Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/tschuckman@aol.com
I will have to take things one step at a time for quite a while-- still on the mend, old soldier that I am.
Let me take it from after I finally arrived to the VAMC [Veterans Administration Medical Center-- in Milwaukee, 5000 W. Wisconsin Ave] -- 2nd floor, Orthopedic surgery OR, etc. My son, Andy, his mother, Karen and others were there to help and encourage me-- but I drove there in my Ram pick up truck by myself about one half hour prior. I unloaded my power scooter and proceeded to amble toward the hospital entrance when it suddenly stopped/ died. I thought it was low on power or maybe the fuse needed to be re-engaged, but that didn't help either, so I 'recruited' some near by Veterans and their wives who pushed me up the hill to the entrance until they just about had their own 'emergency' too. A VA cop came upon the seen with his hands in his pocket-- so I had to instruct him to place his hands on the back of my chair to assist in pushing me along, instead of just gawking at the 2 Vets huffing and puffing.... Ha! The VA people took my scooter to their shop to analyze it, and put me in a wheel chair and up to surgery. The staff latter told me that the 'electrical harness' was shot and needed to be replaced, so I had them put the scooter back into my Dodge Ram truck and chain it down.
The docs and staff prepped me for surgery and had a short word with me-- and then 20 minutes latter I was wheeled into the OR and put to sleep in a few seconds... out for about 3 1/2 hours-- then woke up with a terrible sharp pain in my Right knee region! I was still groggy from the general anesthesia but the pain was immense and intolerable. The doctors and staff continued to administer more and varied types of pain meds/ mix and match, and finally they came upon some sort of 'cocktail' that half way worked. From what I remember from the post-op meeting with the head doctor [part of the "Dream Team", he said that the surgery came out good, with no substantial blood loss or mistakes. I told him that 'I would NEVER have any other surgery at the VA!' I was out of my head at the time, but I would guess that the docs knew that from all their vast past experience with other patients. And I will be glad to talk to them again when I see them for my next appointment and x-rays of my knee surgery.
The PT [Physical Therapy] staff and specialists had me up to exercise that very day!! OT [Occupational Therapy] taught me some valuable info too in the next 5 days, and then they discharged me.
I had some very rough nights trying to sleep-- always being woke up at all hours of the night and morning so that my body never got a chance for REM sleep [Rapid Eye Movement-- sleep stage number 4] and the 3rd shift "African-American" RN's treated me worse than a dog! Then they tried to play the "Race Card" on me, even as I kept my mouth shut--not giving them any ammunition. Those goofy, hateful Black RN's on 3rd shift didn't have any substance of wrong doing on me, so they had the VA police burst into my recovery room at 0600 hours [Thursday morning, I believe] and storm trooped up to me demanding / confiscating my simple camera-- accusing me of shooting pictures of the staff-- and telling me that "THIS IS A GOV'T FACILITY AND NO PICTURES ALLOWED!!" I had nothing to hide, only saying that one of the staff took a few pix of my Right knee that was cut open for total knee replacement. If that is such a high crime-- just shoot me.... lol. Imagine an American citizen and decorated Vietnam Veteran being treated this way-- especially right after a painful knee surgery at the Milwaukee VA !! The VA recovery staff NEVER ONCE bathed or cleaned me all the time I was there!! They just left me lay in my own dirt and sweat, and the 3rd shift racist nurses refused to even help me stand up out of my bed! I will speak more about this latter, but for now, I still fear that the VA-- 'Big Brother' might take revenge on me if they heard the whole complete story. I was NOT ready to be discharged so soon, but was afraid that the staff would continue to abuse me if I stayed.
I eventually ended up in my own home in Union Grove, WI., but knew that I could not function by myself-- and no one had the time or inclination to stay with me to help me out in any way, shape or matter. So, Saturday morning, the 11th of December, I had my good nephew, Steve Schuckman, drive me to the fine Kenosha hospital down by Lake Michigan-- 8th Ave. --KMH, where they admitted me and adopted me for a while. On the 7th Floor, the doctor and nurses treated me like a prince and bathed me and took good care of me all my stay there. Special thanks to the head RN's on 1st and 2nd shift, 2 special nurses that I forgot/ lost-- but will surely search out and post latter to praise and honor, just as I said. So it was like night and day, and the little bit that I spilled to the staff at Kenosha Memorial Hospital-- made the nurses gasp in horror. Then I told them THAT was what they had to look forward to when Obama-care comes along... lol. I made a few good friends at that good hospital in Kenosha... and I felt the Holy Spirit working inside me all the time, witnessing to those people with a good heart. I gave away a Bible and some other witness tools, plus my email address.
After that extra week and much work with PT, I asked KMH to discharge me and had one of my relatives drive me home again. Still having incredible pain and discomfort, at least I can get around with my new VA walker and canes, even took a few showers at home and broke my FAST the first day I was home on Dec. 17th!! I had bloodless surgery but with no extreme blood loss [of course] and FASTED for 13 days-- no food at all, only water and 'lemon water' to irrigate my precious kidneys. I lost 50 pounds, but that was NOT the reason I FASTED-- abstained from food. I fasted for personal, health reasons, AND also feared that if I defecated at the VA hosp., I would not be able to clean myself properly [and I had that one right-- didn't I ??!]. I started to have bowel movements the later half of my week at KMH--Kenosha, but they had no problem cleaning me and assisting me showering while sitting on a stout bathing bench at KMH.
