Weighed in this morning...
Down 4.5...
According to my journal from my "original" diet, I lost 12 pounds the first week. Isn't that insane? At that time Phase 1 was SO drastically different from how I ate that the pounds just melted away. I wasn't expecting the numbers I had the first time and am very please with my loss.
Today was my final exam in Introduction to Digital Photography. I believe I did really well -- another 100% I feel. If so, that means I made it all the way through an 8-week course without getting a single question wrong on a quiz or test. I can say with confidence that I have never done that before! LOL!!
I am a little sad that this class has come to an end because I don't think there are any classes left to take if I am not going major in photography & use it as a career. I could learn these things, but I know I will never use them. That doesn't mean my fun class career is over. I have a few other ideas running through my head. :)
From SBD Phase 1 the first time, I remember feeling like crap on days 3 & 4. It is said to be because your body is so used to all the refined sugars & flours. I must not have been eating too horribly because I have none of that feeling today. Woohoo!!
Olivia got her braces off today & now has to wear retainers full time! She was really excited!! I pretty excited to not have to run back and forth to appointments as often.
I have spoke over and over about my battle with weight here! I am determined to get this extra weight off & keep it off. I will be 40 in March & want to be at a healthy weight -- good blood work numbers aren't enough for me because I know I could be doing more. My main probably is the bad habits creeping back in -- the worst of those habits is meal skipping! I started South Beach Diet Phase 1 (again) on Monday.
As of Monday's weigh-in, I have 63 lbs I would like to lose. I did not reach my high weight again, but I was close. Why do we do this to ourselves? UGH!
So, the countdown begins...
The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want. -- Ben Stein
I haven't gotten a single question wrong on the five quizzes we have had to date in my digital photography class. I wish I could say it was because I was studying hard, but it's really because I knew most of it already. Some of it was taught in the Photo 101 class I took a year ago, and most of the rest I knew from using computers & digital cameras.
One more quiz & the final exam left. I'm striving to keep that perfect record...
Since we were home yesterday, I go a lot done around the house. Getting those things done freed up time today to get all my coupons clipped, organized in my binder, and the extras ready to be sent out for the coupon train. Since there's no mail tomorrow, I will have to wait until Tuesday to send.
I convinced Bob we should just stay home today. We rarely have a Saturday when we just stay home. This is going to be SO nice!
I went out shopping to freshen up Bob's work wardrobe today. Found some cool stuff at good prices. Think next week I need to hit the mall for a few things for myself.
Olivia went to the orthodontist today to begin the braces removal process. They removed everything that was on her molars and made the molds for her retainers. Next Thursday she will have the rest removed and get her retainers. She is excited!!
the early start to the winter like weather. We seem to have skipped my favorite season and headed right into the long, long winter like weather. There are temps below freezing & snow in our forecast for the weekend. The snow may not come, but the cold certainly will. It's just too early...
The medications my doctor gave me for the cough seem to have done their job. I still have a slight cough, but nothing like it was two weeks ago. The end is finally in sight! Woohoo!!
Green Bay @ Minnesota tonight! Go Pack! I don't have a good feeling about this, but I'm still rootin' for my Packers!!
Part two is November 1 at Lambeau Field!!
This has just not been a good few months for me health wise. I absolutely know it could be worse, but I don't like it. For the second time in less than a month, I ended up in bed early Saturday with a migraine. I got quite a few migraines before I had Olivia. I had maybe one a year after having her. I have had three in the last two months & two of those have been within the last month or so. I don't know if they are related to the other issues, if they are a side effect of or triggered by medication, or just simply a "cycle" my body is just going into. If they continue, another visit to my doctor will be in order. Boy, she's going to think I am a hypochondriac or something. ;)
Sunday (9/27) was the Race for the Cure here in Milwaukee. A woman was on a local radio station talking about it. I did not catch her name and do not know if she was an official spokesperson or just someone talking about the event. With that said, I could not believe my ears when she said breast cancer strikes the very thing that makes a woman a woman! I am sorry, but a woman is more than her breasts!
