🚗 2006 June 18-25, Trip to Florida Lora's Version

Sunday, June 18, 2006

We arrived in Florida early. The Welcome Center was beautiful. I love Palm Trees and other tropical plants. We were all very sleepy. We checked into RMH at 7:45AM. 

(They had three beanie babies on the bed for them.)

We ended up at Arnold Palmer Hospital because Meadow continued to vomit and did not feel well. Marcus also Goa an ant bite plus his left foot swelled on top and got are and puffy. The doctor decided not to admit Meadow. He told me if she did not get better to bring her back. She had Ketones four in her urine. She also had a very low CO2(8?). Marcus got a dose of Clindamycin & an RX.

We also gave him Benadryl. That concluded our first day in FL. Pokie had to check out the hospital facilities to make sure they were suitable.

Clindamycin is used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine may be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to penicillin. Clindamycin will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Monday, June 19, 2006

On our first day at Ability & their Meadow met Roberta her PT. She is very good with Meadow. Meadow fussed a lot when placed in a position she did not like. She looked so cute in the little suit! We got some pictures. We went to Steak & Shake for lunch. It was our first day at Dr. Bradstreet’s office for HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow. She got in the soft tank. They gave her Baby Einstein DVDs to watch. She fell fast asleep. However, I thought my head was going to explode. My ears started stopping up and pressure shot like a sharp pin down behind my ears and my neck. I got on the walkie-talkie and said, “How long is this pain gonna last?” She told me to hold my nose and blow. The pressure was not relieved. Then I got hot and felt like I was having a panic attack. She told me to face toward the end where the air was blowing and once it was fully pressurized the pain should stop. When it was fully pressurized I felt better. Laid my head and took the best nap I have had in a long time. In the afternoon we went back to the RMH and had supper. We ate vita, salad & brownies. The kids played in the playroom and we went to sleep.

We went to Melbourne Beach after therapy. The kids loved the ocean. They played in the waves and sand. Madison found some seashells. Meadow liked the water too. The kids got more beanie babies.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Madison woke up vomiting. She slept all morning. We went to therapy. Meadow was much better today and more tolerant of the therapy. She likes to jump on the spider. Marcus and I boxed Hulk gloves. Madison lay on the floor on Elmo's mat and slept. Mom got in the HBOT Chamber with Meadow. I slept on the couch in the playroom with Madison. I little boy jumped up on top of me while I was sleeping and I thought it was Bucko! We went to RMH after all therapy because Madison was sick. The Belles & Beaus of Chiropractic Club of Orlando had a Hawaiian lei feast with chicken curry rice, salad, fruit delight, and a veggie tray. Delaney took Marcus for a ride in her wheelchair at the RMH.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Madison felt better this morning. We too Meadow for their suit therapy. Marcus played on the game cube. We went to lunch at Olive Garden. We then went to HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow and took a nap. I still felt the pressure. I was not as anxious this time because I knew what to expect. We went to Andretti Thrill Park and rode on the go-karts. This man took us on a train ride. I didn’t think he was ever going to stop! We rode the bumper boats again and Marcus rode with a teenage girl and Madison rode with a teenage boy! We had fun. Marcus played a game where he shot a rifle and a butt popped up with blue jeans on but you could see his crack! It was hot outside. The kids are making friends at RMH. 

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Today at Suit therapy Meadow was cranky. She woke up early this morning. Zac is the other child getting therapy from the other PT. She is from Holland. Zac is autistic. He is seven years old. After therapy, we went to an authentic Italian Restaurant. We ordered a pizza with spinach, mushrooms, and Pepperonis. Granny went into the chamber with Meadow today and  Madison talked to Granny on the walkie-talkie. 

