Albin news Nov 29, 2010

Albin News Readers,

Happy Thanksgiving!! It's that time in the America where get together and celebrate something that has become so common to us today: ample food! Thank you to all the people who had a hand in bringing crops safely to market again this year. Thank you especially to all the hard working cooks who turned that produce into another Thanksgiving dinner!

Thank you to Shannon Weller for successfully obtaining funding for an EMT training class this winter in Pine Bluffs. The class is scheduled to start January 4 and will be held two nights a week at the historic high school. Once again, Albin is needing more volunteer EMTs and this training is only offered once in a while. If you are interested, call Shannon at 245-3400. It's a substantial time commitment with no monetary compensation but according to Shannon it's about the best thing she's ever committed to. Apparently there are some intangable benefits.

Thank you also to Mike Sorenson for his continued service in the Air National Guard. Mike got back safe and sound from his fourth tour in Afghanistan tour last week. Mike said he feels like he is simply continuing something that started a long time ago; building on the willingness of other service men and women to sacrifice for their country.

Starting in December there will be open gym for basketball on Thursday nights at seven. Also there continues to be open gym for volleyball on Tuesday nights at seven.

This is the latest from Dixie on Tim's continued progress over thanksgiving:

“Philemon (verses 4-7) with emphasis on verse 4...I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers...
This verse is a picture every night as we pray with Tim. To hear him pray and thank God for everything He has done and for his progress, his thankfulness for the day's activities or visitors, and his requests for not only himself, but others is a joy! He always asks God for 'another small miracle tomorrow' and sometimes specifically states what he is asking God for or to do. This morning we had the tv on and he and Jessica heard the preacher talk about Timothy (in the Bible) and his mother, Eunice. Jessica said he was talking about you, Tim. Tim said, "No, my mom's name is Dixie, not Eunice!" We have had another great week, especially with Thanksgiving and having Bethany home! He did walk three steps with the help of Beth, Howard, and me at our family Thanksgiving. Tonight, we walked about 10 steps to his bedroom (with help) and he did great! For my birthday (in about 2 weeks) he wants to totally walk by himself--I told him that would be a great gift!! Please pray that his left ankle continues to strengthen to hold him so he is able to shift his weight and balance himself to walk!! We hope to be back in the pool this week. We will be watching and taping the NFR Finals starting Dec. 2nd--and we pray that it will be used by God as a stimulant as Tim watches and recalls his roping experiences, passion, etc. We are so thankful for all of you and your prayer support--it is such an encouragement to Tim. The girls read and reread all the cards we saved and Tim really enjoyed them. He can read large print fairly well and we continue to ask you to uphold his sight and alignment to strengthen and heal ---both optic nerves are good and vision in both eyes is good--just waiting on God's restoring and timing with all the nerves, dilation, and alignment. Pray and Believe!” 

Here is the latest from Cindi on Garrett's continued progress:

“I trust that EVERYONE had an enjoyable Thanksgiving! I know Garrett and I did. Craig Hospital had a wonderful meal and the best thing about it - it was FREE! Thank you Craig and all the supporters/volunteers. It was real turkey and ham, and I made real cranberry sauce (no canned crap). Talked to a worker later that night and he said they cook between 16-20 turkeys. Thank you, Jesus, for 'places' like this that support the families with the things they do - there were 22 of us.
I went home M & T, Scott said that Mon G had a modified  barium (white paste) swallow done - and I missed it!  :(  Modified is just from the neck up. Through a series of x-rays, they are able to track where the bolus is going (lungs or stomach). There are 4 different kinds of liquids they try - thin, nectar, honey thick or pudding thick. G is in the nectar group. I told you that G did not have a fast swallow but it is not from the lack of trying/practicing. I have been known to give him an 'occasional' drink of water, juice or milk (but don't tell anyone). The nurses ask if I have been signed off on that - Uh, yea, sure, but he is thirsty! They smile. There are also 4 different kinds of solids - dysphagia(difficulty swallowing) pureed, dysphagia mechanical (super soft foods), dysphagiaadvanced or regular. G is in the pureed group but then again not from a lack of trying. . . Thanksgiving I gave him mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing. I wanted to give him some pumpkin pie but he did not want any. I have also given him cereal and a nutri-grain bar. Now we are only talking about a couple of bites. . . (but again we aren't telling anybody).
Wed he got his drop out cast. It is just a half cast - he can drop his arm but he cannot raise it to his chest like he was. It has NOT bothered him at all. In fact his arm is usually 2-4" from the cast. This Wed they will recast - drop his arm even lower.
I keep forgetting to ask the nurse if they have rechecked the C-diff so cannot comment on that. Every patient is on a 'program'. (You know - suppository regimen) Nurses like it at night because they have more time plus if you have :30 of PT, you don't want to spend half of it - uh - changing clothes. The saying 'get with the program' - wonder if there's any correlation?
OT is working on grooming. G has the motions down in brushing his teeth or combing his hair. Just need to practice and apply a little harder pressure, but he does real good. Every day gets better and better.
PT gets him out of the chair and either sits him on the edge of the table or on his knees with elbows on a big octagon ball and does a lot of stretches. He has also gotten to stand a couple of times. It is nothing like the tilting table - he sits in this chair. There is a lever/handle and it must have a neutral position - if you pump it forward it slowly raises you to a standing position or pumping it back to lower. He can do that all by himself.
What to pray for #1 G will get up and walk and push ME in the wheelchair. Today (what a beautiful day) we went for a walk. You know the only bad thing about walking - is the turning around and going back. Craig Hospital is NOT on level ground. There are inclines and along with the inclines are the declines #2 L movement He will squeeze my hand but won't release. (But then again who does!) #3 talking Today, I can't remember the word, we will say WASH. I was talking about WASH and he mouthed the word. Did not try talking but mouthed it as plain as day. Something else to practice! #4 we have a family mtg Tue at 2 I believe everyone just reports what they think and what direction they will go. I don't know and it doesn't matter because God knows and G is good.
No scripture because my Bible is in G's room. You ask 'don't you know your verses by heart?' 'Uh, yes, but I don't want to show off!?' I will tell you that Scott DID give a great testimonial on northhillsbaptist.net. Click on videos, then the Thanksgiving one. I will also add that after Scott, listen to DeAnna's, it is a good one, too. What would we do without God in our lives!!! I don't even want to go there. A short note that some of Scott's times are off but the jift of the story is true but focus on the point - God is our Rock and we Praise Him. Thank you Pastor and Peg for telling me. Also my sister's Bible study watched a You Tube thing - Francis Chan Balance Beam. I had a great verse to go along with that but no Bible - it was the verse about being strong and courageous. I Tim 6 or Josh 1 OR somewhere between Genesis and Revelation I can guarentee you will find it. Can you tell I am in a good mood - Life is good - God is even better”

Albin news Nov 22,2010

Albin News Readers

In Albin this week, Jack Frost finally set in, there was a grand opening at the Albin store, and the Pokes took out their football frustration on the poor little lambs from Fort Collins. I started feeling sorry for CSU after about the third quarter and had to quit listening. At one point Cordell Willert asked “how bad are they winning now?” The UW football team was the official tackling dummy for top ten college football teams this year and I guess they finally had had enough.

The grand opening at the Albin store had a good turn out due to the promise of free tacos! A big crowd turned out and the food didn’t disappoint. The store was well stocked with specialty groceries from Mexico, including a cooler for Mexican cheeses and meats. They also have convenience store snack stuff available.

Here’s the latest on Tim Malm from Dixie:

“Hello from Oklahoma!  I (Dixie) flew down on Thursday for a sisters weekend.  I was sick on the way down and had a antibiotic called in on Friday!  I think it was strep and flight germs all combined and spent the day in bed with a severe soar throat/fever/chills.  With lots of prayer with every sip I made myself swallow, I gave it to God and said if He wanted me to sing on Sunday and be able to be around my sisters--He could!  I woke up with absolutely no sore throat, no fever/chills, and great energy and we had a fabulous day!  PTL!!!  Timothy called me several times to "check" on me.  It was such a joy time sharing in FBC (Walters) and Union Valley (Cookietown) songs and hugs with so many of God's praying people!  Thank you again and again!  Timothy is snapping his fingers, lifting his own left arm, gaining strength for sitting unsupported, and so many "little" (big in our eyes) things everyday either new or stronger!  I will be back home tomorrow.  I will challenge myself and each of you to read Psalm 100 every day--until and on Thanksgiving Day!  We have so much to be thankful for...so thankful for another time with all my sisters (Please continue to pray miracles for Shena)and our mom!  Thankful for Howard, my best friend, and our four gifts-Tim, Beth, Cass, & Jess, especially for working together so I could come to OK!  Thankful for our friends who have watched over (food, picking up Beth, visits, helping with cattle on Sat, etc) Howard and the kids while I've been gone!  I could write a list, I hope you will sometime this week--but above all, I thank my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, for paying the price for me--my Heavenly Father for His grace, mercy, and love--for the Holy Spirit who lives in/through me to keep me on His path.  Thank you again for your prayers and Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!”

Cindi had this to say about son Garrett’s progress:

“OK where to begin. Monday we arrive to Craig, and took me most of the day to figure out where I was at or where we were suppose to go! They said that the first week would be mostly tests/assessments so they could set up a plan for G.
He has had a cat scan, x-ray (lungs) and a NIVA (non-invasive vascular assessment) or ultrasound for clots in the major extremities.
He has a sm clot in R leg so takes belly shots twice a day.  R leg - seems strange since that is his active leg. Oh well! Every night they measure calf and thigh of both legs and that is how they tell if it is dissolving or not. Pretty interesting. He had 24 hr bed rest but got up on Wed.
And this should come to no surprise - he has C-diff again.
G has had 3 different kinds of beds - a regular bed, but he is so fidgety, they moved him to a safe keeper. This bed is on the floor and has padded sides like wrestling mats. If I left I had to close the end of it and lock it - looked like a giant play pen with no netting. I did not like that, nor did the nurses. He kept wiggling off the wedge in the corner, it was hard to move him, hard on your back plus I had to take my shoes off. Now we have a posey bed. This is a regular bed with netting around it. Again when I leave I have to zip him all up and lock the zipper. Seems kind of silly at this point but I see if you had a patient wanting to get out.
His schedule is different every day. He sees Speech, PT, OT and a Psychologist. Psychologist - "G, how are you doing?" G stares at him thinking "Hey, bud, how do you think I am doing?"
I must say that everyone has been so nice. I also have to add that they were very nice at Kindred also. I would take any of those nurses, CNA's (at Craig they are called Techs), PT, OT, Speech any day. All are very wonderful. Unlike Kindred, the Nutritionist from Craig came in the first day and we talked about juicing. NO fight. I can do whatever I want as long as I write it down so she can keep track of the calories. I look forward to working with her! I am not saying it is my juicing or if someone's scales are off, but G on the 9th weighed 142 and on the 17th weighed 149. I don't know, just seemed kind of high.
G has a wheelchair. There are 3 kinds of passes - hospital grounds, off campus or in the car. I have done what I needed to do so I can take him outside or over to my apartment. I took a seizure test and got signed off with PT, OT and the Doc. They asked me if I wanted a car pass and I said NO. I would have no problem getting him in the car, and actually no problem getting him out of the car, BUT out of the car into the wheelchair maybe another thing!!!
G is wanting to talk so bad. Speech has/is trying vital stimulation with electrodes under the chin and above the vocal cords. Phonetory Apraxia is when you make noise when you cough or clear throat, but not when you want to as in talking.
Scott is in Denver Mon and Tue so I could come home. The weather is absolutely gorgeous in Denver, so it felt really good sweeping the sidewalks earlier tonight of snow. Man, was it foggy between Ft. Collins and Cheyenne. (But it did not slow me down! Thank you, Jesus, for a safe trip.)
What to pray for #1 G will get up and show everyone how it is done #2 L side movement - I believe this week he is getting a cast because his arm is so tight - can't move very good when you have tight muscles #3 voice #4 good weather for the holiday travelers.
Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. I thank the Good Lord for what He is doing in my son's life. It is 'sad' but the process is very interesting. I have faith that G will walk, talk, go back to school, and someday be a husband and father. OK I am getting the cart way ahead of the horse. All in God's time. Colossians 3:15-17 Psalm 96:1-4, 98:1, 105:1-5 Romans 11:36 Philippians 4:19-20
HAPPY THANKSGIVING”

In Ag news, the uncertainty over what the price of corn should be continues. I have a feeling the dry bean and sunflower buyers aren’t going to be in any hurry to offer a contract until they see where corn settles.