The VA staff and Otho people assured me that they would continue to give me enough pain meds AFTER I got home-- but even when at the KMH, I only got a fraction of the right meds-- at PRE-surgery levels!! Thanks for not keeping your word, boys.... NOT!
I will talk to them again after the Christmas holiday as I am running low on the meds-- PRE- surgery level-- they just don't give a hoot, I guess, and I will NOT have the left knee done there ever again-- because I know and understand what it means to "be in their mean-spirited hands with no recourse." And I know that there are many more Veterans in my boots too with stories to tell.
I am waiting for the Rapture and Jesus Christ-- where pain and out cry will be no more.
But can we really ever trust the Gov't to keep their word??? Duh.... Not really.
Been living on fresh fruit and sardines so far, as I want to continue my weight loss and drop 100 more pounds. My high weight didn't cause my arthritic knees, but it sure aggravated the problem, IMO. The VA |" $$ bill|" is paid for, but I still owe the KMH a co-pay. Right now I am most concerned with getting better and giving thanks to the Lord, for coming out of the surgery alive-- and not the 'wrong anatomy cut off.' I will never understand how another Vet came up to me in his wheel chair, with his leg amputated 3 days before my surgery-- and with a chipper smile.... Wow!
Sharon's son, Jamie, wife and 2 grand kids were up there in WI from Ohio to visit her at the Woodstock nursing home yesterday and the day before, but they are still angry with me for my posting something negative about the last Harry Potter movie, that had all sorts of the occult and witch craft in it, condemned by the Bible, IMHO. Sharon even showed them some scriptures from the Bible that our pastor recommended, but they were not interested in the least, and continue to wallow in their spiritual ignorance. They attend church regularly near Columbus, OH., at their Methodist church, and are very plastic, worldly and materialistic, IMO., but I could care less....Ha! I have more important things to worry about-- like my health and scooter repair... lol. I am not going to get worried or excited over some small goofy thing that happened months ago, nor have the time to deal with myopic, proud CINO's. Sorry..... get a life, please. But try to remember, 'telling the Bible truth can be dangerous-- serving the Lord and His Word can and will make some folks angry. I suppose I ought to pray for such people, if i had the energy to do so. Hey! You guys pray for them, OK?
Please pray for my close friends, Steve Schuckman, Steve Brulport and his wife, Barb, my oldest daughter, Barbara, and Cpt. Robby Bohnen-Green Beret, and my laid off son, Andy Schuckman. Pray for the good servants at church like |Joe and Doris Vander Mollen and Bro. Bill Lee and his wife too for all their hard, generous work and aid to me.
Merry Christmas !!
More latter,
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Heaven is my Home.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Finally Home from Surgery.
Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/
tschuckman@aol.com
Hello Readers and Friends!
I got home from KMH-- Kenosha Memorial Hospital after further Rehab, rest and healing, this past Friday-- came home to my own house in Union Grove, WI., but still have a long row to hoe with the persistent pain of the TOTAL RIGHT KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AT THE MILWAUKEE VAMC HOSPITAL on Dec. 6th, 2010. The docs and staff at the VA hosp. said that I would have 'some post-op pain' but everyone is different... some walk away with hardly any pain or complications, and others suffer pain BIG TIME! PT nurses, etc. come to my home and work with me at least 3 times a week, teaching me ow to stretch, exercise, walk, etc., but for some reason I am healing very slowly and still have much pain. The local church has brought over food and encouragement, but I am home alone and my Computer had the hard drive burn out and had to be replaced-- and I still can't get my AOL back and functioning yet! My brother Albert and his son, Steven have boarded my faithful dog, "Deuce" the Rottweiler these past 3 weeks, and I get him back on Sunday so I'll have 'someone' to talk too.... lol. Sorry that my PC was broke-- and my power chair fried the electrical harness right when I needed it the most-- on the way from the VAMC parking lot-- to the hospital building....Ha! It's still in the shop-- but I can't drive my vehicals yet anyway.
I have a long bitter/ sweet story that I need to write about, the surgery, staff, ill treatment --- some of it disturbing and uncomfortable-- the way I was treated at the VA- 5 day stay post-op recovery at the Milwaukee VA, etc.
I just want to get this initial post/ message out to you all, that all the "Dream Team" VA surgeons/ docs and staff say--was a very successful complete right knee replacement surgery. Confidentially, with all the trouble and pain, I WISH I NEVER HAD THE SURGERY in the first place, and right now, I certainly don't plan on having the Left knee cut and replaced any time soon! But everyone says that in a few months-- everything will feel better and I might have a change of heart and mind. I Fasted 2 days BEFORE the surgery and flushed my bowels out with Phosphate soda--and continued my Fast [no eating at all] for 13 days--when I finally got home for the last time last Friday. I had NO BLOOD in my surgery...for personal, health reasons, and the surgeons respected my wishes [demands..lol], and I believe that the actual surgery last about 3 1/2 hours. The doctors were satisfied with their 'handy work' and said the incission looked good and healthy/ normal. I wish I could remember their names so I could post and thank them. All the time my wife, Sharon, is still at the Woodstock nursing home and Rehab, but I sent some friends, like Steve Brulport, over to drop off some Coca Cola, Grapefruits and a cooler to keep her beverages cold. THANK YOU, STEVE BRULPORT, faithful close friend and Christian warrior! Your reward is waiting for you in heaven.
My son, Andy, and nephew, Steven Schuckman, have been over to my house a few time to help and do some errons for me too. Bill Lee, from church came over to visit and bring some good food too.
Thank you all for you many prayers and well wishes!
