Sunday, Apr 17
For Apr 16 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 6 hrs 39 min with AHI=0.60. Events: 2 CSR, 4 H, 10 RERA. No major mask leaks (max= 18 L/min).
Worked on the blog and other things this morning, and will be publishing just after Noon. John has been working outside in the sunny weather and picked 6 ounces of fresh asparagus for our neighbors a mile away. They will do a drive-by to pick it up from our paper tube below our mailbox. Good thing they got it. Our asparagus crop is quite “down” this year.
I backed up my camera’s SD card on my new back-up drive, and I cleared space on it to take on my Columbia River cruise tomorrow.
I have been considering what to carry along. I wanted to travel light, but I guess I will take a bag with a shoulder strap in which to carry my jacket, water bottle, wallet, camera, phone and car keys. Turns out I also used it to carry a white board for communication with a hearing impaired friend. We had quite a nice conversation on the bus ride down, with a little bit on the boat. He also had a smaller one he carried in his pocket when I left for a lower deck of the ship, to get out of the sun.
I went to bed early for me – to be able to leave early.
Monday, Apr 18
I did not put on the CPAP Sunday night.
I left about 7:05 for the Senior Center, and we pulled out at 8:05 for Kennewick, WA. The day was fantastic, and I will share a lot of it with you below. We returned at 5:00 p.m. Fourteen of us had a very nice day.
Not sure where to start. I think I will make some collages from the photos I took all day to cover the highlights. I will throw in a couple of videos for fun, starting with one my friend and former student (we figured I met him 12 years ago) took. He (Glenn Engels) and his mom, Anne, went along on the trip.
Glenn Engels Captured Stern Wheel
Glenn managed to capture a nice 11 seconds of the stern wheel on the back of our ship, the Columbia Gorge Stern Wheeler. The ship holds 500 passengers, was built in 1983, weighs 330 tons, and rides with a 5 ft. draft.
Stern Wheel from Bottom Deck taken by Nancy – 12 seconds
Note at the end, Olivia is in the middle of some of the people walking away from viewing the stern wheel.
Let me start the collages near the beginning of the trip. We left in the Ellensburg Adult Activity Center’s bus to drive to Clover Island in Kennewick, WA (Tri Cities area) on the Columbia River, to board the Columbia Gorge Stern Wheeler for a planned 2.5 hour ride that included a lovely luncheon.
The ship comes up-river from the Portland, OR area, and remains here for ~10 days each year. The right photo was taken by a crew member, sold for $11 at the end of our trip, and thanks to Dolores (behind me) for buying the picture to share with all of us. She wouldn’t let us contribute any money. The two on either end are our leaders for the day from the AAC’s staff. Left is Olivia Estill and right is Erica Batchelder (also our bus driver).
The above collage is of our trip down. I was sitting next to the window going but in the aisle seat returning. The map I created using Google Earth to show the area south of Vantage, from Beverly, by Mattawa, and Desert Aire, to the Vernita Bridge crossing of the Columbia River. This is a shrub-steppe (dry) environment, watered by the Columbia Basin Project, that powers center-pivot irrigation lines and other water purveyors to allow orchard and vineyard growth.
The top middle photo is of Priest Rapids Dam. While we passed Wanapum Dam, I did not take a photo. The middle photo below the dam is an orchard with wind machines to blow when a frost is possible from cold air drainage. Along our route were mostly pear and apple orchards on the right of the bus, and added to those on the left were many vineyards growing wine grapes for Milbrandt. The orchards and vineyards primarily use drip irrigation, rather than center-pivot, noticeable as circles on the landscape on the imagery map. The other fields may use wheel lines or gated pipe.
The top right photo is of the railroad bridge (now abandoned) over the Columbia, from the old Milwaukee Road, officially named the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad that operated from 1847 until 1980. Railroad lines went from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA, through Central Washington University’s Campus. Beneath it, are two photos. One is of Sentinel Gap, where the hills (western part of the Saddle Mountains) have tectonically been pushed up to their height and the river has cut down through and formed the gap. It was a major passage for water from the Ice Age Floods through northern and eastern WA, when Glacial Lake Missoula drained, creating scabland topography.
