Sunday, July 31, 2005
A bit of a fight
My wife thinks whe's ok to go out into the heat and go on an eteneded outing at the zoo but I'm not sure she's ready for it and I push the doctor's rules. She finally relents.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
My time alone
I did the grocery shopping alone because my wife should be taking it eay and my son had a better, easier time at home.
It's kinda hot out buy what did I expect, it's Summer.
It's kinda hot out buy what did I expect, it's Summer.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Follow up visit
The follow up visit pretty much resulted in the doctor saying that my wife looks ok but at the first sign of diarrhea or vimiting to go right to Long Island Jewish Medical Hospital and call her doctor. Otherwise, my wife has to take it easy.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Finally someone we have confindence in
We had a bit of a wait for the doctor. He looked at my wife and asked a bunch of questions. In the long run the fact that my wife hasnt't had to run to the bathroom in a while was a good thing in her doctor's eyes.
My wife's doctor said that she's ok for now but at any sign of diarrhea and vomiting we should take her to the emergency ward but her doctor wants to see my wife again tomorrow to make sure since the weekend is coming up.
After we explained what happended to my wife, the doctor said he doesn't blame us for pulling my wife out of the hospital.
My wife's doctor said that she's ok for now but at any sign of diarrhea and vomiting we should take her to the emergency ward but her doctor wants to see my wife again tomorrow to make sure since the weekend is coming up.
After we explained what happended to my wife, the doctor said he doesn't blame us for pulling my wife out of the hospital.
First day out
We have an appointment today with the doctor myh wife's oncologist suggested. I've been watching my wife and looking for diarrhea and vomiting. At first sign I was ready to rush her to the emergency room but so for she's been fine.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Last hospital visit
I walked into my wife's hospital room this morning and I found her IV belonged to the paitent in the next bed. I quickly walked over to the nurse's station and asked for the nurse attending my wife's room. Once he identified himself I told him that my wife's IV did not belong to her and it should be corrected immediately because I have no idea what's in the IV.
I walked back to my wife's room to explain to her what happened. Even though there was what appears to me a safety issue it still took about 5 minutes for the nurse to come inspect the IV and confirm it had to be replaced.
I have to assume that the hospital staff refused to believe they were capable of making a mistake because they kept asking my wife if she removed her IV at any time, going so far as to ask if she may have removed it to go to the bathroom. Which seemed a bit rediculous to me. I glanced at the IV of the patient in the next bed and she had my wife's IV. Without saying anything else the nurse changed both IVs.
I guess the nurse thought my wife was devious enough to remove her IV, the IV of the patient in the next bed, switch both IV dispensing machines and reconnect the switched IVs without the lady in the next bed recognizing.
I contacted my wife's doctor and told him what happened and he said he would investigate it. Ten minutes later he called back and told me he spoke with the nurse and found out the IV was a saline solution, same as my wife's IV except for a half the amount of solution to be dispensed. I complained it was a possible danger that could have been worse than it was. He did not seem too concered about it. Before I noticed the IV bag my wife informed me she still had diarhhea. So I asked the doctor what's will be done about that since it's been a week since the diarheea started. He wanted an infectious disease specialist to look at her. Realizing we weren't going to get anything accomplished I hung up with him.
My wife and I discussed removing her from the hospital but I was worried that my insurance may not cover her stay here because will have taken her out without arranging for another hospital to take her. I contacted the telephone number on my insurance company and they inform me that they only cover pre-certification and not the insurance payments themselves. I contact the number they give me and the person on that side of the line tells me they're the insurer and are not involved with pre-certification because moving my wife to another hospital is a pre-certification issue. After a half hour of dizzying discussion I gave up. The closest I got them to a commitment of covering the charges was the statement that it's taken on a case by case basis. However I had them place into the record that the IV's were switched.
The doctor had told me he would be at the hospital at 3:00 p.m. and he would speak to us then. So we were waiting for the infectious disease specialist to combe by and see what they were going to do next. And we waited and waited. In the meantime I contacted the Oncologist that treated my wife for cancer in December, 2003. She wasn't in but we spoke with her secretary who gave us the name of an internist after we explained what happened. I called the internist's office but he was not availablo to see my wife today. I made an appointment for tomorrow and hung up.
Come 3:00 p.m. my wife's doctor didn't show up nor did the specialist.That's when I decided enough is enough I told the people at the nurse's station that we are leaving the hospital. They informed me that the attending doctor would have to look at my wfie before removing the IV. We waited and waited and still no hospital staff came by. After what turned out to be an hour I went back to the nurse's station and complained that this time has passed by and still nothing. I called my wife's doctor's office to find out when the doctor left the office only to find out he was still there. The receptionist said he would be heading over to the hsopital soon. The nurse at the attending station came by and said they spoke with the doctor and were told he would be here in 45 minutes. I said we are not waiting 45 minutes longer and I want the IV removed immediately.