Warm Regards,
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Hello Readers and Friends!
I got home from KMH-- Kenosha Memorial Hospital after further Rehab, rest and healing, this past Friday-- came home to my own house in Union Grove, WI., but still have a long row to hoe with the persistent pain of the TOTAL RIGHT KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AT THE MILWAUKEE VAMC HOSPITAL on Dec. 6th, 2010. The docs and staff at the VA hosp. said that I would have 'some post-op pain' but everyone is different... some walk away with hardly any pain or complications, and others suffer pain BIG TIME! PT nurses, etc. come to my home and work with me at least 3 times a week, teaching me ow to stretch, exercise, walk, etc., but for some reason I am healing very slowly and still have much pain. The local church has brought over food and encouragement, but I am home alone and my Computer had the hard drive burn out and had to be replaced-- and I still can't get my AOL back and functioning yet! My brother Albert and his son, Steven have boarded my faithful dog, "Deuce" the Rottweiler these past 3 weeks, and I get him back on Sunday so I'll have 'someone' to talk too.... lol. Sorry that my PC was broke-- and my power chair fried the electrical harness right when I needed it the most-- on the way from the VAMC parking lot-- to the hospital building....Ha! It's still in the shop-- but I can't drive my vehicals yet anyway.
I have a long bitter/ sweet story that I need to write about, the surgery, staff, ill treatment --- some of it disturbing and uncomfortable-- the way I was treated at the VA- 5 day stay post-op recovery at the Milwaukee VA, etc.
I just want to get this initial post/ message out to you all, that all the "Dream Team" VA surgeons/ docs and staff say--was a very successful complete right knee replacement surgery. Confidentially, with all the trouble and pain, I WISH I NEVER HAD THE SURGERY in the first place, and right now, I certainly don't plan on having the Left knee cut and replaced any time soon! But everyone says that in a few months-- everything will feel better and I might have a change of heart and mind. I Fasted 2 days BEFORE the surgery and flushed my bowels out with Phosphate soda--and continued my Fast [no eating at all] for 13 days--when I finally got home for the last time last Friday. I had NO BLOOD in my surgery...for personal, health reasons, and the surgeons respected my wishes [demands..lol], and I believe that the actual surgery last about 3 1/2 hours. The doctors were satisfied with their 'handy work' and said the incission looked good and healthy/ normal. I wish I could remember their names so I could post and thank them. All the time my wife, Sharon, is still at the Woodstock nursing home and Rehab, but I sent some friends, like Steve Brulport, over to drop off some Coca Cola, Grapefruits and a cooler to keep her beverages cold. THANK YOU, STEVE BRULPORT, faithful close friend and Christian warrior! Your reward is waiting for you in heaven.
My son, Andy, and nephew, Steven Schuckman, have been over to my house a few time to help and do some errons for me too. Bill Lee, from church came over to visit and bring some good food too.
Thank you all for you many prayers and well wishes!
Warm Regards,
Tom Schuckman
Friday, December 3, 2010
How to warm up.
Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/
tschuckman@aol.com
All Army Veterans and most folks in Wisconsin already know these facts-- but the rest of you guys and gals who DON'T live in Hawaii can now learn how to be comfortable and sleep warm!! Woo Woo! Think--- what's more important, looking like a cool fool, or knowing how to LAYER your clothing-- pick the right/ correct clothes to stay warm?? I remember having to pull guard duty in Germany near a POL dump in the Winter time, in early 1968, while a bunch of soldiers were sleeping in a tent, but they had a diesel heater inside that kept everything toasty. It was nice to step in out of the cold windy raw weather for a few minutes to warm up. But I had to learn how to dress warm and still be in uniform in the Fatherland.
And you might have guessed correctly that now days ANYTHING could come down the pike--- like shortages of heating fuel or over priced gas and oil if there is a new war or money/ credit crisis.... Be Prepared! Learn and survive.
Tom
There's nothing worse than a cold bedroom in winter, so we asked four ice hotels to share their secrets to a cozy sleep space.
During the long, dark days of winter -- and nights too! -- it can be difficult to sleep in a bedroom that is drafty or cold. It might lack a proper heating vent. Or you might be trying to save some dough by cranking down the heat at night.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope with undesirable temperatures in the bedroom.
And what better source of inspiration than from a seasoned pro -- a hotel constructed from blocks of ice or mounds of snow?
Four hotels around the world offer accommodations like this -- Hôtel de Glace in Quebec; Kirkenes SnowHotel in Norway; a property aptly named Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden; and Finland's SnowVillage. We polled each of the hotels for tips on what to wear to bed -- and the warmest, coziest types of bedding -- to help make your bedroom a blissful refuge during winter.
"Clients from whom we have received negative feedback have said that it was too warm to sleep," says Heini Korvenkangas of SnowVillage.
Learn To Sleep In Layers
SnowHotel in Norway injects humor into the idea of sleeping overnight in a hotel made out of snow. "Remember, we are in the Arctic climate," reads a letter of introduction to all guests. "Take extra layers to keep yourself warm. This is not a fashion show; the purpose is to keep yourself warm!"
Not just for outdoor hikes and while downhill or cross-country skiing, thermal underwear is a blessing any time it's cold. Why is it a godsend? Simply put, it traps warm air from escaping your body. Go with not only long underwear but a long-sleeve top too. Add flannel pajamas on top and a tank top underneath, and you are all set to catch some zzzs.