After HBOT we went to Dixie Stampede. We got there early and went to the horse stables. There was a white horse with spots and a big albino horse. Then we went inside. The lobby had a huge painting with a big buffalo and horses on it. Then we went to the carriage room. Mrs. Dixie played it again Sam performed. There was a magic show, too. In the main arena, we had a huge dinner. Madison and Marcus got a call (Meadow was announced up) to the arena on the Northside to chase chickens. Bucko was the first one to make it. They both got ribbons and medallions. After the show, the cast called us down for a VIP meeting for pictures. The girls all wanted to hold Meadow. We went into the center arena and took pictures. One of the crew members gave the kids coloring books. The host gave Meadow a ribbon-like Maddie & Bucko. They told me they were going to mail us a picture and they were all going to sign it. We had a really good time!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Meadow was worn out after her first week of therapy. We went to Winter Park and watched a live Marionette performance of “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” The owner of the Marionette Theater was the man that played Howdy Duty and Bozo the Clown. We met them both. The show was really good and we sat right up front. 

Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater 

A non-profit organization 

presents 

ALADDIN and the Wonderful Lamp 

book and lyrics by David Eaton 

June 3, through Aug 26, 2006

525 S. Semoran Blvd. Winter Park Florida 

www.Pinocchios.net

Saturday, June 24, 2006

We went to the Orlando Science Museum and spent the entire day. It had six floors. The first floor had a nature center with alligators and turtles. It also had Kids Town  (hands-on) We watched three Cinedome IMAX movies, Wild Safari, Greece, and Star Quest. We went inside a huge mouth and walked through the walls of the digestive system. We went to the Dinosaur Center. There was a center with monster heads, electricity, and a space center. Then we went to the top where there was a planetarium. It was a fun day.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

We went to Gatorland. There were alligators and crocodiles all around. Big, small, and babies. Madison and Bucky held an alligator and a python snake. They had their picture made while holding them. We watched Gator Wrestling, Later Jumparoo, and Close Encounters. We rode the train through the swamp area. There were all kinds of species of large birds nesting and alligators nesting. It started pouring down rain. 

2006 May 12, Friday, Electroencephalogram (EEG) at Childrens Hospital in Birmingham

Today Meadow will see Dr Tony McGrath and she will have an EEG.
This is the third one within the past month.

Mother and daughter fun time

Meadow resting 

Preparing Meadow for the EEG 

Meadow having the EEG 

It showed seizure activity and Dr McGrath increased her dose of Topamax

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of your brain. Special sensors (electrodes ) are attached to your head and hooked by wires to a computer. The computer records your brain's electrical activity on the screen or on paper as wavy lines. Certain conditions, such as seizures, can be seen by the changes in the normal pattern of the brain's electrical activity.

Why It Is Done

An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be done to:

• Diagnose epilepsy and see what type of seizures are occurring. EEG is the most useful and important test in confirming a diagnosis of epilepsy.
• Check for problems with loss of consciousness or dementia.
• Help find out a person's chance of recovery after a change in consciousness.
• Find out if a person who is in a coma is brain dead.
• Study sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy.
• Watch brain activity while a person is receiving general anesthesia during brain surgery.
• Help find out if a person has a physical problem (problems in the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system) or a mental health problem.

How To Prepare

Before the day of the electroencephalogram (EEG) test, tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines (such as sedatives and tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, sleeping aids, or medicines used to treat seizures) before the test. These medicines can affect your brain's usual electrical activity and cause abnormal test results.

Do not eat or drink foods that have caffeine (such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) for 12 hours before the test.

✈️✈️✈️2007 January 11, Thursday, Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky

Thursday, January 11, 2007

We left Muscle Shoals Airport at 7:30AM, in a private airplane, and we flew to Shriners Hospital in Lexington Kentucky.

We loaded Meadow’s new pink and black wheelchair, specially made for her, with her name  Meadow, engraved in pink lettering on the front of the black seat. 

Meadow's Wheel Chair

We loaded the diaper bag and my camera bag, which I take with me everywhere to document Meadow’s experiences, and ourselves into the airplane.

We flew from Muscle Shoals, Alabama to Lexington, Kentucky in an airplane that seats six people; Meadow had to be buckled into her car seat.