After a few minutes the IV was removed and the attending doctor came by. She asked us to sign a form saying we are leavnig against doctor's orders. I didn't mind signing it but my wife refused. The doctor offered moving us to the Intensive Care Unit which has a better hospital staff. We refused and said we were leaving anyway. My wife got ready and we left. I filled out a form requesting a copy of my wife medical records because I don't think this is just going to end easy.
My wife's doctor had shown up and tried to convince us to stay but we were so disgusted with how this hospital operates we left.
There were no apoiogies for what happened with my wife. The Infectious Disease specialist never appeared. Not one doctor came by to check up on my wife during the day only at the end of the day when her doctor would come by. Her doctor would request tests and because that was the end of the day the tests weren't done until the middle of the next day.
We can always provide a reference for that hospital. It will be a negative one, but a reference nonetheless.
I walked back to my wife's room to explain to her what happened. Even though there was what appears to me a safety issue it still took about 5 minutes for the nurse to come inspect the IV and confirm it had to be replaced.
I have to assume that the hospital staff refused to believe they were capable of making a mistake because they kept asking my wife if she removed her IV at any time, going so far as to ask if she may have removed it to go to the bathroom. Which seemed a bit rediculous to me. I glanced at the IV of the patient in the next bed and she had my wife's IV. Without saying anything else the nurse changed both IVs.
I guess the nurse thought my wife was devious enough to remove her IV, the IV of the patient in the next bed, switch both IV dispensing machines and reconnect the switched IVs without the lady in the next bed recognizing.
I contacted my wife's doctor and told him what happened and he said he would investigate it. Ten minutes later he called back and told me he spoke with the nurse and found out the IV was a saline solution, same as my wife's IV except for a half the amount of solution to be dispensed. I complained it was a possible danger that could have been worse than it was. He did not seem too concered about it. Before I noticed the IV bag my wife informed me she still had diarhhea. So I asked the doctor what's will be done about that since it's been a week since the diarheea started. He wanted an infectious disease specialist to look at her. Realizing we weren't going to get anything accomplished I hung up with him.
My wife and I discussed removing her from the hospital but I was worried that my insurance may not cover her stay here because will have taken her out without arranging for another hospital to take her. I contacted the telephone number on my insurance company and they inform me that they only cover pre-certification and not the insurance payments themselves. I contact the number they give me and the person on that side of the line tells me they're the insurer and are not involved with pre-certification because moving my wife to another hospital is a pre-certification issue. After a half hour of dizzying discussion I gave up. The closest I got them to a commitment of covering the charges was the statement that it's taken on a case by case basis. However I had them place into the record that the IV's were switched.
The doctor had told me he would be at the hospital at 3:00 p.m. and he would speak to us then. So we were waiting for the infectious disease specialist to combe by and see what they were going to do next. And we waited and waited. In the meantime I contacted the Oncologist that treated my wife for cancer in December, 2003. She wasn't in but we spoke with her secretary who gave us the name of an internist after we explained what happened. I called the internist's office but he was not availablo to see my wife today. I made an appointment for tomorrow and hung up.
Come 3:00 p.m. my wife's doctor didn't show up nor did the specialist.That's when I decided enough is enough I told the people at the nurse's station that we are leaving the hospital. They informed me that the attending doctor would have to look at my wfie before removing the IV. We waited and waited and still no hospital staff came by. After what turned out to be an hour I went back to the nurse's station and complained that this time has passed by and still nothing. I called my wife's doctor's office to find out when the doctor left the office only to find out he was still there. The receptionist said he would be heading over to the hsopital soon. The nurse at the attending station came by and said they spoke with the doctor and were told he would be here in 45 minutes. I said we are not waiting 45 minutes longer and I want the IV removed immediately.
After a few minutes the IV was removed and the attending doctor came by. She asked us to sign a form saying we are leavnig against doctor's orders. I didn't mind signing it but my wife refused. The doctor offered moving us to the Intensive Care Unit which has a better hospital staff. We refused and said we were leaving anyway. My wife got ready and we left. I filled out a form requesting a copy of my wife medical records because I don't think this is just going to end easy.
My wife's doctor had shown up and tried to convince us to stay but we were so disgusted with how this hospital operates we left.
There were no apoiogies for what happened with my wife. The Infectious Disease specialist never appeared. Not one doctor came by to check up on my wife during the day only at the end of the day when her doctor would come by. Her doctor would request tests and because that was the end of the day the tests weren't done until the middle of the next day.
We can always provide a reference for that hospital. It will be a negative one, but a reference nonetheless.