Hôtel de Glace in Quebec coaches guests ahead of time on what to pack in preparation for a night sleeping on a block of ice. Three layers should be worn, with the exterior layer's goal to "shield wind and humidity;" the middle layer of wool, flannel or polar-fleece garments designed to isolate air and control humidity; and an interior layer of undergarments. And not necessarily the undies or undershirts you wear year-round. These should be a mix of wool or synthetic fabric and ideally not cotton. Cotton retains the humidity and then you have a new problem you did not anticipate: sweating. Also, shop for wool socks and a wool cap that fits tightly over your head (you'd be surprised how quickly it can fall off while you toss and turn -- or allow a draft to slip through). At SnowVillage in Norway each guest is provided with not only a sleeping bag but a wool hat and a pair of wool socks too.
And while we know how tempting it is to sleep in the clothes you wore during the day, try not to. The reason is that dry clothing -- garments you've not worn yet that day -- lacks humidity that can actually make you feel cool. Stick with dry layers, and you won't have this problem.
Snuggle Into A Sleeping Bag
Because the beds at all of these hotels are constructed from raw, natural materials (snow and ice) that couldn't be any colder, guests are provided with fleece-lined sleeping bags. Now even though you have a base that includes a mattress, mattress pad and bed sheets, it can't hurt to add another layer next to your skin. Search for a sleeping bag that clearly states the outdoor temperatures it is guaranteed to succumb to. Ideally, that should be below freezing temperatures, because that's how cold it can feel at night, yes?
"Each guest is supplied with a sleeping bag meant for outdoor conditions," explains Korvenkangas. "These sleeping bags can handle up to -25 to -35 degrees Celsius. Yet it's never that cold at SnowVillage."
Take it to the next level -- if your bedroom is really cold -- and invest in a fleece inner sleeping bag, which is what SnowVillage guests also receive. You can either use it in conjunction with the sleeping bag or solo -- your choice and depending on your body's need for warmth.
Think Exotic
If ever there was a reason to invest in high-quality, exotic materials for bedding, it's the fact that you cannot sleep because it is too cold. At Ice Hotel, reindeer skins are laid between the blocks of ice (that serve as beds) and sleeping bags for a cozy middle layer that traps heat and won't allow it to escape. Large pieces of animal skins are warm. So are leather and sheepskin. Take the problem of having a cold bedroom, and turn it into a positive by splurging on an exotic animal skin!
Wake Up to Hot Beverages
Ice Hotel guests are provided with a small glass of "hot lingonberry juice" at their bedside. And at Hôtel de Glace you are greeted with warm beverages.
Think about how you can get hot tea or coffee going quickly in the morning by doing prep-work the night before. This might be as simple as grinding the coffee beans or cleaning out the coffee pot. If you are lucky enough to have a programmable coffee pot, put that high-tech function to good use so that you can wake up to the smell of brewing coffee.
Or, rummage through your cabinets before bed and lay out on the kitchen counter your favorite tea, a beloved mug and any kind of brewing tools that get the hot tea going. Then lay in bed sipping your tea to toast you up.
Want to read more about bedroom decor?
How to Green and Detox Your Bedroom
Solid Bedding: Making It Work
Bedroom Makeover: Make It Sexy & Tasteful
**********************************************************************
tschuckman@aol.com
All Army Veterans and most folks in Wisconsin already know these facts-- but the rest of you guys and gals who DON'T live in Hawaii can now learn how to be comfortable and sleep warm!! Woo Woo! Think--- what's more important, looking like a cool fool, or knowing how to LAYER your clothing-- pick the right/ correct clothes to stay warm?? I remember having to pull guard duty in Germany near a POL dump in the Winter time, in early 1968, while a bunch of soldiers were sleeping in a tent, but they had a diesel heater inside that kept everything toasty. It was nice to step in out of the cold windy raw weather for a few minutes to warm up. But I had to learn how to dress warm and still be in uniform in the Fatherland.
And you might have guessed correctly that now days ANYTHING could come down the pike--- like shortages of heating fuel or over priced gas and oil if there is a new war or money/ credit crisis.... Be Prepared! Learn and survive.
Tom
During the long, dark days of winter -- and nights too! -- it can be difficult to sleep in a bedroom that is drafty or cold. It might lack a proper heating vent. Or you might be trying to save some dough by cranking down the heat at night.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope with undesirable temperatures in the bedroom.
And what better source of inspiration than from a seasoned pro -- a hotel constructed from blocks of ice or mounds of snow?
Four hotels around the world offer accommodations like this -- Hôtel de Glace in Quebec; Kirkenes SnowHotel in Norway; a property aptly named Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden; and Finland's SnowVillage. We polled each of the hotels for tips on what to wear to bed -- and the warmest, coziest types of bedding -- to help make your bedroom a blissful refuge during winter.
"Clients from whom we have received negative feedback have said that it was too warm to sleep," says Heini Korvenkangas of SnowVillage.
SnowVillage" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.shelterpop.com/media/2010/11/icehotels1-590kh110910.jpg">
Layers is the name of the game when trying to keep warm. Photo: Kirkenes SnowHotel
SnowHotel in Norway injects humor into the idea of sleeping overnight in a hotel made out of snow. "Remember, we are in the Arctic climate," reads a letter of introduction to all guests. "Take extra layers to keep yourself warm. This is not a fashion show; the purpose is to keep yourself warm!"
Not just for outdoor hikes and while downhill or cross-country skiing, thermal underwear is a blessing any time it's cold. Why is it a godsend? Simply put, it traps warm air from escaping your body. Go with not only long underwear but a long-sleeve top too. Add flannel pajamas on top and a tank top underneath, and you are all set to catch some zzzs.
