Sunday, November 20, 2022

Road To Healing: No Kisses. The Day We Make Contact. Hanging At The Hospital Cafeteria


At this point it's been a couple of months almost since Craig has been in a hospital bed because of a pressure wound on his backside. Due to our physical disabilities, we can't even kiss or make any physical contact. I can hold his one hand, that's it. 

This day, he was able to sit in his wheelchair for up to two hours. So we made the most of it.

So for the first time, we actually get to make physical contact including hanging out at the hospital cafeteria. This day was extra special. He was only allowed one to two hours a day in his chair until recently as you'll see by the newest vlog coming soon

(This video was made for some special folks in our life- I want to share it because it's the only one we took)

WATCH BELOW



Friday, September 23, 2022

Vlog: Uncut/Unedited/Call 911 - Married In Sickness & In Health. Marriage & Disability


 These have been most challenging times. I could say that about the entire world in light of all of the events and issues have been going on for the last few years. In our home challenges have arisen upon challenges. As a married couple who both live with physical disabilities, we are aware that anything can happen at any time. These recent days, my dear husband suddenly discovered a sore on his backside. Something you always want to be checking for when you sit in a wheelchair all the time or are in bed for long periods of time. Developing a  pressure ulcer is a very challenging thing to deal with because it means the bone inside the body such as the hips or pelvic bone, is pressing from the inside towards the outside and therefore the wound gradually begins on the other side. But it's preventable when you first discover just a red spot. It would mean stay off that area and stop sitting up or laying down in the same spot for too long.

Watch Below


I won't say too much because most of it is shared in the log that we made and we will be following through with updates on how Craig is doing and 

confirmations as we get them, regarding what exactly is this quite infected wound on his poor backside.


Instagram, 


Check Out My Dad's Art Work 
and New Art Note Cards that will soon be available to purchase


Saturday, September 10, 2022

Vlog The Morning After Sleeping In My Wheelchair- Embarrassing Topics


Don't you just love this monarch butterfly on my thumbnail? This deserves it's own little blurb. A couple weeks ago I noticed them on her butterfly enjoying our zinnias. Then there was the time I almost got hit in the head by the hummingbird poking around our zinnias. Love it. This day I was observing the butterfly from our window, believing there was no way I would be able to take a picture of it. I decided to ask God to keep the butterfly there long enough so I can get outside with my camera and get a shot. Well the most amazing thing happened. I cannot lift my arms at all from where I sit in my wheelchair or at any time for that matter. So I took my little Canon PowerShot camera pointed up to where the majestic butterfly was sitting on the tallest zinnia flower. Not an easy shot because like I said, I cannot lift my arms and to mention I also can't see through the screen to even see what I'm shooting at. So I trust in God, guessed that I had it in frame and click. And the butterfly went and that was that. When I checked the viewfinder, I was thrilled to see it was the perfect shot. Nothing was blurry and even the composition seemed perfect. I am quite sure that God help me with that because, that butterfly on top of the Zinnia was far too high for where my camera could point to to get a decent side view of the butterfly. So all glory goes to God and I'm thinking him for a once in a lifetime shot that I get to enjoy and hopefully paint eventually.

Watch Below!



Last night we camped indoors, which for those of you who don't know me and Anita, that's me slept in my wheelchair. The problem with that is I don't usually get a lot of sleep. By the time I settle down, and close my eyes it's usually about three hours. I've realized that I think it's because I'm so used to having to go to bed when someone here has been pre-scheduled to come and help me into and out of bed, then having the freedom to move around at any time whenever I like. It's just too wonderful for me. So these are the only nights I get to live unfettered, and yes that's where the hyperactive part of my ADHD diagnosis seems to come in to play. I had to laugh when I thought, maybe that's why God allowed me to be in a wheelchair, because he knew I'd be all over the place if I was on my feet. I hope I remember to ask him that one day, these days I've been choosing basically, to sleep in my wheelchair about once a week. But the driving force behind it is having limited personal care attendants, and wanting to make sure that works out the best way possible. Plus I really like the idea that I get to choose as well.