My last day as Igby
Today is my last day with my Star Wars Galaxies subscription. I cancelled it some time ago and since none of these companies give you your money back (just like stores, credit only), I had to wear out my account.
I found a newbie that I hooked up with a ton of equipment, materials and 4 million credits and logged off to call it quits.
I found a newbie that I hooked up with a ton of equipment, materials and 4 million credits and logged off to call it quits.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Hospital Day 2
My sister and I spent much of the day at the hospital. We took turns vising my wife so my sister wouldn't get bored. I spent my time in the waiting room feeding my son. He was hungry and cranky.
I had to leave earlier than expected because my sister had to return home to her kids. The babysitter couldn't stay late and my sister didn't want to inconvenience the babysitter since it was a free service from a friend.
The doctor wants to hold onto my wife another day or two since my wife still has diarrhea and a little vomiting despite the IV liquids she's being fed.
We'll see how she does tomorrow.
I had to leave earlier than expected because my sister had to return home to her kids. The babysitter couldn't stay late and my sister didn't want to inconvenience the babysitter since it was a free service from a friend.
The doctor wants to hold onto my wife another day or two since my wife still has diarrhea and a little vomiting despite the IV liquids she's being fed.
We'll see how she does tomorrow.
Hospital Troubles
My wife has never liked a hospital stay, she always has issues with either her treatment or her treatment by staff.
At this particular hospital I have noticed a few things myself. The staff does not seem particularly interested in the patient. They are not concerned much with the requests of the patient.
The patient that occupied the bed my wife was brought to was under the Northing By Mouth order, meaning no food or liquid. My wife is under no such limitation, quite contrary they want her to consume liquids and eat food. She asked the staff to verify with the doctors that she is fine to eat since she was very hungry. They agreed.
Hours pass by and nothing happened. Her doctor called her to see how she is doing and she complained about the nothing by mouth order. Her doctor said that he had not received a call regarding food but he would straighten it out. It took four hours but she finally got her food.
This is the type of treatment that my wife experiences from time to time
At this particular hospital I have noticed a few things myself. The staff does not seem particularly interested in the patient. They are not concerned much with the requests of the patient.
The patient that occupied the bed my wife was brought to was under the Northing By Mouth order, meaning no food or liquid. My wife is under no such limitation, quite contrary they want her to consume liquids and eat food. She asked the staff to verify with the doctors that she is fine to eat since she was very hungry. They agreed.
Hours pass by and nothing happened. Her doctor called her to see how she is doing and she complained about the nothing by mouth order. Her doctor said that he had not received a call regarding food but he would straighten it out. It took four hours but she finally got her food.
This is the type of treatment that my wife experiences from time to time
Hospital visit
I got my wife her telephone connected and I'll be seeing her shortly. The hospital doesn't allow visiting hours until 11:00 a.m. and i can't bring our son upstairs to see her due to hsopital rules.
I called my sister to see if she can come with me to the hospital to watch our son so I can go up to see her.
I called my sister to see if she can come with me to the hospital to watch our son so I can go up to see her.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Doctor's appointment
We made a doctor's appointment for my wife. Her doctor was on vacation so we made the appointment with the doctor who was standing in. Luckily his office is close-by.
After a few questions he said my wife should go to the hospital since she may be dehydrated from all the vomiting and diarrhea she's had. At least the hospital is close to us as well.
After a little bit the doctor's decided to keep her a day for observation. My wife suggested I come home since our son was with us and he was hungry and cranky and we were poorly prepared for a hospital visit with a baby.
I came home and I'll call in the morning to find out about what room my wife is in.
After a few questions he said my wife should go to the hospital since she may be dehydrated from all the vomiting and diarrhea she's had. At least the hospital is close to us as well.
After a little bit the doctor's decided to keep her a day for observation. My wife suggested I come home since our son was with us and he was hungry and cranky and we were poorly prepared for a hospital visit with a baby.
I came home and I'll call in the morning to find out about what room my wife is in.
Out again
I took our son for another session of Gymboree. The mothers there seem to really like our son, they find him really cute. Everyone was asking about my wife and wishing her well.
Daddy takes over - part 2
My wife is still feeling lousy. I had to take another day. This is now her 4th day of sickness. We are going to call to see a doctor or take her to the emergency ward if necessary.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
sunday walk
I took our son for a walk. He could really use it. he was a little cranky.
We walked about 20 minutes and he fell asleep. I walked about a mile, boughtt a pair of shoes for work and started my way back.
I stopped by a local Blimpie for lunch. I bought a container of fresh mango and stopped by the park. Our son was awake by then.
I took him to the park where we both ate the mango and had a great time as he made friends with everyone.
We walked about 20 minutes and he fell asleep. I walked about a mile, boughtt a pair of shoes for work and started my way back.