Hôtel de Glace in Quebec coaches guests ahead of time on what to pack in preparation for a night sleeping on a block of ice. Three layers should be worn, with the exterior layer's goal to "shield wind and humidity;" the middle layer of wool, flannel or polar-fleece garments designed to isolate air and control humidity; and an interior layer of undergarments. And not necessarily the undies or undershirts you wear year-round. These should be a mix of wool or synthetic fabric and ideally not cotton. Cotton retains the humidity and then you have a new problem you did not anticipate: sweating. Also, shop for wool socks and a wool cap that fits tightly over your head (you'd be surprised how quickly it can fall off while you toss and turn -- or allow a draft to slip through). At SnowVillage in Norway each guest is provided with not only a sleeping bag but a wool hat and a pair of wool socks too.
And while we know how tempting it is to sleep in the clothes you wore during the day, try not to. The reason is that dry clothing -- garments you've not worn yet that day -- lacks humidity that can actually make you feel cool. Stick with dry layers, and you won't have this problem.
Hoel de Glace" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.shelterpop.com/media/2010/11/icehotels3-590kh110910.jpg">
Photo: Xavier Dachez for Hôtel de Glace
Because the beds at all of these hotels are constructed from raw, natural materials (snow and ice) that couldn't be any colder, guests are provided with fleece-lined sleeping bags. Now even though you have a base that includes a mattress, mattress pad and bed sheets, it can't hurt to add another layer next to your skin. Search for a sleeping bag that clearly states the outdoor temperatures it is guaranteed to succumb to. Ideally, that should be below freezing temperatures, because that's how cold it can feel at night, yes?
"Each guest is supplied with a sleeping bag meant for outdoor conditions," explains Korvenkangas. "These sleeping bags can handle up to -25 to -35 degrees Celsius. Yet it's never that cold at SnowVillage."
Take it to the next level -- if your bedroom is really cold -- and invest in a fleece inner sleeping bag, which is what SnowVillage guests also receive. You can either use it in conjunction with the sleeping bag or solo -- your choice and depending on your body's need for warmth.
Photo: Big Ben Productions for Ice Hotel
If ever there was a reason to invest in high-quality, exotic materials for bedding, it's the fact that you cannot sleep because it is too cold. At Ice Hotel, reindeer skins are laid between the blocks of ice (that serve as beds) and sleeping bags for a cozy middle layer that traps heat and won't allow it to escape. Large pieces of animal skins are warm. So are leather and sheepskin. Take the problem of having a cold bedroom, and turn it into a positive by splurging on an exotic animal skin!
snowvillage" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.shelterpop.com/media/2010/11/icehotels4-590kh110910.jpg">
Photo: SnowVillage
Ice Hotel guests are provided with a small glass of "hot lingonberry juice" at their bedside. And at Hôtel de Glace you are greeted with warm beverages.
Think about how you can get hot tea or coffee going quickly in the morning by doing prep-work the night before. This might be as simple as grinding the coffee beans or cleaning out the coffee pot. If you are lucky enough to have a programmable coffee pot, put that high-tech function to good use so that you can wake up to the smell of brewing coffee.
Or, rummage through your cabinets before bed and lay out on the kitchen counter your favorite tea, a beloved mug and any kind of brewing tools that get the hot tea going. Then lay in bed sipping your tea to toast you up.
Want to read more about bedroom decor?
How to Green and Detox Your Bedroom
Solid Bedding: Making It Work
Bedroom Makeover: Make It Sexy & Tasteful
**********************************************************************
Posted:
Q. I have a question for you regarding ‘the fruit of the Spirit’. Jesus said we would recognize Christians in the same way as we would recognize a good tree – because it bears good fruit. As Christians though, we continue to sin and constantly bear ‘bad fruit’ – easily recognizable by [...] Wow!!
Gays in the Army.
Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/
tschuckman@aol.com
<<< They truck I have now is White.
Good Morning, Friends and Readers,
I just figured out why I am aching so bad today... I was only following orders from the VA about stopping my use of Herbs that I usually take daily: Ginger, Garlic, Cayenne, Joint Advantage, etc, that does help me a lot. And now my whole body is messed up with bone and muscle discomfort-- to put it mildly. I have been a serious student in STUDYING Healing Herbs for the past 40 years, and they WORK!! Now it's hard for me just to stand up and walk! In my basic preparation for ANY emergency-- I like to stock up on things that I use in every day living, including the herbs I have knowledge of for most every complaint of mine-- and my wife is educated in this area too. But if I only found the right herb to help me lose WEIGHT... Ha!
Man! What a feast my wife and I had last night for celebrate her birthday on Dec. 4th! I wanted to make it memorable for dear Sharon to show her how much I love her. We had a good time with our "Last Supper" before I surrender my body to the VA Hospital in Milwaukee. I think I will go on a long "fast" after the surgery to lose weight, so I don't have to fight with their 'food' they give me... lol. Sharon has lost over 100 pounds since she has been in the nursing home about 3 months ago, but she is still very sickly-- poor girl.
Lisa, from the Milwaukee VA Hospital, just called me for my final instructions, time and room number for my up coming surgery, so now I have some 'closure.'
