END OF APRIL!

This month has flown by so I must get a blog done before the next month arrives!  

We were out and planted two rows of potatoes so we hope to have new spuds the first part of July.  Can't wait!  I have seeds started in front of the patio window.  They are doing great so far - cucumbers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, zucchini, and some flowers. I have been out weeding and Alan has the ground worked and ready for planting.

On Thursday Alan and I attended the Kidney Health Program at Weyburn Special Care Home.  I was very impressed with this program.  We met with a team of three - a clinical nurse, dietician and a pharmacist for an hour and a half. I had blood work done a few weeks prior and that confirmed that I am in stage 3 of the 5 stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. Stages are determined by the amount of kidney function remaining.  My blood work showed a level of 55%.  It is good to know that not everyone progresses from Stage 1 to Stage 5.  I was told of a person with Stage 3 who has remained at that level for ten years so that was good to hear.  The purpose of this Kidney Health Program is to help a person learn about kidney disease and how to prevent it from progressing. 

I had looked up info about kidney disease and was expecting quite a few restrictions on what I could eat according to charts on Pintrest and other sources.  I was relieved to learn that diets for kidney disease are not the same for everyone but blood test results determine guidelines.  I do need to drink 8 glasses of water a day, watch my salt intake, limit protein to 3 or 4 ounces a day and eat a basic heart healthy diet.  I was given a very helpful manual "Living With Kidney Disease" provided by the Kidney Foundation of Canada as well as printouts from the members of this Kidney Health Program.  I have another appointment in six months with blood work preceding it to compare with my present results.  I am so thankful for this group and to Dr. Katie Fong for referring me.  Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease out of the blue with no symptoms was rather scary, especially when stage 5 involves either dialysis or a kidney transplant.  I am confident that following this program will keep me from facing stage five!!

Seeding is underway in this part of the province and in the next day or two on the Johnson farm.  Clare moved their camper to the farm and Jodi and Abbey came down on Friday.  It's good to have neighbours right in the yard!  Clare had camper plugins put on the north end of the shop so that is our campground, now that the old machinery and other "junk" has been cleared out of the area. Thanks to Gerry and Alan for helping with that project!

On Sunday afternoon I plan to go to Milestone for Ashley's dance recital and next Saturday to Lampman for Lindsay and Jamie's.  Lindsay is taking part in track again and has a race in Estevan on Thursday.  

Eric was on a band trip to Brandon, MB this week and Dawson is now in Banff enjoying his band trip. It's wonderful that they have this opportunity.  Abbey has a trip to Brandon coming up too.

April 24th used to be just another day on the calendar but that changed one year ago.  I will always remember sitting with Alan on the couch at Nancy's in Calgary and getting the news on my cell phone that six year old Blaine and three year old Rhett had been in a tragic ATV accident. Blaine did not survive and Rhett had life threatening injuries and was taken by STARS ambulance to Saskatoon where he spent many months in hospital at different times.  Ronald MacDonald house was such a blessing as Jason and Marion and four year old Katie could stay there right across from Royal University Hospital. 

 It has been a very difficult year for the Sanford/Corcoran families.  Living in a rural area has many blessings and they have received so much support from family, friends and even strangers.  An ongoing Blaine Sanford memorial fund for the Frontier School playground has been established.  On April 22nd the school held a minute of silence.  Blaine's class took part in placing a sign at the playground that day.  We can all learn from Blaine as he lived life to the fullest.  He was such a people person and related well to old and young alike.  It was a privilege to be his great aunt and to know him through many visits and family reunions.  We will remember him always and his memory will be kept alive in our families.

We are so thankful that Rhett is doing well.  His last surgery was to fuse vertebrae 2, 3 and 4 with pins and bone transplant.  He wears a collar around his neck for a few more months. He is registered for kindergarten this fall and is a very active boy once again.

I just finished this blog in time as May will be here in a couple hours.  If you have a chance, check out a new blog that I am following, as listed on the right side of my blog page.  It's written by Suzy and is called "suzykrause + the skyscrapers".                   .  Scroll down to Thursday's blog entitled "Come In, Come In", click on part 1 is here and enjoy the story of her 80 year old grandmother who went to an auction sale with the intention of buying a buggy.  She ended up with the buggy, as well as a three storey house!  It's a fascinating read and I plan to follow the progress as this house becomes a cosy home once again.  I hope you share it with me!