The market was all over the place last week, mostly down. The biggest issue was China took steps to reduce the inflation of its currency. Besides currency manipulation from China, there are several factors which should keep the corn prices moving in the coming weeks: ethanol policy (this was talked about two weeks ago), energy prices, weather, economic news, and planting intention reports.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the blender’s credit of $0.45/gal or “VEETC” is set to expire on Dec 31. According to Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelsen, extending the blender’s credit hasn’t really come on the radar of lawmakers so far in this lame duck session. To try to get a rough idea of the potential impact of not extending VEETC, I looked at a chart of ethanol prices over the past six months and the same chart for corn prices. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t tell the two charts apart. The price of corn and the price of ethanol are tracking right together. I also noticed that a change in $0.45/gal of ethanol is roughly equivalent to a $1.10/bu for corn.

In closing, I would like to wish the area farmers the best of luck with these planting decisions and pass along some sage advice I was given last year. I was agonizing over whether or not I should sell my sugar beet shares or try to raise them a second year. Steve Eardman of Scottsbluff told me “you can’t go broke making money.”

Albin news Nov 15, 2010

Albin News Readers,

It's been a slow news week in the community of Albin. After the late warm fall we've been having winter finally gave us our first snow! It was a beautiful put-the-wheat-to-bed blanket of wet snow that had the roads slick at night and sloppy in the day. The ground hasn't froze yet so most of this moisture should be around for next spring. We're now past the time change now too so there it plenty of time in the evenings to get together and enjoy the season.

To kick off the season of get-togethers, the Albin Community Center hosted it's second “Albin's Got Talent” community talent show. There were 18 wildly diverse talents on display this year. There was a little cowboy song and dance from last year's winner Tony Childers (Take Me Out to the Pasture to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ballgame), Diane Lerwick showed her geek streak by solving a rubic's cube in under six minutes, Caleb Anderson hammered out a daring drum solo, Brad Lundberg played his trumpet, and all the participants sang “God Bless America” at the end. The winners this year were Dean Anderson and Justin McCoy who played a couple blues harp duets. They showed real talent! Honorable mention had to go to the skit performed by Jill Lerwick, Sandra Anderson, Heather Lerwick, and Shawnae Branigan. The foursome replayed the harrowing tale of “Me and Earl” hauling a trailer load of “USDA grade 'A' cluckers” down Wolf Creek Pass. A good time was had by all.

There are also several more evening activities to announce this week. There is also adult volleyball at the community center on Tuesday nights and may be Thursday night basketball starting in December. More details to follow on the basketball. Also, Albin is in need of more volunteer EMTs. There are currently four in the community but I'm sure some of them wouldn't mind a break. If anyone is interested in training to become an EMT, contact Shannon Weller at 245-3400. You can also talk to our current EMTs Robyn Whitehead, Dean Anderson, Ed Allen or Kary Deselms. Evening classes will be two days a week starting in January. The class is still awaiting approval at the state level so I'll try make an announcement again later if it's a for sure thing.

The Boyce-Marlatt Chapter of American Legion Auxiliary met November 10 with five members present: Kathy Olson, Mary Kay Romsa, Elaine Perrault, Bertha Sandberg and Joann Hays. Wanda Carpenter of Pine Bluffs was awarded a certificate for 60 years of Auxiliary membership. $35 was donated to the community center for Christmas treats and $100 was donated to the Cheyenne Veterans Hospital for their project Christmas Year Round – this money is used during the year for holidays and birthdays. The next meeting will be Wednesday December 8 with guest Sheri Best, District President.