I stopped by a local Blimpie for lunch. I bought a container of fresh mango and stopped by the park. Our son was awake by then.
I took him to the park where we both ate the mango and had a great time as he made friends with everyone.
False hope
So much for feeling better. She still has diarrhea but she's not throing up as much.
I'm trying to get her to drink fluids because I don't want her to dehydrate with this heat.
I'm trying to get her to drink fluids because I don't want her to dehydrate with this heat.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
Daddy takes over
At my wife's insistance I took our son to Gymboree. He had a good time, I felt a bit out of place being the only father there. The fact that I was sweating like it was going out of style didn't help any.
After Gymboree we took a short walk and came home. My wife still felt lousy.
After Gymboree we took a short walk and came home. My wife still felt lousy.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Uh oh
My wife might have a stomach virus. She's been having diarrhea and vomiting for some time now. It can be incpacitating.
Good news
My wife's initial worry came while she was cleaning out her purse our son just popped up at her side and next thing she notices he has coins in his hands and chewing gum in his mouth. She thought he was okay except he had uncontrollable crying on and off for some time.
The doctor's concern was that our son may have asperated the swallowed object into his lungs which would cause complications.
After a few hours and x-rays it was determined that his lungs were clear and that whatever he swallowed will pass through.
We just have to keep an eye on him and his poop.
The doctor's concern was that our son may have asperated the swallowed object into his lungs which would cause complications.
After a few hours and x-rays it was determined that his lungs were clear and that whatever he swallowed will pass through.
We just have to keep an eye on him and his poop.
Emergency room visit
My wife called me a few minutes ago because whe thinks our son swallowed a few coins. My wife called the doctor just in case and the doctor's main concern is that our son may have inhaled the coins into his lungs.
I have to rush out of the office to get them to the emergency ward.
I have to rush out of the office to get them to the emergency ward.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
James Doohan dead at 85
I knew he was fighting some sort of cancer. According to his obituary on MSNBC.com he left 1 wife, 2 ex-wives and 10 children.
His anecdotes will be missed.
His anecdotes will be missed.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
It comes to an end
We just got back from the movie. Her sister has to leave soon for her flight back to Utah.
I thought the movie was good but a little too frenetic. They had to squeeze in alot of information in the short amount of time available. It still seemed like they went far out of their way to tie up all the loose ends.
At times a tad contrived. It's not perfect but it was still a good movie.
I thought the movie was good but a little too frenetic. They had to squeeze in alot of information in the short amount of time available. It still seemed like they went far out of their way to tie up all the loose ends.
At times a tad contrived. It's not perfect but it was still a good movie.
A little time out.
My sister-in-law has offered to watch our son while we go out to a movie. We were going to do this Friday but it didn't work out.
We're going to see Star Wars Episode III. At least it's still in the theaters. i've been wanting to see it for some time.
We're going to see Star Wars Episode III. At least it's still in the theaters. i've been wanting to see it for some time.
Ooof
I went to bed shortly after getting home yesterday. I slept throughout the night.
Oh man did I need it.
Oh man did I need it.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Birthday planning blues
My wife arranged to have our son's birthday party at a family friend's home. They live on Roosevelt Island, nice complex with a swimming pool. The plan is to bring the kids down to the pool during the party.
We have alot of things to get for the birthday party today. I thought my wife had planned this out. Turns out she planned on us picking everything up and taking it out there. I would have at least figured on taking it out there the day before so we wouldn't have to cart all this out there.
And no one considered that we have to bring things back.
I also picked up some Immodium AD for me. I was suffering and just felt lousy.
I fell asleep for a bit during the party. The sleep actually helped me feel better. My sister's kids weren't very happy with me since they didn't have use of the pool due to the length of the party and I became the bad guy because I was elected to announce it.
But they're kids and they got over it fairly quickly. All in all we had a nice day, even though I was sick.
We have alot of things to get for the birthday party today. I thought my wife had planned this out. Turns out she planned on us picking everything up and taking it out there. I would have at least figured on taking it out there the day before so we wouldn't have to cart all this out there.
And no one considered that we have to bring things back.
I also picked up some Immodium AD for me. I was suffering and just felt lousy.
I fell asleep for a bit during the party. The sleep actually helped me feel better. My sister's kids weren't very happy with me since they didn't have use of the pool due to the length of the party and I became the bad guy because I was elected to announce it.
But they're kids and they got over it fairly quickly. All in all we had a nice day, even though I was sick.
Uh oh...
Today is my son's first birthday.
I'm sick as a dog....bad diarrhea and muscle aches like you wouldn't believe.
This is going to be a long day.....
I'm sick as a dog....bad diarrhea and muscle aches like you wouldn't believe.