Seating clinic for new wheelchairs

I believe that was mentioned in this video a little bit. If not they're somewhere else. But I am thrilled that I am entitled to a new wheelchair a year sooner than I originally thought. Our government provides 75% funding basically, every five years for things like power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs. The funny thing is they don't cover very expensive wheelchair batteries. But we deal with it. Craig has a decent healthcare plan from his days as a letter carrier. What will be great about this is it has a power tilt along with a power recline and power foot rest that raise up and down. I will be sharing all I can and the blogs and that in case anyone else is interested and want it all is. Because I didn't know about it until after it was too late when I got my last year. Or I would have applied for that kind. It means that I would be able to sleep far more comfortably in my wheelchair. Even though I already sleep pretty decently. It will just be good because my hips and legs will be able to stretch out and the circulation can flow better. I have chronic lymphoedema which means my legs and feet and ankles have been swelled for a lot of years. Including the left side of my face and left arm. .. That's why I wear my wedding ring on my right hand.


I know I shared the last process about five years ago with you everyone here at walking railroaded. This time it won't just be my process by Craig's at the same time because he's going through a different vendor but is still seeking a new power assist wheelchair. Pretty exciting now we just gotta find the client portion of the funding which can get pretty expensive, but it's worth it. He actually has his power assist wheels that he bought without any government funding only about two years ago so he will just be getting a regular manual wheelchair and then they add rackets so he can use his emotion M25 wheels. That he loves so much. Makes life a lot easier when your shoulders are battling things like rotator cuff damage and osteoarthritis.

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

VlogVenture: Believe It Or Not. Conspiracy Theory?

 


Fifty Celsius has never been reached in my life time, that I know of. Today, our thermometer reached the highest we've ever seen. No doubt it may be out by a few degrees, but still, pretty jaw dropping. Especially for September. Conspiracy theories abound regarding not just the moon landing, but also about the sun. Conspiracy theorists are often scorned or looked down upon. I confess, we do consider theories because we realized we can't always believe what we are told. Let's face it some events just don't compute. Critical thinking is critical. There are too many events throughout history, that leave us scratching our heads, wondering...did whatever it is really happen that way?

Not say I believe the sun is not our original ball of light made by our God and Creator. But, there's definitely something that makes us scratch our heads. Why? 

Take a watch.





Tuesday, September 6, 2022

VlogVenture: Will My Batteries Make it. Wheelchair Test

 Lately, I've discovered that my power tilt wheelchair suddenly turns red indicating that there is no more power in the batteries. The batteries in a wheelchair like mine look like the size of a car battery. There are two 12 volt batteries. Back in the olden days, my first power wheelchair came to me when I was
about 17 years old, the batteries needed to be changed out every year. During the modern era, my batteries seem to last for years. About three or four. Mind you, I don't trek around the countryside like I used to. Once we got married and had a vehicle, there was no need to be bouncing around the streets. But recently when I spend the night sleeping in my wheelchair, (that's if I even sleep, I'm usually waking up and moving around napping and moving around again). By the next evening my chair battery light jumps from having power to no power. Which is a very alarming thing when your wheels are your legs. 


Watch Video Below


Craig and I have a seating clinic to go to this week. We are both qualified to get new wheelchairs through the governments assistive devices program. This program cover is 75% of the cost of a wheelchair. The bizarre thing is they do not cover batteries which are quite expensive these days. So far I haven't decided if I want a whole new wheelchair, because we have to cover the other 25%. And since this time I definitely am in need of a power tilt, with the reclining feature which also means electric foot rest that go up and down... I am guessing the entire price goes up another $10,000. Because my chair is a special teacher, and it's quite expensive the provincial government technically owns my chair. Even though we pay 25% and have to pay for maintenance and new batteries for however long we have it. I am thankful that we are blessed with such a program. At the same time a bit confused but that's OK. in the meantime I have this chair, dying batteries and an odd sound that's been coming from my left we'll pretty much the whole time I've had the chair. I have been paid for a couple of check ups, to find out what was wrong but to no avail. That's one of the main reasons why I also think I might go for the new chair and not just a new cushion and a new back. You are entitled to get a new cushion and a new back every two years through the government program.

Unfortunately when I started filming this video, the phone was having problems with storage space. I thought I cleared everything out to film but then sure enough it cut out after four minutes. The silly thing is I kept talking and filming not knowing it had cut out. So I really was talking to myself.

The answer to the question that I set out to answer by going for a walk to the location of our seating clinic this week is..... Yes. Made it there and back and my battery light says full. I will see what happens this evening because that's when it could jump to red meaning empty. The nerve-wrecking thing is the chair still moves around on red so I don't know if it just stops suddenly or what. All my older wheelchairs I always gave me a warning and they literally started to slow down to a tortoise pace.

Thanks for stopping by Hope you have a great day.