We made it to our first stop across the river at Vernita Bridge. Anne and Glenn pose by the entrance sign, and a pigeon overlooked the information board, wishing for a handout no one provided. From there we drove to our destination with Hanford Site stretching out on our left. Not familiar with the Hanford Site? Look here. Once at Kennewick, we made our way to Clover Island and had almost 45 minutes until we were to board. Some folks took a walk.
The left photo above is one I took before we boarded, and the right one is the Captain talking with one of our group, Pat Carney.
The above collage is of our luncheon provided. We had a choice of coffee, soft drinks, with water, nice linen napkins and tablecloth, and 4 choices of entrees: Ravioli, Chicken Breast, Salisbury Steak, or Tilapia, with seasonal vegetables, rice pilaf, or potatoes. I chose the chicken breast, which was large and quite tender. Top row, Anne & Glenn, Nancy, Erica (table behind), Olivia, bunch of our bus load, our meals, and Erica. I missed getting Don and Dolores, at our table.
The Captain explained about the ship’s features and safety items, such as life vests, and had a crew member demonstrate putting one on. 
After we ate, many of us made it to the top deck, with the intent of visiting the captain at the ship’s wheel, in the Wheelhouse (top, left, below).
The above collage shows left to right Anne & Glenn in front of the wheelhouse, with two AAC folks looking past to the front of the ship. Next photo is inside with Anne asking the Captain questions, with Glenn in the background. Next shots are of Dolores, Olivia, and Helen.
This collage includes mostly pictures taken from the top deck – clockwise from the stern wheel (top left). The top two bridge photos middle were taken by Glenn Engels, and I took the rest. The one at the top right is of kayakers on the river. The very middle picture is of ducks, Mallards and domesticated Greylag geese (all white ones), along the shore of Goat Island. The bottom right Columbia Gorge map is on the side of the wheelhouse from where the captain guides the ship. Three of us went inside and talked with the captain and co-captain. I have a short video below the photos, where the captain is explaining the electric and diesel motors that run the stern wheel. Continuing around the collage above shows the sign on the openings of the ports on the lower deck, the lower level view of the stern wheel, and the two on the bottom left were where I spent the return trip downstream with a couple from Ritzville at their table next to the open window. It was a good view and in the shade.
In the Wheel House with Captain Tom, talking about the ship’s power, 49 seconds.
We were on the river for about 3 hours. We returned to EBRG at just before 5:00 p.m. – a happy bunch of people who shared a nice day together.
Tuesday, Apr 19
For Apr 18 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 8 hrs 2 min with AHI=0.00. Events: 0 CSR, 0 H, 7 RERA. No major mask leaks (max= 6 L/min). Great night on CPAP. Guess the day of activity yesterday made me sleep well. Oximetry good all night.
I spent most of the morning (starting last night) with removing and organizing the photos I made of the trip. Before I left, I mailed them to the AAC for them to use to put on the Facebook site for the Ellensburg Adult Activity Center (AAC). If you have access to Facebook, you can view many of the pictures there, later. They are not there yet. There were 3 trips of 14 each this week from our center – M_W_F.
Today for lunch I had leftovers from our snacks yesterday, and then left for Jazzercise. We had 3 people there and the routine was doable. I went by Safeway for two dozen eggs at $ .99/ dozen. Hen’s get real busy in April as the daylight gets longer and the warmth increases.
Tonight I take off again for music in town at the Rehab center. This is the religious music at 6:30. I hope a woman from the BNE site meets me to pick up a dress I’m giving her. (She didn’t). I did run by and pick up 2 more dozen eggs, this being the last day it’s $2.00 off the regular price. I had gone by Super 1 before music to get a dozen marked-down donuts. They were nice fruit/filled ones, two chocolate, and others glazed, with one big rectangular one with chocolate on top that John had. I froze the rest, and we have not had any yet by the end of this week.