This is going to be a long day.....
Friday, July 15, 2005
I'm tired
I got home this evening and things are at the same point they always are with my wife and her sister. There is a tension between them that is so obvious it makes everyone uncomfortable.
My wife and I were supposed to have a nice dinner and see a movie while her sister watched the baby but that's not gonna happen today.
This just gets frustrating.
My wife and I were supposed to have a nice dinner and see a movie while her sister watched the baby but that's not gonna happen today.
This just gets frustrating.
Baby Dates
We hit 51 weeks today? I am guessing I missed a week somewhere because he turns 1 tommorrow.
Birthday Eve
My sister-in-law arrived without a problem. 15 minutes later I left for the office. There was no way I could have picked her up, brought her home and then headed to the office all in a few minutes.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
More birthday prep
My sister-in-law flies in from Utah tomorrow morning. My wife asked me if I would pick her up. AT 5:00 IN THE MORNING!!
I leave to go to the office at 6:15 in the morning. I offered a compromise, her sister can take a cab and I'll pay for it. They went with that since me picking her up was out of the question.
I leave to go to the office at 6:15 in the morning. I offered a compromise, her sister can take a cab and I'll pay for it. They went with that since me picking her up was out of the question.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Ready for birthday
Ny wife went a little crazy picked up stuff for the baby's first birthday. Hats, baloons, streamers, signs and a canister of helium.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Back to work
My first day back to the office since my vacation and oh boy! I have a ton of work ahead of me.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Repairs complete
We now have a fully functional bathroom once again. It turned out that the tenant who was having his bathroom renovated was the cause of the flooding.
My wife took the baby to Gymboree in the meantime.
My wife took the baby to Gymboree in the meantime.
Repairs continued
As he removed the valve to replace it he found the piping from the main to be slightly corroded. He decided to change the piping from the main to the valve.
We still have a problem even after the fittings and the valve was changed. To make matters worse there is heavy water damage in the basement and the first floor in the same line.
Luckily they can't blame us because the floor below us is fine.
We still have a problem even after the fittings and the valve was changed. To make matters worse there is heavy water damage in the basement and the first floor in the same line.
Luckily they can't blame us because the floor below us is fine.
Repair at the bathroom
Our super came up and started repair on the toilet. So far it's not working out, he change the fittings in the flushometer and that's not working. He's going to now change the valve.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Heading home to irony
We got up and had a small argument about how to handle the day.
My wife wanted to spend the day walking around and seeing sights then heading out at the end of the day. Somewhere there she forgot that I need some rest if I'm going to drive 425 miles by myself.
After a bit of discussion we decided to check out and hit the road about 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning. We checked out of the room, packed our car and headed out for breakfast.
We finally hit the road at about 10:45 in the morning. A few days ago there was the bombing in England so the lines at the border to enter the US took a bit longer. We didn't hit the road until 11:30. About an hour later I pulled over for a quick stop to get some gas. My wife wanted to go to the bathroom and that took some time, I decided to make a quick pitstop as well. We picked up some smoothies at Dunkin Donuts, picked up gas and haeded out. Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
At 3:00 or so I pulled over because the smooothie worked it's way through and I needed to go to the bathroom. We hit a rest area spent a short 15 minutes there and continued.
Once we hit 5:00 or so my wife suggested we pull over because the baby needed to eat and stretch his lettle legs and we needed to eat something too. We stopped over at the McDonald's in the middle of Nowhere, NY. I'm getting a little tired ot McDonald's because that's my wife's preference for fast food and I'm getting to the point that I wouldn't mind a little variety. Anyways, our stopover was for about 1 1/2 hours before we hit the road again.
It was another 3 or so hours before we parked the car near our building.
We just so happen to see our neighbor in the apartment below us who asked us if our toilet was running. We told him we were gone for several days so we are unaware of any problems. He assumed it was the neighbor below him because he's renovating his bathroom. So we pulled ourselvs together and headed upstairs.
Just our luck, it was our toilet that was running, according to our neighbor it was running since Friday. So here we are, we left Niagara Falls, NY's source of running water to come home to our own personal source.
Our superintendant came up and shut off the valve. I would have done it but I could not locate it. After a little work on it he told us he'll have to fix it tomorrow, we got it just to the point that we can use it for now.
We'll get it repaired tomorrow.
We left at 11:30 in the morning and arrived at our home at 8:30 in the evenving. Total time came out to about 9 hours including about 2 1`/2 hours of break time...That's about 6 1/2 hours of travel that comes out to about 65 miles per hour. A far cry better than the way there.
My wife wanted to spend the day walking around and seeing sights then heading out at the end of the day. Somewhere there she forgot that I need some rest if I'm going to drive 425 miles by myself.