I have something very exciting I will be working on this month and for nearly a year. I cannot share just yet. As soon as I can, you may not be able to stand how much I talk about it. :)
The valances are up in Olivia's room. It is the last day of the month. I am not finished because I don't want to just settle on art for the room to just get it done. We are going to take our time to find something that Olivia really likes and will work in the room. Despite that, I am happy with my progress this month.
I am now half way through my digital photography class. Got the second quiz back. Another perfect score. Think I did the same on the one I took today. I'll see next week. Oh, and there are only three more quizzes. The final class will be the final exam. Aiming for a perfect score in this class. :)
have been picked up! One window is done! The other is going to have to wait until next week. Bob wants to go out to dinner now, tomorrow I have a busy day, and Sunday is my day of no housework if I can help it. LOL!!
I love the way it looks and, more importantly, so does Olivia!!
Just got home from my doctor appointment a little while ago. All the numbers on the bloodwork are good. Cholesterol is excellent (her words once again). Total cholestorol 165, HDL 65 LDL 70. I don't recall triglycerides, but know they were under the 100 that is optimal.
The cough that is lingering is now being treated as acid reflux and asthma. If it doesn't clear up in two weeks, I have to go in for an asthma test and possibly a CAT Scan.
I mentioned the fainting to her. She knows of my fainting history (and that it urns in the family). It hasn't happened in years and will most likely be years before it happens again. She asked a few questions and made note of what I said. If it becomes more frequent, I am to call her and we'll address it then.
Then for my main concern -- the high blood pressure I had at my last visit about six weeks ago! No high BP this time -- 114/82.
So as long as I can kick this cough, I'm set for awhile.
Found lamps for Olivia's desk and dresser (I know it's really a chest, but I call it a dresser...LOL). The lamp for the dresser is too cute!!
I have been super busy around here since I last posted. I have had written a few notes for each day and will add them here by the end of the week.
I nailed last week's quiz just as I thought! 114 pts out of a possible 114! A couple extra credit questions, obviously! ;)
Olivia's furniture arrived around 9:30 yesterday morning. I was able to finish what I needed to before they arrived. I just finished ordering valances and curtain rods. We need to find a couple lamps, art for the walls, pillows to put in the shams (hanging over the chair), and desk accessories. Here it is so far...
Finished painting around 1:30 this morning. Boy, my body is sore. I am not quite ready for delivery. I have to put on the outlet covers and switchplate and vacuum again. I'm hoping they will not be here until I take care of that.
I'm heading into Olivia's room to begin prepping for painting! I need to finish this by tomorrow morning. Her new furniture will be delivered between 9:15AM and 1:15PM. If it's not ready, you know they will show up in the early part of that delivery window.
Today was the last day of Bob's vacation. We went to lunch and just relaxed. I have a busy few days ahead of me and wanted some downtime before the busy days.
Home from Chicago around 1:00PM and left for my photography class 10 minutes later. Boy am I tired this evening. Think I nailed that quiz though! :)
Pecan pancakes. Mmmm!
Boat tour of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River with narration of the architecture.
Snow Patrol & U2 show at Soldier Field.
Trump International Tower
U2Wait a minute that doesn't work in this case -- we're leaving on a train! :) We're taking Amtrak from Milwaukee to Chicago. We'll spend today shopping and tomorrow night is U2! I can't wait!!
I will never forget the look on Olivia's face when she walked down the hallway past our living room where she could see the TV just as the second plane hit the WTC. Never, ever! And, I will Never Forget what happened that day.
My prayers are with those who lost loved ones on that horrific day.
Purchased the paint for Olivia's room on the way home from my hair appointment!