Wednesday, Apr 20
For Apr 19 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 7 hrs 19 min with AHI=1.23. Events: 2 CSR, 9 H, 12 RERA. No major mask leaks (max=9 L/min). Oximetry only for 4 hours and it ran out of charge.
I planned to go to the KVH hospital lab for a blood draw for tests my cardiologist ordered for next Monday’s visit. I went by Gloria’s to pick her up, we went for music, and we ate at the Food Bank. Today was chicken Alfredo with mushrooms, my favorite of the pastas served on Wednesdays, which we have not had in awhile. On from there by Rachael’s house to pick up my old can opener and deliver a new one (for which she paid me), and on to SAIL exercise class. On the way we stopped off at Quiznos to leave a dress for a BNE person at her work place.
I did a stupid thing at the hospital. I failed to take my lab papers, went in for a routine Coumadin check (INR), which I had just had on Apr 5. I was supposed to be taking my lab orders in for Dr. Kim’s (cardiology visit) next week. After the first draw, I was talking to a new phlebotomist there about the different sized vials and what they were used for. She showed me a very large one for serum, some smaller sizes, and pointed out what each one was used for. Something she said made me remember I was supposed to be there prior to next week’s visit for a good number of tests. However, the paper work was at home. She gave me the fax number and I went back to my car for my cell phone to call the Yakima Heart center to have them FAX my orders to the lab. It was a relatively quick procedure, but to get all the tests needed and have extra blood just in case, she had to draw four more vials.
She used the same vein as before, but hit it above my previous spot that was bruised a little.
I stopped to fill my car with gasoline on the way home. Price is up to $2.20.
This photo below was taken two days previously on Bar 14 road where it crosses our Naneum Creek (after another couple of streams have added their load).
Today, below, was the view from the West. After taking the video below, I turned around and left the site without crossing, and went a mile north to Thomas Road to come across to Naneum Road and back home.
Bar 14 Naneum Creek Bridge Flooding 4-20-16
Flowering trees to end the day.
The one on the left is visible from the parking lot of the AAC; and Gloria & I thought it was so pretty with the blue sky behind. I don’t know what tree it is and John can’t tell much from the photo. His guess was a Sunburst Locust just getting started. The middle is in our orchard and is the only pear tree. We got a bunch of very nice pears from it last year and hope for more this year. The one on the right is our pie tree, a Montmorency cherry.
Thursday, Apr 21
For Apr 20 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 4 hrs 40 min with AHI=0.86. Events: 0 CSR, 4 H, 7 RERA. No major mask leaks (max= 21 L/min). Oximetry was good all night, 4 hours on CPAP and 3 off, but okay readings for blood oxygen saturation percentage levels too.
When I left for town, I had intended to go across Bar 14 but I met a herd of cattle on Naneum, so I turned around and drove back to Charlton and went across. That gave me a view of our creek above the diversion to our side, and an Oregon Grape.
I took videos of the creek.
From Charlton Bridge Naneum Cr. Downstream 4-21-16
From Charlton Bridge Naneum Upstream
We had a lot of people there today – 12, with a large and involved audience. Here’s the roll count: Minerva, Manord, Maury, Gerald, Charlie, Evelyn, Nancy Amy, Laura, Bob, & Anne (plus Amy’s daughter, our little mascot, Haley).
I spent time tonight writing up all the places people can donate clothing in Ellensburg (and Cle Elum) where it will be distributed freely to county families. I posted it on a Facebook group site, Community Connect Kittitas County. It was my compilation of places, locations, times open, for people to have to donate their clothing. I originally compiled it for people from the places to come pick up from the clothing share we had 3/22/16, and back on 9/1/15, so none of it ended up at Goodwill or the town dump (aka a landfill).
One of the coolest things from that share was a leftover item I brought home because no one of the clothing shares would have wanted it. It was a very nice red jacket with the name CAROLYN on the front. I put out a call on the BNE site calling all Carolyn’s. A woman caregiver had a friend who is DD and doesn’t read much other than her name, and she spoke for it. Then, today, she sent me the picture of a very happy new owner. I had met Becky at the AAC to deliver the jacket, as I was leaving Tuesday.