A snow storm is coming my way from 8PM today- Friday--thru Saturday 8AM. I can't wait to click my 4WD on in my Ram pickup truck. Just what is it that turns men on to Pick-up trucks??? Heck, I don't have the time and energy to construct such a long list... LOL! But they can carry large objects, are built tough, have 4 by 4 and big tires that get thru snow, etc, with my mighty traction, and I just LOVE 4 wheel drive! Yes, I pay a bit more for fuel for my 2007 Ram-- with a Dodge Big Horn Hemi engine, but I have a sense of well being and safety when I am in my truck-- kind of like an armored tank in the Army--- I can tow things and help folks climb out of a ditch with my chains when they slip/ slide in the snow. OK, enough bragging for a while...Ha!
Does anyone have dry skin in the Winter time? I use some Eucerine cream on my hands and then put on cotton gloves when I sleep, and I have to use Oxygen and a CPAP machine when I sleep or take naps-- for my Sleep Apnia. There was a lot of foul, polluted air in the AMC/ Chrysler auto factory in Kenosha, WI., where I worked for 30 years,and a few dozen died from HP pneumonia while I was there-- and the rest of us who survived built up some kind of immunity, or maybe we just were allowed to live a bit longer. I was just happy and thankful to have a good job to pay the mortgage and raise my family. Praise the Lord! Please pray for Debbie, from Kenosha, WI., who just lost her job, and is looking for another one. She is a good Christian and a hard, educated worker.
I am very concerned about the new law that allows Gays openly serving in the military, and as if we don't have enough things to worry about now with our monetary melt down and economy-- FLASH! Here is something that could honestly weaken our national defense-- pushed by the Dims/ Progressive Congress and WH! BOOO! Hello-- Sodom and Gomorrah! Just as the Bible-- Jesus predicted about the Last Days. Read 'em and weep, America. |I fear [but I don't don't blame the good soldiers one bit] that many good, smart military people will now quit the service, and/ or won't enlist or stay in! What a pity. What a shame, BUT, this is part of the 'Big Picture'... America is being destroyed from WITH IN by the God- Haters, perverts, and Socialists. On this subject/ point, Glenn Beck has it right. The Bible loving Christians have it right too-- but America is going down and pretty soon we shall cease to exist-- slipping into a 'ONE WORLD GOV'T' controlled by the Anti-Christ in the near future. Mr. Obama and others are now preparing the way for the Anti-Christ, IMHO, and I get most of my opinions, thoughts and info from the KJV- Bible.... serious, constant, intense study and prayer, and a lot of other reading on the side.
Take care, friends, and thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes.
Regards,
Old Soldier Tom
tschuckman@aol.com
Jesus is Lord.
Here is another look at the stats:
Former Navy Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt just read the full Pentagon report on repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and here's his analysis:
"Don't believe the phony liberal media reports that 70% of troops support open homosexual service, because that statistic included 'mixed' feelings. A closer reading of the fine print in the newly released Pentagon survey shows our troops answered as follows:
Q45. If you had a leader whom you believed was gay or lesbian, 9% positive, 91% negative or mixed effect on unit's performance.
Q68c. 85% of Marine Combat Arms, 75% of Army Combat Arms, 64% overall say Negative, Very Negative, or Mixed impact on unit trust.
Q90. 29% would take no action if assigned open showers. 71% would shower at other times, complain to leadership or chaplains, don't know or do "something else" [including violence.]
Q81. 24% will leave the military or think about leaving sooner than planned. [One half million troops will QUIT early, destroying national security.]
Q80. 6% will positively recommend service to others after repeal. 94% feel negative, mixed, no effect, or don't know about recommending military service to others. [Destroying recruiting efforts.]
Q66. If open homosexuality impacts combat performance, is the impact....9% positive, 91% negative or mixed impact.
Q71. 11% feel positive or very positive about open homosexuality in field environment or out at sea. 60% negative or mixed. 19% no effect.
Q73. 5% say repeal would positively boost morale. 41% say negative or mixed impact morale. Rest no effect or don't know.
"In summary, the real stats prove our nation faces a NATIONAL SECURITY DISASTER if Don't Ask, Don't Tell is repealed, and open homosexual aggression is forced upon our troops against their will."
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Al Gore's outlook on Ethanol.
Tom's Journal.http://tomschuckmanjournal.blogspot.com/tschuckman@aol.com
So... what else do you think those nerdy, dishonest Lefty Dims lie about...... duh.
If the 'good guys' in Congress don't get crackin' --the Dims will try to pass more monstrosities under the radar before the first of the year -- instead of dealing with the fiscal running of the Gov't and the Bush tax cut thing!!
As the nurse practitioner [NP], Joe, gave me yet another physical exam and 100 questions at the VA Hospital today, 'pre-surgery check up', he told me that after the operation I would HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT, or the new steel knee/ joint wouldn't last long. I asked him: 'Are you a Christian?' He said, 'Yes.' And I answered that I was seriously hoping that the Rapture would be coming SOON. Joe said, 'No, I don't think the rapture is coming so soon-- and we will be going to have a lot of suffering first before it comes.' Well, I said, 'obviously I am taking care of business today because I can't handle the pain of my messed up, 'bone on bone' arthritic knees, Rapture or not!' Every person has to weigh both sides of the issue and decide if their 'quality of life' and mobility are being sacrificed and lost-- and who is going to take care of ME, my dog and wife?? Surgery is my very LAST choice-- and I am at the end of my rope, so I finally opted to take the chance... and I certainly heard enough horror stories about the wrong anatomy being cut off by accident-- and we know how the VA likes to cover things up... Ha! Two of my best friends got butchered with joint replacement in the last few years, and I am wondering why they didn't sue the pants off the guilty docs and staff! But how can you sue the Gov't / VA ?? I am NOT AFRAID OF DYING, but I just don't want to walk away worse than when I came to the hospital.
