The CE was seen at the VA Medical Hospital in August by a device technician to check out how well his pacemaker is functioning. He was seen in the ER at a non-profit hospital locally (although the bills don’t reflect that), so now is trying to get his care transferred back to the VA. His local ER doc was excellent and his VA doc commented on his good stats. He can go back to the YMCA with me now and resume (to the extent that he can) our exercise classes. I tried the chair yoga class and thought that might be good for him and believe he’ll want to continue with our Tai Chi class. However, they will be starting a new medication for him shortly and that will necessitate close monitoring for awhile and multiple trips to Chicago.
Also, during August, our area and proximity to Illinois was hit with a major storm that caused flooding and widespread power outages, some for as long as two weeks. We weren’t without power for more than a few days but taught us we’d need to be better prepared if this is going to be the new norm as weather patterns will continue to evolve. Without investing in an expensive generator, we found a compact, almost budget friendly power bank. At least it will charge the cell phones and power the TV and coffee maker. (Been a while since I’ve made “cowboy coffee” but it wasn’t too bad.)
We did manage to read and listen to our library and NetGalleybooks—fifteen of them (many from July). Ive gotten so far behind with reviews and blogging buddies it’s shameful, but still trying to play catch up while accompanying the CE on medical visits and taking care of everything else. There is never enough time. As always, the purchase info is included with my reviews.
EBooks
The Gatekeeper by James Byrne (CE review)
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (bookclub selection)
Deserters by Jerry Gabriel (CE review)
Fighting Edge by Margaret Mizushima
Audiobooks
The Final Target, The Keeper, Yesteryear, Buckeye (mini-reviews)
Broken Country, Whistler, Nothing Ventured, Surviving Savannah (mini-reviews)
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The favorite book for August:
I always enjoy the books by Margaret Mizushima and the CE had a favorite as well, but that unique plot and engaging writing style of Alison Espach in The Wedding People won me over. A hard and emotional, serious topic handled well in an entertaining and heart-warming novel.
Favorite for August –The Wedding People by Alison Espach
My Reading Challenges page…I’ve been lucky to turn on the computer. My Goodreads opening page now shows 94 books (five behind schedule). I edited the goal to 150. Also, I still have several audiobooks finished but not posted.
To my readers and fellow bloggers, I appreciate every view and like and appreciate so much your taking the time to check out my posts and leave your comments.
©2026 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 
I’m glad the checkup when well for the CE and that is able to get back to doing things. It’s hard when you are juggling so much, and a long drive to the VA hospital certainly takes up a lot of time. You still got some good reading and listening in. Happy September and Happy Anniversary! How many years?
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no, thank heaven, i don’t have to drive to Chicago. i declared some time ago i wouldn’t be able to do that, and let’s face it, his emergencies have never been convenient–evenings and weekends. i got him into United Health for a close ER. we have a satellite office very near us and we go there to get a shuttle. they have rearranged their hours recently so that there are 2 to Chicago and 2 coming back, 7:30 and 8:30 in the morning and noon or 3:30. both, of course, during rush hours but no problem, the drivers are as insane as the rest of the traffic and the really fast ones get us there in under an hour–the slower more careful–1 1/4 hrs. bless their hearts, the one we had last week was a 30 yr old bus (do you have old Blue Bird buses in your area?). he weilded it around like it was one of their new vans. you hang on for dear life, hold your kidneys and hope they still work cause you’ll need them when you arrive exhausted and sore. everywhere. still. better than driving. and today–64 years. now i’m facing his failing cognitive problems. and yes, it takes up a lot of time and creates quite a bit of frustration. sorry, TMI.
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I’m glad you have a shuttle to take instead of driving. Chicago is crazy, I’ve driven through there. We don’t have any of the old buses around here, but I’ve been on some real old ones in Cancun and I hang on for dear life. Congratulations on 64 years, that is awesome! Unfortunately, getting old is a bitch, but better than the alternative.
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Glad to hear the CE is doing well!
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thank you–we’ll be having another anniversary on the 2nd Sept. we’ve packed a lot into those years!
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