The right side photo shows the company name – you can check it out but it really isn’t interesting. The phone number, from the west side, isn’t important.
Finally, I’ll end with the signs now on Bar 14 road. It is closed to traffic from Naneum, because the bridge is impassable. Here’s the scene today.
The near water is at the intersection while in the distance barracades are near the bridge with a lot of gushing water and debris on the road.
Friday, Apr 22
For Apr 21 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 7 hrs 6 min with AHI=0.84. Events: 3 CSR, 6 H, 14 RERA. No major mask leaks (max= 12 L/min). Oximetry was all right all night.
Thanks John for an early breakfast, and I just completed loading and starting the dishwasher for a couple days’ worth. John and Annie have been out taking care of chores. Yesterday, she brought him the foot and leg of a deer, complete with maggots. He threw it across the raging creek but there is still a lot of deer left out there somewhere, so she will likely come back with more parts. This seems to happen about every 3 years.
John is driving me to scholarship luncheon and to deliver hen & chicks and an external hard drive I had borrowed for a couple weeks. He has been busy loading the truck with a canopy with trash to take to the transfer station. He ended up transferring 230 lbs. and a bit less than $15. He let me off and I walked past a building to another on campus near where a new science building is being built that has taken out the main central parking area that used to service the building where we were meeting (the old music building, Hertz Hall).
I brought him back a BBQ chicken slider from Amy McCoy – former Geography student, now in our luncheon group. He decided to wait to eat it with a supper because when we got home it was already 2:30, and we had some other left-overs.
We didn’t make it to Ace Hardware as planned because we didn’t figure the truck would fit into the slanting parking spaces of the City’s streets. So, we dropped by Grocery Outlet for ice cream and a couple of other things for brunch, drove by two places to deliver the hen & chicks plants, and came on home.
John took a nap, and I stayed up answer the phone until I had to take a power nap myself. It lasted over an hour.
The batteries finally went out in my blood pressure measurer. I thought the past couple of days were giving strange readings. Maybe that was why? Now, however it was running fine all day, and just took it twice and found it lower than I think it should be. 99/62, but my heartbeat is 63. I’ll wait 10 minutes and retake. It was back up 30 minutes later.
Saturday, Apr 23
For Apr 22 CPAP. Reported figures. Time on 4 hrs 55 min with AHI=3.25. Events: 2 CSR, 14 H, 2 OA, 5 RERA. No major mask leaks (max= 22 L/min). Not very good. I slept on until morning without CPAP, but kept Oximeter on. all night. Nothing unusual.
I walked out the front door while John was out feeding the horses. Our wind has been wicked all night, staying above 29 mph since 3:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon and going all night. Now this morning, it has been 40 mph or above, up to 45 for a couple hours and 46 another. High temp is 63, and winds are still above 40 mph at 3:30 p.m. John is working in the lee of the house. He killed a section of grass and is digging it out, to be replaced with gravel. The dirt is headed for a flower bed.
My purpose for going out this morning to see what the temp was like because someone planned to drive in for my signature on some paperwork. When I walked out the door, I saw two heads over the wooden fence chewing on our crabapple tree. I went back for my camera and took two short videos of our morning visitors.
Above collage comes from the videos below. The two at the bottom middle are the same doe, who moved, keeping an eye on me.
The second part is a little longer than the first and has some cute glimpses of the action of a deer when she spied me.
I met folks in the driveway to sign paperwork for community service for a young high school student who volunteered 2.5 hours work organizing at the community clothing share back in March, and I was chosen as the signer because I was involved as a helper and I live only 7 miles up Naneum from the family. I had planned to drop by on my way home or into town, but they didn’t get the paper until after I was home yesterday, and I had no plans to go back this weekend.
I have been working on the report of our trip on the stern wheeler on Monday.
I think I’m about ready to give this to John when he comes in at dark, so I can get back to worrying about doing filing, dishes and other cleanup and getting ready for my two doctor appointments on Monday in Yakima.
Hope your week was fine.
Nancy and John
Still on the Naneum Fan