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JimK 
1:29pm, November 19, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 10:45 AM
I have lived in Colorado for 12 years. This is probably the second or third worst snowstorm we have had during that period. The snow was supposed to have stopped falling last night, but a change in the weather pattern has prolonged it until later this afternoon or tonight.
We have approximately two feet of snow on the ground. They are calling for another three to six inches before it comes to a halt. That will be sometime late tonight. In addition to that, we have to contend with strong gusty winds ranging from 19 to 40 mph.
As I look out my patio windows, just about the only thing I can really see is mounds and mounds of pure white snow. The sidewalks around my apartment have been plowed several times, but the newer heavily falling snow seems to quickly cover them back up in hardly any time at all.
My CNA's came to put me to bed last night shortly after five o'clock. One of them came before the other, and she was kind enough to fix some dinner for me. She had also bought some bottled water with a lid that I could open easily and then close. I needed something like that, which I could keep in bed with me so that I could take my medications at the appropriate times. That was a lifesaver.
To my surprise, both of my CNA's arrived at my apartment at the normal time this morning despite the inclement weather outside. I was told that as far as they knew, I would be going back onto my regular bedtime schedule tonight. I have no complaints about that.
I seem to have developed a skin breakdown because of having to stay in bed for nearly 16 hours. It is being treated with something called duoderm, which works similar to having a second layer of skin. Now that I am up in my wheelchair, I can tilt the chair back now and then, which will take the pressure off my skin whenever I do so. I am hopeful that this will not only prevent the skin from actually opening, but will also decrease the pain being caused by the sore.
I just received a phone call from the head of my home healthcare agency. She said that because of the weather, she wanted my CNA's to come here early to put me to bed for a few days. They are supposed to come here at six o'clock each evening for an unspecified length of time. I told her that I knew they needed to make some changes during this type of weather, and that I was trying to cooperate with them. She was kind enough to say she knew how I felt, and that she really appreciated my cooperation, which I always give them.
While I'm not entirely happy about this, I know that it is necessary because at nighttime, the roads and highways become covered with ice and snow.
Comments
Wow......... Funny but not status, funny but not journal title.....
Sorry, but I was laughing at those. The absurdity of it all, convening on you at once.
It's not funny, but your writing sure is. Talent with the word and timing, you have it.
Sending Snow Stop Mojo.....
Weebs
KweebsLS
I love snow. I can feel your scowl over the miles.
I have been watching the weather reports over the past few days.
You have been present in my thoughts.
It does sound like this is a surreal kind of Denver snow situation.
While it causes me problems, too...shoveling...falling....I have been very aware of how restrictive and dangerous this storm could be for you.
I can see how you look at it as an unnecessary freezing of water.
That in itself was an interesting perception.
I am sorry this is causing your problems.
Hopefully this major snow storm and its effects will soon abate.
May all of Denver have a very mild winter.
Hugs to you.
Your descriptions of your interactions with your health care individuals was not surprising at all.
You are a gentle gentleman.
Even what you determine to be angry outbursts from time to time, your personal dignity always shines through.
GoodGod
wow, I have never seen that much snow first hand.
insomniatonite
So I take it you would move to a much warmer climate? I don't blame you if that is what you want.
When it snows here and I'm at home I like to reflect on how glad I am to have shelter. Have you ever been stuck out in the cold? Ugh. It's painful. I may feel differently if I've been sent to bed at 5:00 though. I'm still a little shocked over that.
I agree 100% with Weebs. Your writing is wonderful. You have a gift.
Samadian
Hi Jim I hope the snow h as stopped by now and that you're back to bed at your normal time. Those skin sores don't sound fun. Take it easy. Many hugs-Stephanie
CoolGal
I apologize to everyone for not responding to the comments sooner than this, but if you read today's entry, you will know that I have had a lot on my plate lately. It seems like an awful lot, but it is nothing that spending a year or two in Hawaii would not cure
Most of the snow that we had has almost disappeared into nothingness. The sidewalks are cleared once again, and I can manage to find my way to the parking lot whenever I need to go somewhere.
I managed to get through this snowy period without blowing my stack at my home healthcare helpers. Although I was put to bed far earlier than I would've liked, they did manage to arrange things so that I could keep my medicines, and some snacks, in bed with me. Unfortunately, the additional hours in bed caused some unexpected skin breakdowns, one of which has now opened up. All of the sores have now been examined by my doctor, who is treating them.
For the last few days, we have had nice weather with temperatures in the 70s We are supposed to have some snow by the end of the week, and I sure hope that it is mainly flurries this time.
I really would like to move away from Colorado. I have made that a long-term goal. I will keep my fingers crossed.
JimK