In the end I will just leave things in God's hands-- and I can live or die with that final thought. The bottom line is, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." ~ Philippians 1:21. I am in Christ for the long haul. He is my God, and I am His soldier.
So... what else do you think those nerdy, dishonest Lefty Dims lie about...... duh.
If the 'good guys' in Congress don't get crackin' --the Dims will try to pass more monstrosities under the radar before the first of the year -- instead of dealing with the fiscal running of the Gov't and the Bush tax cut thing!!
As the nurse practitioner [NP], Joe, gave me yet another physical exam and 100 questions at the VA Hospital today, 'pre-surgery check up', he told me that after the operation I would HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT, or the new steel knee/ joint wouldn't last long. I asked him: 'Are you a Christian?' He said, 'Yes.' And I answered that I was seriously hoping that the Rapture would be coming SOON. Joe said, 'No, I don't think the rapture is coming so soon-- and we will be going to have a lot of suffering first before it comes.' Well, I said, 'obviously I am taking care of business today because I can't handle the pain of my messed up, 'bone on bone' arthritic knees, Rapture or not!' Every person has to weigh both sides of the issue and decide if their 'quality of life' and mobility are being sacrificed and lost-- and who is going to take care of ME, my dog and wife?? Surgery is my very LAST choice-- and I am at the end of my rope, so I finally opted to take the chance... and I certainly heard enough horror stories about the wrong anatomy being cut off by accident-- and we know how the VA likes to cover things up... Ha! Two of my best friends got butchered with joint replacement in the last few years, and I am wondering why they didn't sue the pants off the guilty docs and staff! But how can you sue the Gov't / VA ?? I am NOT AFRAID OF DYING, but I just don't want to walk away worse than when I came to the hospital.
In the end I will just leave things in God's hands-- and I can live or die with that final thought. The bottom line is, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." ~ Philippians 1:21. I am in Christ for the long haul. He is my God, and I am His soldier.
Al Gore’s outlook on Ethanol
by Edward C. Gates
Posted on November 27th 2010
Posted on November 27th 2010
Al Gore, the former US president has changed his view on ethanol as he said the he supported only tax breaks in the alternative fuel to pander to Tennessee farmers and the state of Iowa. Al Gore during a green energy business conference in Athens said the program which one he said has been kept alive mistakenly by the lobbyists.
According to report Al Gore said he had made a mistake because of giving more attention to the farmers in Tennessee and fondness with Iowa state farmers as he was trying for the president post. The corn ethanol subsidies credits expires end of this year but the Congress can renew $7.7 billion annual program. The corn subsidies opponents expect it will remove the valuable food products as the US ethanol industry will increase the corn price. Gore has credited a different factor for the food pricing issue having an effect on the biofuel.
During this year ethanol production is expected to have consumed 41% of the US corn crop and global corn crop by 15%. The corn crop production is expected to fall this year crediting to the decrease to the increase in corn price. According to report, USDA’s world outlook board discovered that quality of corn production has improved livestock weights, etc even though there was lower production level. The percentage of corn has an effect on food prices as the contest on food prices is true.
The report also added that Al Gore expressed less concerns over second-generation ethanol production and third generation which don’t compete with food prices playing an important role. Noel Sheppard has said that if anyone question about Gore’s motives on the climate change movement giving a Nobel prize. Gore supported a policy ten yrs ago as he expected that it would support him to become president but media don’t expect that he lied the threat of global warming to become full, Sheppard added.
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tschuckman@aol.com
Hi Friends,
Another super exhausting day at the Milwaukee VA hosp. today for me-- x-rays of both knees again, and a head to toe physical with many questions [2nd time] by a NP -Nurse Practitioner named "Joe." He told me that I had an umbilical rupture that ought to be looked at soon, and said that I need to lose weight! Joe! What? Are you really sure that I need to lose weight??? Duh. Well, YES! I already know that I need to drop 100 pounds YESTERDAY...lol! Hey, Joe! Did you know that there is 800 pound gorilla on your back? Hey, I'm just kidding... but it irks me when people insult my intelligence-- as if I didn't know that the man in the mirror was huge and FAT-- that trips my trigger! Duh... Short of surgery, who has the magic pill to lose weight in America? Half of America would really love to lose weight, don't you think??
At least I have a valid excuse since I retired from over 30 plus years on the AMC/ Chrysler assembly line [that was keeping the weight off just standing up all day and sweating my buns off WORKING!]. But the last few years were a real bitch struggling with bad, painful arthritic KNEES and BACK, but I finished my time and got the whole pension and benefits! [Thank you, Lord.]
I did get some good news today-- I have been thinking about re-joining the old YMCA about 22 miles away in Kenosha, WI., but I got an advertisement in the mail today about a Health Club just a FEW BLOCKS AWAY FROM MY HUMBLE HOME IN Union Grove! Wow! Having been a power lifter for most of my life-- that is just what I need right now-- and after my knee surgery, for Rehab, and maybe the VA can give me a voucher for my new membership! I'm excited! PTL. The Health Club is said to be open 24/7, and is called: SnapFitness, and I will visit them tomorrow, for sure.