I was so into making sure I had a daily blog entry I kind of forgot to think of something for September. I did pretty well posting 28 of the 31 days in August. Since I have been shopping so much for Olivia's room, I will concentrate on getting that completed before the end of the month.
The mattress we ordered on Friday was delivered Sunday. The old mattress is still in her room. I do not want to move it to the basement as I know it will never come out of there. DH has good intentions of helping me get things cleared out of there. However, other things come up; and it just never gets done. (Yes, the basement will definitely be a future 30 days of..., but it might take 60 or 90.)
Today: Furniture ordered!
Olivia needs a new mattress & a local furniture store is having a "get what you spend back to spend in the store" sale. The prices were competitive with what you would pay in the area. I thought there would be a huge mark up because of the sale, but there is not. She got a new mattress & boxspring, Bob got a "free" 32 inch LCD TV" (which we planned on getting at some point anyway), and I got an awesome lamp. I would have never, ever bought this lamp without this deal. It was pricey!! :eek:
Believe it or not it was really hard to spend what was left over after the TV. I walked around that place for two hours trying to decided what to get. There wasn't a TV stand I liked that would fit in the space where we will us it. There was a full length mirror Olivia liked, but it didn't take up the whole amount & I couldn't find enough stuff to use the remaining $$ up. I didn't want to leave any "money" on the table, but when I saw this lamp I knew I must have it. It was over what was left, but only by 39.99.
When I was checking out for the "redemption" portion of my purchase, I said something to the lady about how hard it was to spend that money. She said there are people who spend $10,000 and spend a whole day walking around the store to spend the other $10,000. Can you even imagine?
Packers played tonight so I decided to pull out the new jersey. I LOVE that thing! It's comfy, and I got so many compliments on it because it is different from what you normally see around here.
Did a little shopping with Olivia to celebrate the last day of summer vacation. We found a great little set of mirrors that will go in her room after the makeover. Reg $24.99 Paid $12.48! This set of mirrors is similar to one we saw while furniture shopping last week. She LOVED that set, and we were planning to get it for her. I asked her which she like better, and the answer was this one we bought! Girl is smart the set we saw last week was $134.99! :) Can we say we saved $122.51? LOL!!
I <3 Target!!
for me today! I started Introduction to Digital Photography today. It is a lecture only class that lasts 8 weeks. I'll learn what I want in my next camera, a digital SLR, in this class! :)
Olivia & I hit a couple furniture stores today! We are looking to update her furniture. We didn't really see anything a the two stores today that wow us that will go with the look she wants for her room. We did find one in a style we like, but it's not available in the finish we are hoping to find. Some online searching turned up something she will probably like, but she is at work so I can't show it to her now. Fingers crossed I have found the bed, tall dresser, desk, and chair she will love!!
I took Olivia school shopping today, and aside from lunch, it didn't cost us one cent! Boy, it's nice to have a teen with a job! ;)
I have decided it's time to retire my Favre jersey for now. Like Favre, it will come out of retirement someday (*snicker*), but not while he's playing for the Vikings. I had been planning on getting my favorite Packer, Aaron Kampman, but I have a feeling he won't be in the green & gold much longer. I have decided to go with the another Aaron's jersey in a cute women's style...
I'm still coughing, but think I am getting a little better. Very slowly...
The new medication helped with the congestion, but nothing is helping with the cough. My doctor wants me to be on it for a least a week before see her again. If I don't see great improvement by Friday, I will call to get in early next week.
We were finally able to see Bob's parents today. It was a nice time, and while we with them I was able to let go of the anger. It still frustrates me that they always put Bob last, but life's too short to hold those grudges.
Last night I noticed one of the prongs holding the main diamond on my wedding ring was bent. Had to drop it off to be repaired today and being without it feels weird. I don't like it!
a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them. ~ John Shirley
I seem to be going backwards with this illness. My sinus headache, stuffiness, sore throat, etc. are back. Call the doctor this morning & she is supposed to call another prescription into my pharmacist.