After a bit of discussion we decided to check out and hit the road about 10:00 or 11:00 in the morning. We checked out of the room, packed our car and headed out for breakfast.
We finally hit the road at about 10:45 in the morning. A few days ago there was the bombing in England so the lines at the border to enter the US took a bit longer. We didn't hit the road until 11:30. About an hour later I pulled over for a quick stop to get some gas. My wife wanted to go to the bathroom and that took some time, I decided to make a quick pitstop as well. We picked up some smoothies at Dunkin Donuts, picked up gas and haeded out. Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
At 3:00 or so I pulled over because the smooothie worked it's way through and I needed to go to the bathroom. We hit a rest area spent a short 15 minutes there and continued.
Once we hit 5:00 or so my wife suggested we pull over because the baby needed to eat and stretch his lettle legs and we needed to eat something too. We stopped over at the McDonald's in the middle of Nowhere, NY. I'm getting a little tired ot McDonald's because that's my wife's preference for fast food and I'm getting to the point that I wouldn't mind a little variety. Anyways, our stopover was for about 1 1/2 hours before we hit the road again.
It was another 3 or so hours before we parked the car near our building.
We just so happen to see our neighbor in the apartment below us who asked us if our toilet was running. We told him we were gone for several days so we are unaware of any problems. He assumed it was the neighbor below him because he's renovating his bathroom. So we pulled ourselvs together and headed upstairs.
Just our luck, it was our toilet that was running, according to our neighbor it was running since Friday. So here we are, we left Niagara Falls, NY's source of running water to come home to our own personal source.
Our superintendant came up and shut off the valve. I would have done it but I could not locate it. After a little work on it he told us he'll have to fix it tomorrow, we got it just to the point that we can use it for now.
We'll get it repaired tomorrow.
We left at 11:30 in the morning and arrived at our home at 8:30 in the evenving. Total time came out to about 9 hours including about 2 1`/2 hours of break time...That's about 6 1/2 hours of travel that comes out to about 65 miles per hour. A far cry better than the way there.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Our last night here
We had a nice day out. We went to a small family place for dinner and took a leisurely walk before coming back to our room.
We are just going to watch a little television and fall asleep, our son is looking tired.
We are just going to watch a little television and fall asleep, our son is looking tired.
No matter where, you still have chores.
Today we stepped out to get baby formula because we extended our stay by a day and did not bring enough to make up the extra day. We could not get information from the main desk about a supermarket nearby, no matter how much we ask, we got back no information.
We went to the local Applebees for breakfast and asked the busboy about a local supermarket. He directed us to a grocery store by the name of "No Frills", which was just up the way.
90 minutes and 1 1/2 miles later we found a store that resembled a Walgreens to me. Oh yeah...we travelled uphill half the walk, so we were beat. I guess we should have mentioned we were walking because if we were driving it would have been just a little ways off.
We did manage to see Ontario beyond the local tourist areas. It looks the same as any other city, maybe a little more depressed but the same.
One other thing....it takes a little getting used to the currency. There are no One and Two Dollars Bills, they're in coins only. Mix that with the regular mix of coins: quarters, dimes, nickles and pennies and you end up with a pocket full of change real quick.
Anyways. We took the long walk back and stopped off at a Dairy Queen for a cold shake, it was pretty hot out. We felt kinda exhausted and drained. We looked forward to laying down on the bed and cooling off a bit.
We walked up to our hotel room and our key wouldn't work on the door, it was one of those card swiping locksets. It then dawned on me, we extended our stay by a day but we didn't have the extra day placed on the card so it timed out and locked us out of our room.
We corrected it easy enough but it took a little time and we were tired which made it pretty easy to be a little irritable. After a few minutes we were in our room and ready for an afternoon nap.
We went to the local Applebees for breakfast and asked the busboy about a local supermarket. He directed us to a grocery store by the name of "No Frills", which was just up the way.
90 minutes and 1 1/2 miles later we found a store that resembled a Walgreens to me. Oh yeah...we travelled uphill half the walk, so we were beat. I guess we should have mentioned we were walking because if we were driving it would have been just a little ways off.
We did manage to see Ontario beyond the local tourist areas. It looks the same as any other city, maybe a little more depressed but the same.
One other thing....it takes a little getting used to the currency. There are no One and Two Dollars Bills, they're in coins only. Mix that with the regular mix of coins: quarters, dimes, nickles and pennies and you end up with a pocket full of change real quick.
Anyways. We took the long walk back and stopped off at a Dairy Queen for a cold shake, it was pretty hot out. We felt kinda exhausted and drained. We looked forward to laying down on the bed and cooling off a bit.