Friday, September 2, 2022

Craig Shares His Latest Nostalgic Acrylic Painting Progress, Vlog

 


First of all I am really excited to say welcome to a new subscriber from Japan. They took the time out to make a comment and we just wanna welcome them and say how thrilled we are to know that someone from a completely different country across the world is interested in our channel content. We would love to know more about Japan and even visit there. Unfortunately due to our physical challenges Craig and I can visit through things like Google earth but not on an actual plane. That's why there are so many great YouTube videos and blogs where people share their lives from other countries. For folks like us who can't literally travel I can virtually travel.

And thank you to all of the other subscribers it's hard to believe, that we're up to 783 people. And it definitely helps if you're feeling like it, to like comment share and subscribe to our YouTube channel and any other social media sources.

Today's video is primarily about the progress of Craig's latest acrylic painting. When he has been working on for months and months. At the same time it's a bit bit of a collide as we talk about some other things like we were in a log for walking way overrated. So I will definitely be posting the video on both blog pages.

Enjoy



Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Vlogventure: Campout Indoors Night Talk And Falling Asleep While Filming...


Hi guys. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Well I guess we're in the middle of the week so it's a little late to ask that. I'm a little late in sharing this Vlog that I posted a few days ago. But it's worth the wait after a couple of failed attempts at filming in the wee hours of the morning. To find out why you have to watch the video of course. So if you need a diversion or are just plain bored, check out a couple days worth of vlogs below.
Watch


Saturday, August 20, 2022

Walking Way Overrated: VlogVenture: Why Am I Still Awake at 430AM. Life Talk. Van Gogh To Sure Hope

 


It's another camp out night, indoors (where I sleep in my power tilt wheelchair).and it's already 4:30 in the morning. Craig passed out on his futon over an hour and a half ago and as usual, my artistic brain seems to kick in if I don't get to bed fast enough. Decided to go outside in this beautiful weather and make a video yapping about a few Life things. Everything from Vincent van Gogh to current events in our lives. I am working on a new video that I'm excited about because my dad has let me take over promoting his artwork ina whole new special way. It's 18 I plan on posting it by the end of the day.

Watch Below


Saturday, August 13, 2022

VlogVenture Raw- Uncut. Unedited. Marriage Sitting Down And "I Can't Walk?!"

 

Happy Saturday everyone. Join us as we share life experiences as they relate specifically to life and marriage with a disability. Including some of my childhood ones that stand out well.

In no way are we mocking those who have given us these adventures. Just trying to make light of what can sometimes be a challenge.

As well, maybe we will answer a question or two regarding political correctness. What words, if any should we use when addressing someone like us? Or does it even matter? All based on our own opinion of course!

Watch Below


Thursday, August 11, 2022

Vlog. ELVIS, Walk With Us @ 230am And Finally The Answer About The Stink!


 It's an indoor campout night and we splurged on the new Elvis Movie. I figure for $30 to purchase this masterpiece, it works out the same as attending it at the local theatre. Since the movie was over two and a half hours long, by the time we were done, it was already late. That prompted me begging Craig to go for a walk at 2ish in the morning.

Watch Below



What Stinks, Marriage Or The Fridge?

In a previous shimmer watercolour video, I was mumbling about telling Craig how bad the refrigerator stunk for a week. Responding with how he can't smell it or its the garbage. But it never was quite the source. Until The other day when he finally decided to clean the fridge or I am moving out until I can breath! Ha ha. So I made a video but unfortunately a bunch of files ended up corrupted. So disappointed because we had physical evidence. So to substitute for the missing video, we covered what he found in this vlog!

Sunday, August 7, 2022

WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 1- Vlogventure. My Shimmery Handmade Water Colours. ART Stuff And Marriage Stinks?


Another gorgeous day outside. Perfect time for me to Basque outside and breathe in the fresh air, letting the sun's rays show off my new shimmery handmade watercolours.  I've already posted some videos about how to create these watercolour paints. but after recently trying to purchase a set from amazon that ended up not working out, the notice claimed that they were undeliverable. It all worked out how it was meant to so I  i decided i would just continue making my own.

Another big lesson learned

 I also learned that you should watch reviews about items like paint and art supplies before buying them online. So I'm glad it worked out that the product never arrived anyway. Because the day before they were supposed to arrive I was watching other artists on YouTube swatch out and test these shimmer paints and I was quite disappointed at what I saw. I remember saying, oh man my paints are far more pigmented, not worth $55. So I actually ordered up some more chameleon pigment powders to make more paints. My husband keeps telling me to just paint already.