I plan to hit the hay early tonight.
I cannot believe Brett Favre is out of "retirement" yet again! Hope my favorite Packer, Aaron Kampman, gives him a welcome back to Lambeau Field he will never forget.
We planned dinner with Bob's parents for tonight, but we had to cancel because Bob is sick. He even had to cancel a work meeting today. That's so not like him. He is already planning on staying home tomorrow.
Lucky for us, Bob's parents said they are willing to "rearrange" their schedule because they "would really like to see us". Where was that wanting to see us the afternoon they arrived when Bob took off work & we were waiting for the phone call that they were in town?
Get well soon, honey!!
what makes two people sit in the middle of a bench when there is plenty of room at both ends.
I'll be logging off in a few minutes to go buy Bob's Anniversary (11 years tomorrow) present. It's so romantic...
Jeff
Russell (love his shaved head...LOL!! :D)Today is Olivia's school registration. I cannot believe she is a junior! Where on earth has that time gone?
Never had it before & NEVER want it again! I have some HUGE antibiotics to take and orders for lots of liquids & rest. If I am not starting to feel better by Friday, I am to call my doctor, and she will call in an Rx for a bronchodilator.
My BP was high! I don't like that and she didn't either. She said it was probably because of the bronchitis, but wants me back to check that out after this clears up. I have appts for Sept 16 (lab for yearly blood work) and Sept 23 check bp and follow-up to lab appt.
I spent Saturday sleeping off & on. This cough/chest tightness thing is really kicking my butt. It makes my whole body hurt. I missed blogging. Bob was on the computer all day with a work crisis. I missed another day. Back on track today...
About three weeks ago, I had a sore throat, chest tightness, cough, runny eyes & nose, and a headache. The sore throat runny eyes, and headache were gone in about three or four days. When I get sick, the cough usually lingers for quite some time after, but it's normally because of that pin or needle feeling in the throat. Here it is two weeks after those other symptoms went away. It was starting to get better earlier this week, but got worse again last evening.
This morning I made the call to the doctor. I was dreading this call because I thought I was going to have to find a new doctor since I got a letter that mine had left the medical group she was under at the time. Along with the other two doctors I had seen at that clinic. I called the clinic number I had in my phone -- it was forwarded to another clinic -- on I can't stand. I was told that entire clinic is no longer part of the medical group. I find the new name, the new number, and call my doctor is still there & takes all the same insurance she did before! That's why I'm doing the happy dance!
Unfortunately, she isn't in on Fridays and all the other doctors were already booked so I have to wait until Monday at 4:30. It's going to be a long weekend of coughing. No over-the-counter products are working...
I have no idea what to make for supper tonight. Meal planning is not my strength. I have come to realize that I don't mind the actual cooking. It's the planning and trying to pick something that everyone likes and/or is in the mood to eat. Blah...
Think I know what I will be working on during the next Thirty Days of Blank!
I don't use my blog for venting very often. I would rather talk about happy things and good times, but there are times when things that are heavy on my heart must be shared. This is one of those times...
We've known for months that Bob's parents were coming this month. (They live in Arizona, and we have not seen them in TWO years!!) We had been asking them the exact dates for months so we could plan accordingly and Bob take some time off and/or not schedule things for when they are in town. They said don't worry about it; we'll work visits in around your schedule.
Then when he talked to them in late July his dad finally told them when they were going to be here, but had the whole three weeks planned out except for three days. They flew into MKE yesterday and left this morning for Bob's brother's (about an hour north of us) because he has a week of vacation. A couple other overnight stops to see friends. Then they are back in MKE from 15th until they leave. However, the only days they are "free" to do anything with us are the 15, 16 & 17. Well, the 15th is our anniversary, and we already made plans to stay at at downtown hotel. We are not changing our plans. Bob has a case going to trial soon and couldn't hold off on scheduling depositions any longer & as luck would have it, one of those depositions is scheduled for the 17th.
