Eyes Forever - Update

Hello All,

Its a damp, cold,2 C and rainy day here in Vanderhoof what might be called a typical fall day. Tomorrow or the next day it is going to get cold with highs of -16 C, brrrrrrr. Maybe today is better. -16 will feel really chilly. Dolores bought me an early Birthday present when we were in PG 10 days ago, a new winter jacket. Since I've lost all this weight I don't wear extra large any more and the large size fits pretty well.

I have received the results of my visual field test and there is some reduction in optic nerve sensitivity. The Optometrist would like to have me retested to verify the sensitivity loss and the new test will concentrate more on the areas involved. Dr. Logan says that the reduction in sensitivity could be an artificial result and may not show up in the 2nd test, as there can sometimes be a learning curve with tests of this nature. Sometimes with the 2nd test the results improve or disappear all together. I now have to reschedule a new appointment.

More good news, my weight is now up to 161 from 158 at my last post. I still tend to spend more time in my recliner than an my feet doing things and Dolores can be a tough task master. On days like today it is tough to get outside and do the chores. I can handle the cold but, the rain really makes it uncomfortable. Still no new words as to timing from the hyperbaric people but, we're still planning on going for treatments in January 2011 unless we hear otherwise from them.

On Saturday the cows were "preg" tested and of the 92 cows tested 8 were open (meaning not pregnant) and they will be sold at the auction, possibly here in Vanderhoof on Dec, 5th. These cows bring very poor prices .50 to .60 cents per pound and are sent to the MacDonald's hamburger factory. As you may or may not know, we experienced a drought here last summer and did not grow enough hay to feed the whole herd all winter. We were forced to buy more than 60 tons of hay and it would have been more had Dolores, Milton and David not made the decision to reduce the herd size.

That's all there is for now, stay tuned for more news as it comes.

Love to everyone,

Rick

Eyes Forever

Howdy all,

Not much to report from the farm. Winter is trying to be here, at least today the ground is covered with snow and its almost noon. The sky is clear and the sun is shinning and the temperature is now up to 5 C. Actually it's trying to be a nice day.

On Thursday, Nov. 4th, we went to Prince George and I had a test for glaucoma at the optometrist's office. The pressure in my eyes is somewhat elevated and they now do this test to see if you have glaucoma. It took about 20 minutes and was completely painless. It will take up to 4 weeks to get the results. More waiting, oh well I'm good at that.

We took our 1991 Chev 3 plus 3, 1 ton pick up truck to town this trip and left it at Inland Spring and had the left rear leaf spring replaced. The leaf spring was badly damaged a couple of years ago when the left rear wheel came off on the highway while the truck was fully loaded with feed. Since then it has been listing to the side and we couldn't use it for much of anything other than pleasure driving. It runs on propane but it has a 454 cu. in. engine so we don't use it to often for pleasure driving. It's not very economical. Now it is back in service as a work truck.

I'm feeling much better these days. I seem to have more get up and go although I spend lots of time in my Lazy Boy with my feet up. My weight is steady at 158 but, I have started to take a protein shake daily and I should see the weight slowly start to rise. We are still on schedule to go to the hyperbaric unit at Vancouver General Hospital in January 2011. We are waiting for a starting date.

I applied to the Canadian Cancer Society for funding to assist with the costs involved to stay in Vancouver for 55 to 60 days at $100/night plus $14/day for parking but I was declined because Delores and I make to much money annually. Imagine that 2 pensioners make too much money to be eligible for assistance. How is that possible. OH WELL, at least I've saved up enough money to pay for the stay in Vancouver.

Anyway, that's it for now. Love and hugs to everyone.

Rick