and get out in the land of the living! LOL.

Christmas 1950

I'm the short one but grew to be taller than my sister. We so loved those reindeer! I can't remember for sure, but I think they came from Eaton's Christmas catalogue. The newspaper ad is from the mid 1940s. I spotted it in the archives and it advertises children's Kenwood coats and legging sets with matching hat for $25. That was a lot of money back then but our Mother always wanted us to look good. I feel a little guilty sitting here in my vintage snowflake PJs writing this post.

Permobil c300

This is the power chair I want but Santa said it is $33,000 and insurance only pays 50%. He can't afford the rest. Santa must have Scottish blood(probably wears tartan underwear). He brought the neighbors a BMW last year so what's with him? --and he drives a fancy sleigh. We obviously need to have a heart to heart chat.

My legs are getting weaker and the pressure on my arms and shoulders using the walker has become painful so the time has come to consider being in a chair full time. It's a difficult emotional transition but a necessary one and I'll conquer it over the next 3 months. I'll survive learning to use the chair indoors just fine, but the door frames probably won't!

The benefits of red wine

Be grateful for a warm place to sleep.

new table

Santa brought me a new table that fits under my lift chair. It swivels out of the way and moves up and down.

I now have a place to set my 4 remotes, telephone, laptop and wine glass.

Life is good.

Even Santa needs a massage now and again. That sack is hard on the back!

We're good!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

My Charlie Brown Tree

My good friends(one was my sister) came and decorated my Charlie Brown tree today. We had great fun and my place looks festive.

This video captures the spirit.

Polar Express

Josh Groban and Beyonce sing "Believe"
Click here.

Karyn Got Run Over By a Reindeer?

You, who know my black humor will understand this post.

The other day when I was moving my power chair(I was walking with my walker) it nudged me and sent me flying. Ouch! Today when I looked at the tragic location of my fall, I laughed out loud. This song popped into my head with different words.

"Karyn got run over by her wheelchair" and now I can't get the tune out of my silly head! The video rather suits me! Watch it under Songs/Videos on the right.

Breathing test

I passed my breathing test today with flying colors. 93%. Yahoo!! No BiPap for me yet. Now let's hope the Canucks can do as well tonight.

All types of falls

I fell today after an outing in the sun. I was transferring from my power chair back to my walker and fell backward onto floor. Ouch! 2 friends arrived a few minutes later and with the help of some men in my building lifted me up and plunked me in a chair. It's an interesting way to meet your neighbors! I don't have the strength in my legs to get on my knees or the strength to crawl. Neither are my arms strong enough to pull me up. ALS is VERY frustrating. However, I don't seem to have any injuries so I'm thankful for that.

I need one--not the dog.

My friend Anne snapped this photo in England.

It looks a little like a portable closet, but at least the fellow and his dog can go out in the rain. I just can't believe there isn't such a thing as a power chair that can operate safely in wet weather. We can send people to the moon but can't invent a water proof battery and control unit. 

Major dental work

I'll be having major "owie" dental work soon so I think this song is appropriate.

December has arrived!

My friend Libby, in Holywood Scotland, took this picture in -7c.

I thought it was a beautiful photo to start December with.

Get out your scarves and mittens!

Good Ol' Maxine

Another loss

Every few weeks we lose one of our online ALS community. It brings tears and questions. How much must one suffer? Do religions have a right to dictate how terminally ill patients die? Who dares criticize any person's choice of exit? Are we all emotionally able to deal with the same debilitating condition? If all of you who are reading this were sitting at a round table we would get many robust opinions. But we're not in the shoes of those who choose to exit early--and hopefully never will be.
Last Sunday, a man with ALS, part of our online community, went to his neighborhood park and ended his life. His wife loves him with enough strength to understand and accept his desire for eternal peace. I admire her.
Don't think for a moment that I have any plans for such action. This is not why I posted this. Rather to stimulate conversation about choices and the lack of them.

R.I.P. my friend. I shall never judge.

How Much is That Doggie?

Patti Page--click here

Christmas in Killarney

Irish Rovers--click here

The above painting shows the Blarney Mills store

"The Great Irish Shopping Experience can also be discovered in our Killarney store. This is centrally located in the Outlet Centre next to the train station and carries a wide selection of Waterford crystal and Belleek china, ladies contemporary clothing, jewellery and linen. Customers can browse around the classic Blarney Woollen Mills store. Blarney Woollen Mills in Killarney is well worth a visit."

Killarney Outlet Centre, Killarney, Ireland.

Sitting pretty

Is this pretty or what? Best decor I've ever placed on my coffee table. The Geek Squad just left and I'm now wireless and ready to go. The learning curve for the new glass multi-touch trackpad(never had a laptop before) and the new programs will be steep for little ol' me but you who know me well, will have faith.

Now I can sit with my feet up as the doctor ordered and still harass you all. No escape 'from' the wicked. I'm smiling from ear to ear.

And yes, all ye writers, I have no excuse but to get down to business. I'll start my novel tonight! 

I Have A Dream

The sky has always fascinated me. Do you remember as a child sprawled out on the grass trying to find shapes in the clouds?
My Dad had a small plane and I recall him flying over our house and tipping his wings as a way of waving at us. In my 30s I took flying lessons but soon changed my mind after the first lesson that required stalling the engine and restarting it. Do you have any idea how fast that sucker drops? I just about lost my cookies. At night my Mom would point out the Big Dipper and the Milky Way. And so the sky still remains a magical mystery for me. In this picture there is a small dot lower centre--the rescue helicopter coming in to land on the hospital roof. I watch it from my office study window. I'm waiting for it to rescue me. LOL.

I Am What I Am

A beautiful song that says it all.

I Am What I Am

Bobby Brannigan jumps

Bobby is an all time advocate for ALS and a regular contributor on the ALS forum, PatientsLikeMe. Watch this act of bravery and trust.

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is something I've received from so many. I will never say life is better after my diagnosis of ALS but on one level,  it is richer. I can't count how many times I've been escorted, assisted, listened to, encouraged and downright spoiled. Friends, strangers, family and e-mail pals offer caring with no expectations for reward. This is what I classify as unconditional love. I'm one lucky puppy.