When Bob spoke to them on Monday, he said he would just work a half day Tues so we could see them before they head up by his brother today. They didn't give us the time the flight came in, but a flight number that turned out to be incorrect (or a lie). I checked the arrivals & there were four flights through out the day that could have been theirs. We didn't hear from them until 8:40 last night -- AFTER they were at their hotel. Turns out SIL & the kids met them & the airport and they went out to dinner. The SIL & kids they will be seeing for the next seven days.
When Bob talked to his Dad, his dad wanted to know which of those days they told us before was going to work for us. Bob was very non-committal, and he could tell his dad was getting angry because he wouldn't just pick one. Bob wanted to confront him about the whole thing then, but said he was too angry & would have said something he regretted. He's better about that kind of thing that I!
My in-laws are frustrating! I am tired of trying to justify their actions and making excuses for the differences in the ways they treat their sons! It's always been clear they have a favorite!!
I've read, re-read, and counted to ten twice. I still feel the need to pubish so here it goes out into cyberspace where I can never take it back. ;)
It's time to update Olivia's room. She can't decide if it's too little girl or too old lady...LOL!! She's tired of the pink walls, "granny" floral pattern comforter, valances with little blue bows on them, etc. We are going with a black, grey, and purple pallet.
Cross your fingers the comforter is still in stock at one of the stores near me. It doesn't look like it is available online any longer. Since it is part of the College 09 collection we need to act quickly even though we won't be doing her room until later this year.
This is what she has picked out! 
As you can see, it's still a floral, but a more sophisticated floral than the hand me down she has now.
I wanted to make one of my favorite chicken dishes, but did not have feta the ingredient that makes the dish in my opinion. Instead I made Balsamic Tomato Chicken & Pasta. It wasn't my favorite dish, but it was VERY good! You might want to wear a bib if you try it, however, I dribbled the sauce down the front of my shirt like a toddler! LOL!!
Today was a glorious weather day! Bob & I took advantage of it. We went to put a fresh flower arrangement on his grandmother & grandfather's grave. August 10 marks three years since his grandma passed away. I can't believe it has been that long already. We miss & love you, Sama. After visiting the cemetery we headed to the park & just hung out for hours. It was nice being together without the blare of a TV or radio! Lots of good people watching & GREAT company! :)
I have seriously been neglecting my blogs of late! I missed the entire month of July. I did get a lot accomplished, but I seriously missed my blogging.
For the next 30 days, I am going to challenge myself to blog every single day. I have Ms. Carolynn to hold me accountable and now the rest of you too!
You can join too! What would you like to start and/or change?
Today is the last day we have to walk in the front door to head upstairs & in the garage door to be on the main floor. Thank goodness!!
We have car in for some brake work, and I am without wheels until tomorrow! I don't like being "stuck" at home without my car. I had no plans to go anywhere, but knowing you can't go anywhere that isn't within walking distance kind of makes you want to go somewhere. LOL!!
Boy oh boy, have we been have some hot, hazy, humid weather around her the last few days. Today was supposed to be a bit cooler so I decided to mow the lawn. B.I.G. mistake! It was so humid that I had to take breaks. Some thing I never have to do otherwise.
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Boomer came home Saturday morning, and for ten days, we must keep him calm, from going upstairs, and take him outside on a leash. This dog is impossible to keep calm so he has sedatives to take for most of the ten day "calm time".
We didn't want to put a gate on the stairs for 10 days so his VERY large crate was at the bottom of the stairs. The only problem was every time we wanted to go up or down we had to move the very large cage and move it back. This got old very quickly. I moved it to the hallway still blocks the stairs from boomer (and us), but it isn't right at the bottom of the stairs. Instead of moving the cage use the front door for access to upstairs & the garage door or access to the main floor. Yes, we have to go out of our house to go from one floor to another...LOL!! And I DON'T LIKE!
