Victoria’s birthday, Norman, Grandpa, pig inspection

For Victoria’s special birthday present today, she got to go to an appointment with a surgeon to get a prognosis on the lumps in her breast. What a unique gift for the person who is very difficult to buy for. The outcome of that visit is that the lumps are not problematic as long as they are not causing her any discomfort. They are non-cancerous, but can he removed if Victoria would like to do so. I think she will not. Anyway, she can finally rest easy with a definitive diagnosis and a clear prognosis of the issue. I believe both she and Mama are relieved. Getting someone in the medical community to commit to a prognosis as a challenge.

Since the appointment was in Denton, Mama and Victoria have scheduled several shopping stops with the appointment. Mama’s operating philosophy is to make the most of every trip she takes off the farm, especially to an area that has ample shopping opportunities. Today will be no exception. Shoe shopping. Sam’s shopping. The Bread Day Old Store and Panera’s. At least one meal at Chick-fil-A. Whatever else can be reasonable added into the circuit they will take through the city – while avoiding I-35. Hopefully, it will be a good day for both of them. Something pleasant and memorable for Victoria’s birthday.

Norman was able to complete a repair and remodel job he started Sunday in Bowie so he will be gathering up all his tools and personal items and heading to Florida for some small jobs there. His original plan to return to Wet Virginia was postponed because of the inclement weather they are having there. There are far more work opportunities right now in Florida. He will probably wait until Sunday to leave but he has not made and hard plans yet. The hope is that he will return to the farm the last week of January to hold down things here while Mama and I are in Honduras. Mama and I are not completely convinced that that will happen, but we would love that arrangement if Norman is able to follow through.

I have to give Norman credit for the amount of time he has spent just talking with Grandpa. All of us are aware that he could be gone very quickly. Now is the only time he has to share with us and if we do not take advantage of that it will be an opportunity lost. Grandma is not overlooked in those chats, it is more that she spends a lot of time in bed listening to music played on her phone. She is thus less available to spend time with. Plus, Grandpa is easier to visit with especially for those of us that do not mind long pauses in the conversation. Something Grandma is not good at dealing with.

Grandpa did take the tractor this morning and work an hour cleaning a corner of the barn lot. That is the first time he has done so in many weeks. Sometimes he just laid around because of weather but mostly he did so because he as felt too weak to work. Today he cleaned a small section of fence, picked up some limbs that had been recently shed by the tree guarding that corner and brush hogged a portion of pasture once the deadfall had been cleared away. I am always very appreciative of him doing the little things he sees that need to be done. He cannot do much at once, but little by little, his efforts make a noticeable difference on the farm as well as providing something to do that gives him a sense of pride in the doing of it.

Grandpa goes to see a kidney specialist Thursday afternoon. We are concerned about the continued swelling he is experiencing. Primarily in his left foot and hand but to a lesser extent in all his appendages. Partial swelling we are told is indicative of a heart issue while equal swelling overall is more indicative of a kidney issue. The doctor’s appointment in a couple days should point us to a prognosis that can then be treated. A further follow up with the cardiologist will fine tune that prognosis but that appointment is not until sometime in mid-February. Soon after Mama and I get back from Honduras.

Mama and I went to the Foxx’s house last night to look at a pig they were assuming was close to delivering a litter of piglets. Upon inspecting the sow, we all agreed that the due date was still some weeks out. With pigs is can be difficult to tell, but in her case, based on the possible breeding date and how she looks right now, we have to assume she is still a good ways out from dropping her litter. She was a delightfully calm sow and Mama rekindled her love of pigs. We will probably buy two of the litter when and if she does successfully deliver them. Sarah will be on pins and needles until they come so we know the sow will be carefully tended to.

In looking over the setup the Foxx’s have for their goats, chickens, pigs and ducks, Mama once more thanked me for the shelters I have built to house her animals. Most of the chickens and ducks are barely sheltered from the wind or rain but they are thriving nonetheless. Perhaps over time they will build more enclosed structures, but I am glad we started off with ours more akin to houses and barns.

I know Mama likes it that way – and so do I.