Meadow sat facing the sun so she closed her eyes and slept most of our flight.

Lora spent the first fifteen minutes filling out paperwork for Meadows's doctor's appointment. 

Everyone put on earphones so we could talk to each other, to know the flight plans, the speed, the altitude, the weather and skis right of way, the landing, and the taking off. 

We arrived about 8:30 A.M. at Lexington, Kentucky airport where we were greeted by a shuttle van, that took Meadow, Lora, and me to Shiners Hospital.

The pilot and his associate rented a car, they spent the day sightseeing, and they ate lunch downtown.

We saw miles of horse barns, white fences, lush green racing fields, racing horses heaven.

As we were riding to Shriners Hospital I started talking to the driver.

The driver described the city of Lexington, talked about horse racing and he talked about his family. 

The driver said I have enjoyed many years working as a driver for Shriners Hospital.

Shiner's Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky specializes in human bones. 

When we arrived at Shiners Hospital we loaded our baggage into a large red wagon, and then Lora registered Meadow for her appointment.

A nurse greeted us with a pleasant smile, then proceeded to take us to a room where the weight, measured the length and head size of Meadow. 

We were then taken to an examining room where Meadow was dressed in a white hospital gown that was covered in blue animals and writing that said, “Splish Splash I was taking a bath!”

There was a mural painted on the examination room wall with a Lion with a bushy mane, a dark brown monkey holding a bright yellow banana, swinging from a tree, and a Giraffe peeking his head into the examining room and in the distance, we saw a black and white zebra standing in a green field. 

Meadow 

The doctor walked into the room and greeted us with a handshake.

The doctor asked many questions about Meadow’s medical history; he examined Meadow’s bones and sent her down for X-rays.

We sat in the lobby waiting for Meadow and when she returned we were taken to a different room. 

The mural in this examining room was a brown Camel wearing a red cap, a Monkey wearing red shoes, and red shirt, and yellow socks, standing in a puddle of water, with his hand around the camel’s neck. 

The doctor came in and told us that Meadow had AP and lateral spinal skeletally immature with no measurable scoliosis, and both hips were concentrically reduced. 

Meadow

It was twenty-five after two and the cafeteria closed at 2:30 P.M. We were given two vouchers for lunch and we were allowed to both get a plate of food.

We had been so busy with all of Meadows's doctor visits that we had forgotten to eat lunch and we were both very hungry. 

We met with a Social Worker after lunch, where Lora explained to her how she had struggled to get equipment, and physical therapy for Meadow in the area where we lived.  

The nurse said you should not be having those problems so she called the CP Center and made some connections.

The nurse called the shuttle van, which we met in front of Shriners and we were taken to the airport. 

The airplane was loaded and away we flew. 

We flew over Nashville, Tennessee and the lights of the city were awesome. 

It was a bit windy so our flight took a little longer on our return flight.

We arrived at Muscle Shoals, Alabama airport, unloaded the airplane, and loaded Lora’s red truck and Lora drove us home. 

2008 ~ June 1-6, Spending time with family in Whigham, GA

Day 1: June 1 Sunday 2008 

We picked up Dakota at 10:00 A.M. at McDonald's in Killen, Alabama, he had been visiting his grandparents in Russellville, and we were taking him home.

We stopped at Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama to use the restrooms, have a picnic, and let the kids play in the park.

Peach Park is a fruit market where they sell watermelons, peaches, and peach ice cream. 

The park had a garden to stroll through with swings, a frog pond, a large waterfall behind the store building, and a nice playground on top of the hill behind the store. 

It was too hot and muggy to stay outside so we loaded up and headed down the I-65 toward Montgomery. 

In Montgomery, we took I-85 toward Atlanta, GA, then south on 231 toward Dothan, Al.  

We stopped in Dothan, Al to fill up with gas, we rode over to Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, and we walked through the park which took us about an hour and a half, stopping to take some pictures.