We are going to celebrate my wife's birthday on Dec. 4th-- tomorrow night at a German restaurant, and I am jokingly calling it our "Last Supper" -- because I will be in the hospital soon enough, and eating some of their "food." I need to stop drinking soda pop too... but I don't eat that much for a big guy. I had 3 pieces of VA hospital's chicken today, and that was it! I had an apple and banana when I finally got home, and I feel full and content. My brother and sisters are heavy too... so I believe that most of our challenge is genetic. I was tall and skinny when young until I hit age 35, and weighed about 165 over in Vietnam: 68-70. Good thing God sees the heart of a person instead of the appearance... lol.
As I was driving home from Milwaukee about 2:30 PM, I heard on Christian radio, WVCY-America, 107.7 AM, that Al Gore rescinded/ admitted that his prior stand of green house gases and 'climate change' were politically motivated and false! Scientifically, proven, it takes more money to make corn into fuel than is profitable in the long run. People are starving to death in some countries for stupid agriculture/ Gov't policies that are NOT economical!! Hello! If this is so-- how many other lies were put forward for political gain?? We are seeing a lot of 'dirty laundry' come out lately, are we not? I bet this is only the tip of the ice berg, friends. I need to do more research on this subject.
Regards,
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Jesus is Lord.
tschuckman@aol.com
Hi Friends,
Another super exhausting day at the Milwaukee VA hosp. today for me-- x-rays of both knees again, and a head to toe physical with many questions [2nd time] by a NP -Nurse Practitioner named "Joe." He told me that I had an umbilical rupture that ought to be looked at soon, and said that I need to lose weight! Joe! What? Are you really sure that I need to lose weight??? Duh. Well, YES! I already know that I need to drop 100 pounds YESTERDAY...lol! Hey, Joe! Did you know that there is 800 pound gorilla on your back? Hey, I'm just kidding... but it irks me when people insult my intelligence-- as if I didn't know that the man in the mirror was huge and FAT-- that trips my trigger! Duh... Short of surgery, who has the magic pill to lose weight in America? Half of America would really love to lose weight, don't you think??
At least I have a valid excuse since I retired from over 30 plus years on the AMC/ Chrysler assembly line [that was keeping the weight off just standing up all day and sweating my buns off WORKING!]. But the last few years were a real bitch struggling with bad, painful arthritic KNEES and BACK, but I finished my time and got the whole pension and benefits! [Thank you, Lord.]
I did get some good news today-- I have been thinking about re-joining the old YMCA about 22 miles away in Kenosha, WI., but I got an advertisement in the mail today about a Health Club just a FEW BLOCKS AWAY FROM MY HUMBLE HOME IN Union Grove! Wow! Having been a power lifter for most of my life-- that is just what I need right now-- and after my knee surgery, for Rehab, and maybe the VA can give me a voucher for my new membership! I'm excited! PTL. The Health Club is said to be open 24/7, and is called: SnapFitness, and I will visit them tomorrow, for sure.
We are going to celebrate my wife's birthday on Dec. 4th-- tomorrow night at a German restaurant, and I am jokingly calling it our "Last Supper" -- because I will be in the hospital soon enough, and eating some of their "food." I need to stop drinking soda pop too... but I don't eat that much for a big guy. I had 3 pieces of VA hospital's chicken today, and that was it! I had an apple and banana when I finally got home, and I feel full and content. My brother and sisters are heavy too... so I believe that most of our challenge is genetic. I was tall and skinny when young until I hit age 35, and weighed about 165 over in Vietnam: 68-70. Good thing God sees the heart of a person instead of the appearance... lol.
As I was driving home from Milwaukee about 2:30 PM, I heard on Christian radio, WVCY-America, 107.7 AM, that Al Gore rescinded/ admitted that his prior stand of green house gases and 'climate change' were politically motivated and false! Scientifically, proven, it takes more money to make corn into fuel than is profitable in the long run. People are starving to death in some countries for stupid agriculture/ Gov't policies that are NOT economical!! Hello! If this is so-- how many other lies were put forward for political gain?? We are seeing a lot of 'dirty laundry' come out lately, are we not? I bet this is only the tip of the ice berg, friends. I need to do more research on this subject.
Al Gore’s outlook on Ethanol
by Edward C. Gates
Posted on November 27th 2010
Posted on November 27th 2010
Al Gore, the former US president has changed his view on ethanol as he said the he supported only tax breaks in the alternative fuel to pander to Tennessee farmers and the state of Iowa. Al Gore during a green energy business conference in Athens said the program which one he said has been kept alive mistakenly by the lobbyists.
According to report Al Gore said he had made a mistake because of giving more attention to the farmers in Tennessee and fondness with Iowa state farmers as he was trying for the president post. The corn ethanol subsidies credits expires end of this year but the Congress can renew $7.7 billion annual program. The corn subsidies opponents expect it will remove the valuable food products as the US ethanol industry will increase the corn price. Gore has credited a different factor for the food pricing issue having an effect on the biofuel.
During this year ethanol production is expected to have consumed 41% of the US corn crop and global corn crop by 15%. The corn crop production is expected to fall this year crediting to the decrease to the increase in corn price. According to report, USDA’s world outlook board discovered that quality of corn production has improved livestock weights, etc even though there was lower production level. The percentage of corn has an effect on food prices as the contest on food prices is true.
The report also added that Al Gore expressed less concerns over second-generation ethanol production and third generation which don’t compete with food prices playing an important role. Noel Sheppard has said that if anyone question about Gore’s motives on the climate change movement giving a Nobel prize. Gore supported a policy ten yrs ago as he expected that it would support him to become president but media don’t expect that he lied the threat of global warming to become full, Sheppard added.
Regards,
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com
Jesus is Lord.
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