Dropping The Robe

Nelson transitioned on April 20, 2011 with The Style Crone and Camille at his side, loving him and touching him as he drew his last breath. His dazzling smile and inspirational spirit live on in the air that we breathe. Now cracks a noble heart Good night, sweet prince And flights of angels Sing thee to thy...

No More Pain

Mom had a pretty good day today. She was feeling much better and was able to eat a liquid diet. She really enjoyed her cream of mushroom soup and lime sherbet. At 8 o’clock she told me to go home, because she didn’t want me to be out late. At about 10 pm, her nurse called me to say she was having trouble breathing and not responding well.  I went right down and was able to tell her I was there. Mom...

Time To Go?

Mom has been ill for the past week, but refused to go to the doctor until Friday afternoon. The doctor suggested going straight to the ER. Mom said, “Absolutely not!” I got my sister to come (she’s four hours away). On Saturday morning, when her pain pills no longer touched the pain, and my sister and brother-in-law added their voices to mine, Mom agreed to go to the ER. By that time, we had to...

Spring Green or Purple?

Green leopard print jacket-NYC flea market, vintage green and purple gloves and vintage silk green/purple Sant’ Angelo scarf-estate sales, vintage purple earrings-vintage shop, vintage black fabric hat with tassel-Joan Carney/Les Chapeaux. The Style Crone was out and about on a gorgeous spring day looking for background for the green leopard print jacket and the quandary of whether to wear blue or green gloves...

There’s Always One More Thing

I remember thinking that I would never again book three appointments in one week because it made me crazy. Never say never. This past week I had three appointments before Friday, when I had five on one day. Needless to say, I took the entire day off from work to do this. On Monday, I took time to turn in my retirement paperwork. I felt such an overwhelming sense of relief and lightness once I did this. My official...

Honoring Nelson

Vintage embroidered silk Asian jacket and gold clip on earrings-estate sales, red silk beret-flea market. The Style Crone chose to wear one of her favorite jackets in honor of the tribute to Nelson written by Mark McIntosh, former Denver television sportscaster and current motivational speaker and writer, on his website/blog titled, ‘Continue Steadfastly.’  Mark is a member of the gym where Nelson has rowed...

Hospice Magic

The Style Crone is impressed. In less than one hour Nelson’s pain was under control and a new medication regimen has improved his disrupted sleep pattern, his symptoms have been addressed, and his energy level is at a place where he is back behind the camera with a few playful comments as an added bonus. Now we’re talking! This is a model for healthcare that I can believe in. We have been treated with respect,...

Morphine Makes an Entrance

The composition for today did not include spring flowers and radiant splashes of color. Nelson experienced pain for the first time since entering hospice. A rapid response from our caregivers provided relief with the order to begin liquid morphine and suffering was interrupted. Comfort is the main goal at this time and Nelson is resting quietly as we absorb this new arrival on the scene. My outfit lies in waiting...

Would You Like a Little Whine With That?

A week of doing the bear hug waltz for all transfers took a little bit of a toll on my back. The good news is that Mom’s hand healed much faster than the doctor expected, so she is back to doing her own transfers. The reddened skin on her bottom—which developed really fast—never really became an open sore, but I think it was a close thing. I know that it hurt her quite a bit. It seems to be healing now and at...

The Silk Vintage Scarf

Today The Style Crone chose to build a composition around a vintage 40′s silk floral scarf and initiated the roll out of the spring jackets by displaying the scarf on this vintage 60′s coral cashmere beauty with silver buttons. The entertainment began by pulling the mustard out of the scarf and throwing it on my head in the form of a vintage knit hat. The purple flowers were reflected in the vintage leather...

Every Day is Precious

Vintage felt leopard print hat with black ribbon and yellow vintage beads-estate sales, yellow silk Donna Karan jacket and black  St. John heels with gold trim-yard sales, and the black ruched jeans that have been a seasonal favorite. When in doubt, wear leopard! I am finding that my single focus is spending time at home with Nelson and savoring every moment with intention, although I continue to go to yoga and...