 I don't know about you but, it feels like I need to have everything in place and organize just right, and then it means I'll be able to create some great artwork. So far what I've learned in my decades of existence, no matter how organized or how many variations of art supplies I may have, my artwork doesn't get any better. What does make artwork get better, the act of actually doing it. Not worrying about how good you are at it or whether or not you have the perfect brand or colour or paint brush.

Enjoy this Sparkle Watch Below


But that's not all, I haven't been pleading with my husband all week about this increasingly horrid stench "not" coming from our refrigerator. And yes, if I could take care of it myself, I would happily do so but unfortunately my arms and overall body doesn't like to cooperate with me. Which means my dear husband, has a lot of responsibilities. He is kind of like my arms and legs and I am the nose, eyes,… Well basically the grey matter part. Trying to help out by pointing out things that need to be done or taken care of. I'm not the greatest at it but it helps me to feel a teeny bit useful. However, what happens when he doesn't believe you or has a nose that doesn't quite pick up the same sense you do. 😊If you're married or in a special relationship, you may be able to relate to this. You know, Where one loved one says one thing about something and the other loved one does not agree at all. Usually resulting in some form of ongoing debate or an all out fight.  😏 nothing more frustrating than trying to get someone to see or hear what you see or hear or in this case smell and they insist you're wrong. Definitely one of those moments that result in some humourous content for your YouTube or blog channel.

This video is just an intro into our stinky fridge debate. It's called Worlds collide because when two or more of our blog subjects collide, for instance heartfully creating is intended to be a creativity art blog with tutorials and anything art related. Where as our other Vlog/blog Walking Way Overrated,  primarily focuses  on anything to do with our unique married life as a couple living with physical disabilities. Sometimes we just can't keep the topics completely separated so today is one of those days,  I get to share the beautiful colours from my DIY Shimmery watercolours and then the other subject, our stinky fridge! Worlds Collided. 







A Sad Shock During Our Supper...

Imagine peacefully eating your dinner and you see a passing vehicle fly by in your pereferral vision. Along with an instantaneous house vibrating thud, as soon as the car's tail passes our van parked in our driveway. My husband and I look at eachother surprised. My instant reaction was oh know some kind of impact. Craig mentioned our Gian Tough Garbage can. Realizing how still the air was, we both flew out our rickety screen door. 
Sadly, there were about five people across from our house and the neighbour's, A shorter man in a red t-shirt was upset, yelling at the slicked backyounger tall man, dressed in  black simple garb.  Obviously the visibly upset man in red had been driving with his very upset  wife or mother. As she was crying, almost in hysterics at one point. Seeing the air bags all inflated spilled out filling the front of their vehicle and the extremely crumpled up drivers side, her tears and hi anger made perfect sense. It was obvious that the young man, whose car I caught in peripheral had been driving dangerously fast swerving toward oncoming traffic enough to have basically a head on collision.
Watch The Short Clip Here


My first instinct was to call 911, but initially I assumed the people involved and those near by must have   phoned already. But a rush in my head said, just call 911 right now. So I ran inside and dialled them. Telling the kind female voice about the accident in front of our house. What was so strange was after she asked if it looked like all bodies were out of the vehicle, I said I think so but suddenly My voice broke and tears started pouring down my cheeks. unable to  to talk with the operator.  Unable to communicate clearly, she asked me if I was alright. (Obviously she was confused because I was not in the accident). Asking what was wrong, I couldn't answer without breaking down more. I think she figure it out and within minutes the firetruck, and ambulance arrived. A tad embarrassed, I just felt the sadness and need to pray for those involved.

Voyeurism?
As a couple other neighbours came out to observe the scene in front of our house, I struggled with feeling like one of those staring at bad things kind of folks. Which was why It took so long to get our video phone to vlog about what happened. Wanting to respect people's privacy, I couldn't  film everyone including our heroes, so that's why it's just pass by and mostly my mug showing!

After living here for nineteen years, I have been home for about 3-4 two car crashes. Not ones I saw happen, just heard a horrific sound to discover the scene. This was the closest to seeing  the event. All because once again someone was was going way to fast or ignoring a stop sign. I confess something like this definitely activates  adrenaline and easy stirs up emotions. Thank You Lord, it appears that no one was severely hurt.

 

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

VlogVenture. indoor Camping Increasing. Worlds Smallest...

Short update on life and our worlds smallest zinnias and sunflowers. Brown thumb Gardner, that's me.