Here's the latest on Tim from Dixie:

“Today, our church had its Thanksgiving Service and Potluck.  During praise time, several spoke and those  who spoke of Tim were so precious and encouraging.  Tim raised his hand to speak..."I'm thankful to be alive, thank you for praying and keep praying!"  He was very excited to have his jeans on--we will work on his belt, buckle, and boots soon! He had very good therapy sessions both days--able to sit in an armless chair, bend left knee up and half-way down, then I could push it on down to the floor, spit better when brushing teeth, bend left arm more, learning how to whisper, and his attitude continues to be very positive.  His patience with us gives us encouragement and laughter!!  I've heard about and will be finding the book by Kerry and Chris Shook, Love at Last Sight.  It talks about having relationships develop and get better and better everytime you talk or see someone because you never know if it may be the last sight--More on the book after I read it (many of you are laughing right now when you read that I am reading a book!) We hope each and every one of you are planning a great Thanksgiving and you make a gratitude list!  We love you !”

I got to visit Tim this week and it was good to see that he's still Tim! He hasn't lost his sense of humor or competitive flair.

Here's the latest from Cindi on Garrett's condition:

Wow! Where to begin. OT (occupational therapy) started working with Garrett. Mon OT wrote numbers and words on a piece of paper, which G either showed the numbers on his fingers or pointed at (ear, nose, knee). G did curls and other stuff with a 4# weight and he spelt his name in sign lang. On Tue G went down to the gym. He sat at a table with about 7 objects. He found the flashlight and tried to it on (it was a trick, the flashlight had no batteries) - found the brush and brushed his hair, found the hammer and tapped it on the table. Was given pencil and paper but could not write his name. Oh well, that's OK. We don't want to do everything all at once - have to stretch it out!!!
Speech showed G 2 pictures and he pointed to the correct one every time. Still working on swallow. He has a strong swallow, it's the control of the tongue we are working on. She has also started working with voice. There was one PM I was washing my juicer and I could have swore I heard him say MOM. So I started talking to him. Went over to the bed and asked him if he said MOM or if he was just clearing his throat - nodded his head at MOM. Thank you Jesus even though he has not done it since then. The way I look at it - once is better than nothing!
PT, also at the gym, stood G up at the parallel bars then sat down. Did that twice. Now I am not saying that G STOOD up at the parallel bars, but they HELPED him. They actually did most of the work, BUT they could feel G trying to help. (If that makes sense.) They also put his feet on bicycle pedals, which he did do all by himself. OK only half of the rotation since his L side does not work. PT also put him a wheelchair. Talk about dying and going to Heaven. I'll take the wheelchair over the recliner chair any day. Just a little push and he'll roll right away from you. Today, in fact, he dropped his R hand, put it on the wheel, and was helping me. (Kind of - I was going faster than his hand was moving - we would still be out there if I waited for him!)
Talk about bursting a bubble -- come in from outside, G gave no indication if he wanted the radio or TV, so there was nothing. He was sitting there quietly and I was busy with something. A nurse came in and said something about entertaining him - what - entertain him - now I have to think! Went to Walmart and got a couple of little things. Ask him if he wants to play a game - nods head. By the time I raise him in bed and get him situated, he falls asleep on me. Now what does that tell you?
Told you last week that the nurses were telling me that G's status was changed from sub-acute to acute rehab. Well that must be true. Ripley came to re-evaluate. Have had a visit from Spalding and Craig liaisons. Scott came to Denver on Fri so we could tour. It matters not where we go because God is doing the healing - but what would you pick - 4 wks or 60 days? So, Monday we will be leaving for Craig. What to pray for #1 transition to Craig will go smooth. Mon we will move, then the next couple of days will be evaluating. #2 G can STILL walk out of Kindred and push his mother in the wheelchair! #3 L side movement #4 voice.
God is so amazing and ever so present. I praise Him for His sovereignty, love, wisdom, power . . . I trust Him with the 'whatevers'. Deuteronomy 29:29 31:6 Psalm 62:7-8, 11-12 Proverbs 16:9 Psalm 121 

In ag news this week, the commodity markets do seem to be cooling off for the time being. We are five months away from spring planting though so there is a lot of story left to tell on this acreage battle. There is a NASS report out in January that will tally the planted winter wheat acres. In 2008, it was this report that sparked the huge bull run that ran wheat up to $13.00/bu! With the late fall we've had, and wheat prices staying strong through wheat planting time, it's hard for me to believe that there won't be plenty of winter wheat planted this year.