Only 8 more days until I can go from one floor to the other in my house like a normal person.
Today is the third anniversary of the creation of my blog! I thoroughly enjoy keep it, going back and reading it, and each of my readers! I thank you all for stopping by!
We had more storms in the area today & tonight. While out for dinner the power went out three times. The first two were for less than a minute, but the last ended up being much longer. Just before our food arrived the power went out that third time. The restaurant didn't have any candles -- so we just dined by cellphone light! It was quite comical to see people using cellphones as flash lights. An employee later returned with candles, but we had finished eating by that time. Sounds romantic, hey? LOL!!
Telling my grandma about Boomer having to be neutered was pretty interesting! She kept saying "tutoring, I don't know what that is". Finally, she figured out the word, but then asks what is that? Good grief! After I explain what it is to her, she says oh so he won't be a boy or a girl! Sometimes I don't know about that woman. She's had a hysterectomy. Does that mean she isn't male or female? UGH!
Over the weekend Boomer started licking that spot on his leg -- AGAIN! His system must have adjusted to the meds. So it was back to the vet today. However, this time it is not just for that. Monday afternoon I noticed a few drops of blood here & there on the floor. I knew they were from Boomer, but thought it was from the spot on his leg. Turns out it was not -- this morning when I took him out potty I could tell there was blood in his urine. The vet could tell either his bladder or prostate were enlarged when she felt. An x-rays followed by an ultrasound confirmed it is his prostate. They believe he has BPH -- yep, un-neutered male dogs can get it too. Who knew? So Friday he will be neutered.
Bob can explain why Boomer wasn't already neutered...LOL! I don't lose many battles in the house, but that is one I lost. :D Now Bob is freaking out because "his boy" has to have surgery. GRR -- we should have done this in the first place! Can I say I told you so? LOL!!
I heard this morning that the weather around here this summer is supposed to be cooler & wetter than a typical summer. So far that is proving to be true!
All the stone has been moved from our driveway & placed in the proper places. Now I have to pick up at least 10 bags of mulch. Once that mulch is down, I will share a picture!
Added another pile of stone to our driveway this afternoon! This time it is fieldstone! You may have noticed in pictures around here that we have an area near the middle of our front yard with three spirea, a maple tree, and two lilac bushes. This area is kind of kidney shaped & mulched. The mulch often ends up in the grass since the only thing keeping it in is black edging which is really intended to keep the grass from growing into an area. So, I decided to add a fieldstone around it to hold the mulch in that area and keep it from going through the lawnmower into the neighbor's house or car. Not that I have done that before...hehe...okay maybe once, but there was no damage.
Last spring when I redid the area by the mailbox, I had no idea what a mistake it would be to take out the stone & replace it with wood mulch. Rain water runs down the driveway and into that bed washing the mulch into the street. I would say about 3/4 of what was down there is gone. I will remove it & replace it with stone that matches what is in other areas of our yard. In other words, what was there to begin with! Doh!
I ordered the stone (1.5 tons) to replace the mulch and to add to what is in other parts of the yard, it has been delivered, and some will be moved into it's new home tomorrow.
to sore muscles...
One year ago today, we spent the afternoon in the basement. We did so again today -- tornado warnings -- sirens blaring! Thankfully, there was not a tornado here.
That afternoon one year ago was our last day of rain that left much of southeastern Wisconsin under water & canceled school for Olivia. Thankfully again, this storm caused no flooding.
Olivia had an orthodontist appointment today! They took x-rays this time & she is REALLY close to getting them off. This could be her last adjustment -- if it isn't there will only be one more. So, most likely, she will have them off before school starts or shortly after. As you can imagine, she's pretty excited about that! :)
I spent much of the weekend out in our yard! Saturday was spent purchasing plants to replace the overgrown ugly "ground cover" that had taken over the area in front of the house.