Feeling Blue

Vintage ’60′s blue wool jacket, vintage navy/green silk polka dot scarf, vintage pin and earrings-estate sales; vintage 80′s Makins blue fur felt hat with black ribbon trim-Les Chapeaux; jeans-Buffalo Exchange. I feel a reluctance to ‘let go’ of winter and leap forward into spring. Usually The SC loves the transition to spring with its unfolding displays of crocuses, daffodils, and tulips in quick and...

Birthday Cape for 68

The Style Crone adorned herself with a vintage navy wool cape with off white trim embellished with gold sequins and white beads accessorized with a vintage navy velvet hat with round navy sequins for the bittersweet celebration of her 68th birthday. As we left for dinner at our favorite restaurant, I took Nelson’s arm and walked down the steps of our front porch with the cloak which reflected his regal nature and...

Bear Hugs

Mom had carpal tunnel surgery on her left hand on Monday morning. It hurts her still, but not enough for pain pills. The biggest problem is that she can’t put her weight on her hand yet, so she needs help getting up and down. Her right arm is hurting, because she is putting more of her weight on it in trying to get up and down by herself. So we are doing the Bear Hug Waltz (Thanks, Donna W!) Mostly, I have...

Orange and Red

The Style Crone has been drawn to orange over the past few days and the analysis of this attraction escapes me for now.  I have worn the elements of this ensemble in earlier posts, except for the gifted red wool scarf which provides warmth as I am about to dash out into the ‘March chill’ of this day. This afternoon Nelson and The SC met with his primary nurse and social worker with hospice.  We feel as though...

Birthday Baby Blessings and EMTs

Last Sunday was my birthday. And the occasion of baby blessings for three of my great nieces—same place and time. And a family gathering afterward. I think it is safe to say that it was a happy occasion for all. Of course, there was a snag. Just before we headed out to the church, I saw one of the cats—one of my brother’s cats, who has been displaying emotional distress—sitting on the Lifeline phone. It...

What to Wear to a Hospice Intake

This afternoon we met with a nurse from hospice to initiate admission and to receive information about services. Nelson decidedly signed all forms presented. Our health care experience has radically shifted in that for the most part we will be seen in our home instead of a medical facility. At times this process feels surreal and our conversations have entered new territory. It’s comforting to know that we have a...

New PERS?

We had an interesting weekend. During the weekend our Lifeline phone was ruined. I need to get a replacement ASAP. However, at nearly $50/month, this service is getting quite pricey. Since I am contemplating retirement and a reduced income, I wonder if there are any other reliable systems that any of you could recommend? I would appreciate any and all input.

The Stained Glass Window

Nelson has been referred to hospice and today everything that I love about our home has become more special, brilliant, intense. Our home was built in 1907 and this stained glass window is located on the landing of the stairs which lead to the upper level of our sanctuary. Every morning and evening, and many times during the day, as we walk up or down the stairs, it greets us with its beauty and colorful splendor....

Silk Velvet at the Broadmoor

Vintage rust silk velvet gown-vintage shop, black silk velvet jacket-flea market, rust silk velvet structured turban-custom made by Jeanne Bjorn. Nelson proclaims that we are in ‘the lap of luxury.’ We feel nurtured and surrounded by beauty. When we arrived at the Broadmoor late yesterday afternoon, we were surprised by gifts from friends from Kinetic Fitness Studio (Nelson’s rowing home) that had lavished us...

What to Wear to Oncology

Plum/orange hat-consignment store; vintage 1940′s plum wool jacket with fur trim, vintage orange leather gloves, vintage jewelry-estate sales; long black rayon skirt-Camille cast off. Nelson’s oncology appointment today was  a consultation to determine follow-up details. His blood work values continue to indicate cancer growth and liver dysfunction. The chemo infusion two weeks ago did nothing but cause...

Crone Cone Crown

Long vintage turquoise wool coat for Auer’s-estate sale, vintage turquoise/fuschia/black velvet cone hat and  vintage fuschia gloves-estate sales, patent leather boots and belt-yard sales. Today Nelson and The Style Crone decided to spend two days at the end of this week at the historic Broadmoor, a luxury hotel about an hour from home. As I drove to yoga this morning I attempted to identify and name the feeling...