We walked up to our hotel room and our key wouldn't work on the door, it was one of those card swiping locksets. It then dawned on me, we extended our stay by a day but we didn't have the extra day placed on the card so it timed out and locked us out of our room.
We corrected it easy enough but it took a little time and we were tired which made it pretty easy to be a little irritable. After a few minutes we were in our room and ready for an afternoon nap.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Wonderful...
All the pictures we took of the Falls were from our hotel room window.
We are on the 35th floor and we got a great view of the Horshoe Falls. So we went out early for a quick dinner so we can get to our room to catch the 10:00 fireworks show.
Just our luck the fireworks is between the U.S. side of the falls and the Canadian side of the Falls, all we had a view of was the smoke created by the gunpowder.
We are on the 35th floor and we got a great view of the Horshoe Falls. So we went out early for a quick dinner so we can get to our room to catch the 10:00 fireworks show.
Just our luck the fireworks is between the U.S. side of the falls and the Canadian side of the Falls, all we had a view of was the smoke created by the gunpowder.
Our first full day.
Yesterday I pretty much just slept. Today we hit the tourist area of Clifton Hills. It looked pretty cool, but a little too much of stuff in a small area.
We went to the Ripley's Believe it or Not exhibit and there was a room with a revolving tube that made you dizzy the second you entered it. I don't have the head for that so I didn't walk through the room. My wife did it twice. Luckily there's a door you can take a stroller and smaller children through and avoid taking them through it.
We also went into the Guiness World Records museum there, and LegoLand, and Marvel SuperHero world, and several other things....Just a ton of money spent.
One thing I can say for sure....The tourist areas are not stroller friendly. You have to climb stairs everywhere. I was beat from just lugging the stroller up and down stairs.
We were supposed to check out from the hotel tomorrow but we extended our stay by one more day.
We went to the Ripley's Believe it or Not exhibit and there was a room with a revolving tube that made you dizzy the second you entered it. I don't have the head for that so I didn't walk through the room. My wife did it twice. Luckily there's a door you can take a stroller and smaller children through and avoid taking them through it.
We also went into the Guiness World Records museum there, and LegoLand, and Marvel SuperHero world, and several other things....Just a ton of money spent.
One thing I can say for sure....The tourist areas are not stroller friendly. You have to climb stairs everywhere. I was beat from just lugging the stroller up and down stairs.
We were supposed to check out from the hotel tomorrow but we extended our stay by one more day.
You wouldn't catch me doing that
He does a tightrope walk twice a day weekdays and once on Saturdays, I assume he takes Sundays off. 500 feet in the air and 750 feet across.
I can't imagine doing such a thing.
Baby Dates
We hit week 50 while we stay here in Niagara Falls. He is doing quite a bit of crawling.
Crawling everywhere..we have to follow him just to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.
Crawling everywhere..we have to follow him just to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Niagara Falls
My wife's cousin's came to the Buffalo area from Utah to attend a wedding and came into Canada to see us.
They left with my wife to do a little sight-seeing. I stayed behind because I am dog tired. My wife slept in the car so she's rested but I didn't get any sleep.
My son stayed with me, he was cranky and it was obvious he needed a little sleep.
My wife did the boat ride to the falls, she got drenched but they gave her a raincoat.
They left with my wife to do a little sight-seeing. I stayed behind because I am dog tired. My wife slept in the car so she's rested but I didn't get any sleep.
My son stayed with me, he was cranky and it was obvious he needed a little sleep.
My wife did the boat ride to the falls, she got drenched but they gave her a raincoat.
Heading out
We left for Niagara Falls at 1:30 a.m. It's going to be about 425 miles and there is supposed to be heavy rainfall so I didn't want to get too delayed, so we left earlier than expected.
I hoped the AAA maps were accurate and we started our trip.
It worked out ok enough until I was supposed to get onto Route 17. There's a 17, 17A, 17M, 17N....there is quite a few 17's. I ended up taking the rural streets and got onto the correct 17.
That's when we hit the rain....and rain and rain.
It seemed like forever especially since we were going uphill and my 4 cylinder car doesn't handle uphill very well, especially in heavy rain. I couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of me.
After a while of driving I hit I80 and things started looking up.
The sun started rising at about 5:00 a.m. I drove for another 3 hours and we stopped for breakfast. We found a McDonalds in Newburgh I think it was called.
My wife can always find a Micky Dee's. We got back on the road determined to finish this quickly. At about 11:00 a.m. my son started getting cranky midway through I90. We were only about 100 miles away from Ontario and I wanted to keep moving but we had to stop so my son could stretch his legs and be happy again.
Once he felt better we got onto I90 and kept moving. From I90 we hit I690, moved onto I290 and then onto I190. That put us onto the final leg to the Rainbow Bridge leading to Canada.