Those overgrown monstrosities were pulled out Sunday with the help of a wonderful neighbor (Thank you again, Jay!). The planting that day was short lived as we had plans to meet friends for dinner, but I did get a good start. I transplanted a couple meadow sage that had been near the stuff we got rid of and also planted three other plants.
Monday morning I was back to planting by mid-morning & it didn't finish until about 7PM. In all, I planted or transplanted nearly 40 plants. In the area I planted most of these plants there is that cloth that prevents weed growth. UGH -- that stuff is nice, but it is a pain when it comes to planting!
Before
to all those who have and are currently serving in our military!
Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand,The semester has come to a close. Today was my first Friday without class, and I missed it! I can't believe I missed it as much work as it was...LOL!!
Today was run errands with grandma day! Last time we were out was about three weeks ago. It was nice to see her again. Before our trip I was spending all my spare time working on my semester project for view camera class. That class really kicked my behind. It was a lot of work. The quizzes and tests were TOUGH! This morning before going to pick up grandma, I stopped by school to pick up the photos I dropped off before our trip. I got a B+ on my project & a B for the class. I am VERY happy with that considering there were photo majors who got lower grades and needed the final exam curved to pass the class. :O
Next up will be Introduction to Digital Photography. It's a two hour lecture only class. There will be no photography assignments. I will miss those, but am interested in learning more about the technical aspects of digital.
Bob took vacation days beyond our trip. He was also off yesterday and today. It was nice to be home and not have to go anywhere other than taking Olivia to and from school. Usually when he has a day off he wants to be running. This was a nice, welcome change from the norm!
Bob & I took a much needed vacation with some friends. We went to St Louis to take in the Brewers/Cardinals series. We had a GREAT time, but it feels good to be home!
I went to bed around 11:45 last night! Bob was up finishing a little bit of work, but ended up falling asleep in his chair (not unusual...lol). The dogs, Boomer & Chevy came to bed with me. Chevy was down by my feet & Boomer was next to me in Bob's spot. I fell asleep quickly and was sleeping soundly when I heard a loud bang that startled me out of my sleep. I noticed Boomer hunkered down next to the wall panting heavily. He looked really strange and was making no attempt to get up. I called Bob into the room & Boomer finally moves, but he really didn't have control of his body. For a few minutes he could not hold himself up. He would fall over to the right if he wasn't against a wall or being held up. When he did walk, his front legs were really far in front of him and his rear legs were really far behind him.
I called the vet, who I know will be closed, to get an emergency number. Called that number and was told to bring him in. Bob was going to try to carry Boomer, who is 80 lbs, down the stairs, but Boomer didn't like that idea and began to growl & show his teeth to Bob. I went downstairs to get his leash so we have some control of how fast & far he can get on the steps since he was starting to walk a tiny bit better by this time. Boomer decided he didn't want to wait for me to come back with the leash, escapes from Bob & goes down the stairs on his own. Instead of walking down, he fell down the entire flight. He was barely phased by the falling and just got up and walked, as best he could, to the kitchen.
We get him in the car, drive him the 40 minutes or so to the vet ER, and we he gets out of the car he is normal again! Of course! The vet did notice his head was still a bit to the right when he examined him, but by the end of the exam that was normal too.
They aren't sure what happened, but think it was a vestibular episode related to idiopathic vestibular syndrome. A disorder in older dogs -- the disorder causes stroke like symptoms. There are other things that could cause this to happen as well, but since it cleared up so quickly they think this is likely what happened. According to the vet, he may never have one again or it could be recurring.
I spoke to our regular vet this morning. She & the vet he saw last don't think any other blood work is necessary at this point since he just had a complete check a few weeks ago. Neither of them thought anything they would be looking for now would change that quickly in such a short period of time. We are just supposed to keep & eye on him and if it happens again we need to bring him in immediately. If it does happen again, then we will go from there.
I am crossing my fingers, hoping, praying, etc. that it never happens again. That was one of the scariest things I have seen in my life.
