Wednesday, January 16, 2008

ABC Wednesday - Z is for zebra stripes, over and again (and a Mama update, over and over again, too)

I took these two photos on Oct. 21, after work, as I wandered around downtown looking for ABC photo opportunities. I walked along beside a gallery window on the first floor of the building catty-cornered (sort of) from the Veritable Quandary, my ABC Wednesday V post. When I stopped to look at some pottery in one window, I thought to myself, "I suppose I'll go to the zoo to get a photo of a zebra for Z." Three steps to the left and there was my zebra! Ecstatic, I took several photos, trying to keep down the glare and/or reflection.
zebra_me_sept_07
"Zebra," acrylic giclee by Norma Piper. Look, there in the lower right corner. "It's me, it's me, it's Ernest T," said Ernest T. Bass. Oops, I mean it's me and my camera!

Satisfied, I walked half a dozen more steps to the left, still enjoying the art in the windows. My mouth dropped wide open when I saw this second painting--more zebra stripes, of a sort.
zebra_prisoner
"Inspired by Music II," oil by Joe Cotter.

And get this, upstairs in the same building is one of the county jails. They don't wear stripes these days, but isn't that a strange coincidence?

Now for Mama. We found out today that the doctors who would do either of the procedures--surgical bypass for the blocked right subclavian and/or the angiogram stent or cleaning out of one or both carotids--are not comfortable yet with her condition in relation to such procedures. So, they and her neurologist and the regular doctors have decided that she needs to go to a skilled nursing facility for a period of physical and occupational therapy. She's taking this very well, I must say. All of this news hit the rest of us sideways because we thought she'd be here at the hospital doing physical therapy the rest of the week. So, Lamont and Lindsay rode their bicycles over to check out a couple of them for me so that I wouldn't lose any time at work. Plus my sister-in-law in Mississippi checked out the same ones through her connections--she's the director of the Mississippi nursing home owners association and knows all the ropes for this sort of thing, hallelujah. Turns out the one the kids thought better, so did she. It's easy for them to get to and me, either in the car or on the bus. That means that barring any unforeseen surprises, Mama should go there on Thursday for an unspecified number of days. She says she really doesn't know exactly what to think about this but that she will try to do whatever they ask her to do, except if it's to eat a lot. "I haven't felt hungry," she says about her little appetite. My brother Howard is flying up here for a few days at the end of the week which will be a good thing for all of us.

Duncan and I are adjusting to being at the apartment by ourselves while Mama gets better. After his evening walk and meal, we settle down on the couch beneath an afghan and promptly doze off in front of the TV. Then right before we get up to go to bed for the night, we go outside for one more walk. We sleep well, through the night, then gett up to start it all over again. My being able to go to work has given this week a more normal feel, to be sure. Since we have some entirely sunny days forecast soon, I imagine I'll even ride the bus instead of driving the Buick.

Thank you to everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. I wish I had time/energy to look at all of your blogs--when I can, rest assured that I shall do so and without doubt thoroughly enjoy myself.

16 comments:

WendyB said...

Oh dear, that's a bit of a setback for Mama. I'm glad you have experts in the field in your family!

Paulie said...

Wonderful photos for your ABC Wednesday. . .

I am glad the doctors are on top of your Mom's medical issues. More prayers for her continued recovery!

AVCr8teur said...

I actually took a picture of a zebra at the zoo for my Z, but didn't like it so I opted for something else. I definitely like your Zebra shot and the 2nd shot is so funny with my stripes. I toured Alcatraz for the first time last weekend so this really was appropriate. Don't worry about commenting on our sites because you already have your hands full.

Tell Mama to eat more to keep up her strength so the doctors can do the procedures. Maybe bring her some of her favorite foods if that will help.

Z said...

I've been reading about Mama's situation on your blog through my Google Reader, and have been sending good thoughts her way even if I haven't visited. Best wishes to you all! Z in Villigen, Switzerland

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

great Zebra - far better than one at the zoo - all the best to your mum

ft. lauderdale daily photo said...

Lynette, I have not visited your site since Mama's health took a turn. I am so hopeful for her, and it does sound like she is getting the kind of care she needs at this time. What a great and supportive family you have, too! A fellow blogger from DC just moved to Portland, so she will be checking in with you (she did DC Daily Photo until the end of October). In the meantime, your photos continue to be amazing, and your positive attitude is quite wonderful. Best to you and your family, and of course, to Mama.

dot said...

Wow, you always come thru with great pictures. I especially like the second one.
So sorry to hear that Mamma has to go to a nursing home. I spent about 30 years in nursing homes (working as a nurse). They can be good or bad. I'm glad you have someone to check them out for you.

bonnie said...

It sounds like you and Duncan have a nice routine. My husband had an accident while on a business trip on the other side of the country. I had to find a nursing home for him and was equally as shocked that he would not be remaining in the hospital. I looked on line and found the results of all the health department evaluations. It was appalling and I couldn't stand having to put him somewhere where there were rodents or poor quality of life. It was hard but I found one that was good. Best of luck to you in this journey.

kml said...

Glad things are looking up. Great Z post!

Rune Eide said...

Highly unusual Zebras!

Good luck to/with you and your mother.

Olivier said...

tu as trouve une tres bonne idee pour ce 'Z', j'aime beaucoup.
Bonjour a ta maman d'Evry, on pense a elle.


You is a very good idea for this' Z ', I find it very satisfying.
Hello for your mother to Evry, we think it has.

Max-e said...

Intersting paintings, especially the zebra. I got the real ones btw.
Thanks for the update on mama and please pass on my best wishes for a speedy recovery

Kerri Farley said...

Neat "Z" post!

And what a GREAT attitude Mama has!! I'm sure that wonderful attitude about all of this will serve her well!

Continued thoughts and prayers for you and Mama!!

smilnsigh said...

Very interesting photos!!

Mama is a wonder, to be so willing to follow doctor's orders. So good for her, too.

Please don't worry one bit about visiting blogs. You have your hands full. Do only necessary things and things which relax you. Please.

Mari-Nanci

Neva said...

A very good "Z">..Love the stripes!1. Glad to hear about your mom...Still in my prayers...

Andrea said...

Wow, that is a good one. Some how I missed your Z post Wednesday.