Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Pearly Gates

I worked all day on Sunday to clean up…plates first, then flatware.  Dining tables, service tables, a few glasses…and I mean a few…the rest of them are still sitting on the patio, but I am slowly getting through them~

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Monday at 8am I got a sheepish call from Chuckie, the powdercoat foreman; he knew he missed the deadline. He called me three times Friday during the time I was with Mom in the hospital getting her ready for discharge and with no cell service.  He did not charge me for delivery, and Genaro the owner brought gates back. Here is the spiffed up kitchen gate~

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And here are the “bear gates,” so called because the four California Brown Bear medallions that will go back on the gates.  We were told that these gates belonged to the first president of the University of California; the original front gates to our home were matched to these, but are unfortunately long gone.  I did not sent the bears out for powdercoat because I thought they might get lost, and they are ok with a hand coat of paint.  They will be here and ready for the next party; my parents feel good having the gates back~

IMG_8058To keep rust at bay and preserve antique pieces, especially near the beach, I have discovered the wonders of sandblasting and then “metalizing” and powder coating iron tables, gates, chairs and other furniture.  Here is the redo of the gate section I showed you recently.  This will last about ten years in this condition.  Otherwise, we used to touch up with Rustoleum each year, but that never kills the rust.  Metalizing is the way to go and it is not crazy expensive~

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My Mom and I are both real people, who can can touch people at all levels.  When Genaro came to pick up the gates we struck up a conversation about his parents and their illnesses; he totally got it when he came to drop off the gates and saw my Mom in her sling.  And while I was gone for five minutes she had him telling her about the 23 horses he has near Norco.  He told me later that my parents are really good people.  There is good energy with the all the pretty white gates coming back…  

Since the party is over, Mom has been a little down and has made a few suicidal threats; at least it is nor a hip; hang in there Maman….we spent four hours yesterday at the Orthopedist getting her re-splinted and new x-rays.  Her arm is shattered in 7 or 8 pieces.  Nothing to pin, just needs time.   Friday we go back again for a new, clamshell splint.  Tomorrow I take Dad for his staples to be removed.  This morning they both had his and her PT appointments (free with Medicare, in-home) so all of this takes time.    Today Mom was thrilled to read some sweet thank you cards that arrived in the mail from the party….

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I am writing this post feeling a little bummed.  I have not washed my hair in days, and I look like a wreck.  I did not go to the Encinitas market today, so lost revenue.  My parents are running me ragged with all of the driving, care, and things I have to do for them, and my sisters are really more trouble than help.  6-8 weeks I tell myself...and one day soon I will escape to Beaune.  Too bad I can not run away permanently… yet.  R wants me to come for the month of November, but I have not decided yet if I can go.  Worried that when I come back the dogs will be gone, parents in assisted living and house sold.    Say a prayer for me….I need it…until I get to the real pearly gates myself!

13 comments:

  1. Oh you poor dear person...you need to take care of yourself. You are so giving but please make yourself a priority. Sorry we missed such a fabulous party. Go to Beaune, Take a deep breath.
    Mary Ann

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  2. Andrea,
    Prayers and hugs. Every day.
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

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  3. With all of your friends, you would think one or two would come by to relieve you of some of the tasks you are faced with. My thoughts are with you: I would certainly help out if I were around there. But keep thinking: this too shall pass; it will, and things will calm down. Take one day at at time and do stop to wash your hair and freshen up a bit for yourself; you will feel much better equipped to cope with things.

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  4. Prayers said and a wish for you--a mid-day nap!

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  5. I just had to comment and let your mom know that my Dad, who at the time was 80 yrs old, fell off a ladder and broke his shoulder just like your mom did, it was an ugly black and blue and there was nothing they could do for it, except let it heal on its own. Tell your mom to hang in there. Remember, this too shall pass. Will keep you in my prayers. I just discovered your blog and love it!

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  6. I too recently discovered your blog and am inspired. I have elderly parents who live in another state and it pains me that I'm not there to help care for them. As hopflower suggested though, go wash your hair and take a few minutes for yourself. You will feel better. If you don't feel better, just remember what Billy Crystal used to say "it's better to look good than to feel good:)" and try to smile! Btw, the gates look beautiful! X

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  7. Dearest Andrea, You have taken charge of so much. It was wonderful talking the other night. I hope you will give some thought to some discussion during the chat. I know you parents want to be protected and in their own home with you; however you need breaks, to earn income, and to enjoy your home in Beune.

    Love and Hugs,
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    2012 Artists Series

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  8. Andrea, wish I was there to help. Take a deep breath and remember you have Beaume to enjoy. Your a goodl daughter.

    Best
    Sheila in SF

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  9. Andrea, wish I was there to help. Take a deep breath and remember you have Beaume to enjoy. Your a goodl daughter.

    Best
    Sheila in SF

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  10. Andrea, wish I could have helped. Your a good daughter and try to remember that soon you will be enjoying Beaume.

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  11. Oh mercy mercy me! Can I help you? I missed this splendid party but contact me to help you anytime. I am close. I can do almost anything...even dishes, or I can wash your hair for you sweet one if you need it...
    xxx's
    I am saying a whole rosary for you!

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  12. OH Andrea you are such a dear soul. This is tough stuff... trading places with our parents... and being the caretakers.... it just rips at your head, your heart and your energy. I told my hubby yesterday that I was going to run away.... so I had to chuckle a bit when I read your same words. Remember to take care of yourself... and soon you will be in your lovely Beaune home. xo

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  13. You are in my prayers...I know things will get better...Take November off and be in beautiful Beaune for the Wine Auction with R. It is the most gorgeous time of year...Bought one map for you today...no more jars but I will keep looking...and will go to Library to see what maps* we can find when we return from Brittany (next Sunday)...a bientot...Patty *I'll just get two of what I can find...

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