Raised beds of flowers Dothan Botanical Gardens

Dakota Dothan Botanical Gardens

Marcus Dothan Botanical Gardens

The Aermotor Chicago Dothan Botanical Gardens

Lora and Meadow Dothan Botanical Gardens

At the park, we saw the rose garden, the daylilies, camellia, the azaleas, the butterfly garden, and the vegetable garden.

The first 14 acres of Southern Gardens include roses, herbs, daylilies, camellias, native azaleas, a meditation and butterfly garden, plus a demonstration garden, a nature trail, wooded areas, and a 1-acre pond.

We arrived at Andy’s around 6 P.M. we played the word game on the game channel. 

Lora, Meadow, and I slept in Sierra’s room.

Day 2: June 2, Monday 2008 

We all stayed at Andy’s while Charity went to her doctor’s appointment in Dothan.

When Charity returned she said that her doctor had postponed her test because her mouth had not healed enough for her to be put to sleep.

Lora and I spend the day washing clothes and cleaning the house. 

Twice I walked to the end of the road.

For supper, we ate fresh potatoes, squash, meat load “buffalo,” and chocolate cake. 

All the kids went to Vacation Bible School. 

Day 3: June 3, Tuesday 2008 

Today we are going to the Wiregrass Commons Mall while Charity goes to her dentist appointment in Dothan.

Charity takes Lora’s van after she drops off everyone at Wiregrass Mall and goes to her appointment.

We spend the morning shopping, and the kids ride the Carrousel and the train.

We eat lunch at Dante’s Pizza where everyone enjoys a slice of pizza.

Lora bought Marcus a video game, Charity bought Dakota a pair of shoes, and she bought herself some clothes. 

There is a slow leak on one of the tires on Lora’s van, we stopped at Sears to get it fixed.

The man who knows how to fix that special type of tire has gone home.

Lora has air in the tire and we ride back to Whigham.

Sierra and Madison are at camp and camp ends at 3PM.

We are still in Dothan, Charity calls Andy she tells him to pick up the girls at camp.

That night all the kids go to vacation bible school, Nevada said someone hurt his feelings, and he said I am not going back to that church. 

I walked to the end of the road. 

Day 4: June 4, Wednesday 2008 

Charity, Meadow, and Montana are going with Lora to Tallahassee, FL to get Lora’s flat fixed, they dropped the girls off at camp.

They were gone all day.

I walked to the end of the road twice.

Day 5: June 5, Thursday 2008 

I walked to the end of the road.

Lora cooked a peach cobbler for dinner.

Charity carried Madison and Sierra to camp.

Dakota and Marcus, Jr., went to a friend's house to swim, and they both got sunburned.

Day 6: June 6, Friday 2008 

This is the girls' last day at camp, Lora, Meadow, and I stayed to watch the girls' program which lasted two hours.

It was very hot in the non-air-conditioned building,  with gnats swarming everywhere. 

We were each given handheld fans to wart off the knots and to cool ourselves.

After the program, they had a picnic with watermelons, cookies, sandwiches, and drinks.

It had been a long hot morning finally the camp program was over.

We took Sierra home and up Marcus, we started our six-hour trip home. 

We stopped at Sonic for lunch, I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with fries and diet Coke.

We stopped to fill up with gas it cost Lora $60.00, it was ten cents cheaper by using cash.

The trip home was pleasant with a couple of stops to use the restroom.

Lora dropped me off at 9:30 PM, My husband was still at work, he did not arrive home until 10:30PM.

2015 ~ Saturday & Sunday April 4 & 5,Easter Weekend with grandkids

My grandkids came over Friday night one slept on the sofa, two slept on the floor on an air mattress and my daughter slept on the Futon.
Saturday morning around 4 AM we went outside to watch the lunar eclipse and the moon blood moon.

Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015

Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015

Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015

Total Lunar Tetrad eclipse April 4, 2015

I cooked pancakes, everyone dressed, we loaded into the van and my daughter drove us to Birmingham.
The traffic was terrible, it was bumper, to bumper for miles on I-65 so it took us longer than normal.
We stopped at Sneaky Pete's in English Village Lane just a few blocks from the Birmingham zoo then onto the zoo.