After 4 or 5 questions we were allowed into Canada and our hotel wasn't too far off the bridge. I finally pulled into our hotel at 12:30 p.m.
A total of 11 hours on the road. Taking into account the little out of the way I got on Route 17 that totalled to about 450 miles. So that tallies to about 41 miles per hour we travelled.
Hm...maybe a little too leisurely.
I hoped the AAA maps were accurate and we started our trip.
It worked out ok enough until I was supposed to get onto Route 17. There's a 17, 17A, 17M, 17N....there is quite a few 17's. I ended up taking the rural streets and got onto the correct 17.
That's when we hit the rain....and rain and rain.
It seemed like forever especially since we were going uphill and my 4 cylinder car doesn't handle uphill very well, especially in heavy rain. I couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of me.
After a while of driving I hit I80 and things started looking up.
The sun started rising at about 5:00 a.m. I drove for another 3 hours and we stopped for breakfast. We found a McDonalds in Newburgh I think it was called.
My wife can always find a Micky Dee's. We got back on the road determined to finish this quickly. At about 11:00 a.m. my son started getting cranky midway through I90. We were only about 100 miles away from Ontario and I wanted to keep moving but we had to stop so my son could stretch his legs and be happy again.
Once he felt better we got onto I90 and kept moving. From I90 we hit I690, moved onto I290 and then onto I190. That put us onto the final leg to the Rainbow Bridge leading to Canada.
After 4 or 5 questions we were allowed into Canada and our hotel wasn't too far off the bridge. I finally pulled into our hotel at 12:30 p.m.
A total of 11 hours on the road. Taking into account the little out of the way I got on Route 17 that totalled to about 450 miles. So that tallies to about 41 miles per hour we travelled.
Hm...maybe a little too leisurely.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Preparing to head out
Today I begin my vacation days. My wife has a bible study class today otherwise we would be heading out to Niagara Falls today to get there in the afternoon. I'm just going to sleep and rest in preparation for the long drive.
We're set to meet up with her cousins later tomorroow.
We're set to meet up with her cousins later tomorroow.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Monday, July 04, 2005
Independance day
My wife wants to go out today so our son can watch the fireworks but I still think he's too young to appreciate them. I'm not sure what we'll be doing today.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
They're back
My wife and son landed. My wife came sporting a nice suntan. Our son was very happy, but then again he always is.
We watched a little television and are now going to bed. We have a couple of days before we head off for Niagara Falls.
We watched a little television and are now going to bed. We have a couple of days before we head off for Niagara Falls.
Taking advantage
I took advantage of the free time today to see Batman Begins.
It was a good movie, very dark and gloomy. The guy from 28 Days Later was unrecognizable to me as the psychiatrist who is the Scarecrow. It's amazing how a clean shaven face can change appearances.
Christian Bale did a decent job as the Dark Knight but using Katie Holmes as the love interest didn't sit so well with me. She looks like a kid, it kinda creeped me out.
A little too Lolita.
It was a good movie, very dark and gloomy. The guy from 28 Days Later was unrecognizable to me as the psychiatrist who is the Scarecrow. It's amazing how a clean shaven face can change appearances.
Christian Bale did a decent job as the Dark Knight but using Katie Holmes as the love interest didn't sit so well with me. She looks like a kid, it kinda creeped me out.
A little too Lolita.
Return trip
Between last night and today I have done another 4 loads of laundry. I also got a haircut because I really needed one. It's too hot to walk around with ragged hair.
My wife called me to tell me about how much fun she had at the clambake and how much she likes Atlanta. She finds it a bit too humid and hot but she likes it there.
They fly back tonight.
My wife called me to tell me about how much fun she had at the clambake and how much she likes Atlanta. She finds it a bit too humid and hot but she likes it there.
They fly back tonight.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Family Clambake
Today is my wife's family clambake in Atlanta. It appears our son is the main attraction.
Everyone loves kids. It's hard to believe he will be turning 1 in 2 weeks.
Me, I'm spending my afternoon doing laundry. So far I've done 4 loads of laundry, and I am sweating myself to exhaustion.
Everyone loves kids. It's hard to believe he will be turning 1 in 2 weeks.
Me, I'm spending my afternoon doing laundry. So far I've done 4 loads of laundry, and I am sweating myself to exhaustion.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Baby dates
Um...I think we are at the 49 week period. It doesn't look like I'm hitting the 52 week period before his birthday. Maybe I should do it by days instead.
Landed
My wife's plane landed approximately at 3:30 in the morning. It was supposed to land at 11:30 last night but with the heavy rains that didn't work out.
Luckily her cousin is okay with not sleeping much and making up early to pick up their kids very early in the morning.
Luckily her cousin is okay with not sleeping much and making up early to pick up their kids very early in the morning.
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