Sneaky Petes Hot Dog

2716 Culver RdMountain Brk, AL 35223

(205) 879-8723

I ordered:
 Smoked Sausage

Mustard, Sautéed Onions & Green Peppers & Sneaky Pete’s Famous Sauce, 

Lora ordered:
Junk Yard Dog

Some of everything on it!
Mustard, Onions, Kraut, Beef, Chili,

Pickle Relish, Slaw, Cheddar Cheese Sauce & Sneaky Pete’s Famous Sauce

Madison ordered:
Grilled Cheese

Meadow ordered
Chicken Fingers

Marcus ordered two:
Sneaky Pete Chili-Cheese Dog

Mustard, Chili, Onions, and Cheddar Cheese Sauce 

http://sneakypeteshotdogs.com/menu.php

It was a beautiful day, a bit nippy.
Animals and birds that we saw at the Birmingham Zoo.

2630 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

(205) 879-0409

located in Lane Park

African Lioness
The African lion is one of the four roaring cats. Their roar, which can be heard more than 5 miles away, is used to communicate with other lions and to help mark territory, not to scare prey. The thick manes on adult males serve as protection for the cats when fighting over pride or when defending territory. They spend an average of 15 to 22 hours a day resting and sleeping.

African Elephant
In the wild, African elephants have a life expectancy of 25-41 years but have been known to live up to 60 years of age. An African elephant family group can average 8-10 individuals. In general, older, experienced females, called matriarchs, lead elephant families.

Reticulated Giraffe
Unlike many hoofed animals, giraffes can see in color. They have a very keen vision and hearing. They have 7 neck vertebrae and oversized lungs compensate for the volume of dead air in the trachea. 

Kori Bustard
Bustards have no crop, but their powerful gizzard, long “blind gut” (cecum), and their habit of taking up quantities of grit assist the digestion of the food they consume. Bustards have lost both the hind toe and the preen gland that most other birds possess.

Malayan tiger
In the wild, Malayan tigers dedicate a lot of their time to hunting and can eat over 60 pounds of meat in one sitting.

North American Black Bear

American Flamingo
The beak of the flamingo curves downward. The shape of the beak along with a comb-like organ on its tongue, the lamellae, allows the flamingo to filter food out of the water. Their long legs allow them to wade in the water much deeper than other birds and their webbed feet offer good support when standing on mud or other soft ground. The practice of flamingos standing on one leg with the other leg curled and tucked under their body conserves the bird’s body heat and keeps the foot warm.

Lora rented a double stroller for Meadow

Marcus, Madison, Meadow, and Lora at the Zoo

Marcus the face of the Giraffe 

Meadow, Marcus, and Lora rode the Carousel 

Madison feeding the giraffe

We ate dinner at the Cheese Cake Factory and were home before 8 p.m.

The Cheesecake Factory

236 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243

(205) 262-1800

Where Lora and Madison shared a Greek Salad

I ordered a Greek Salad

Marcus orders a four-cheese pasta- Penne Pasta, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, served with chicken.

Lora also ordered Avocado egg rolls -Avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro fried in a crisp wrapper served with a tamarind cashew dipping sauce. 

And Crab-cakes served with mustard and tartar sauce.

We ordered three different  slices of cheesecake which we shared

 Madison ordered:
Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel

Original cheesecake, baked apples, caramel, and brown sugar cinnamon walnut streusel.
Marcus ordered: 

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake which is a layer of red velvet cake and the original cheese care is covered with their special cheesecake factory cream cheese frosting.

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/desserts/cheesecakes/ultimate-red-velvet-cake-cheesecake/
Lora ordered:

 The Mango, Key Lime Cheese Cake is topped with a vanilla coconut macaroon crust.

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/desserts/cheesecakes/mango-key-lime-cheesecake/