Monday, January 25, 2016

ELMER ANSWERS A QUeSTION

Someone asked if I could tell about things in my everyday life that I had to adapt to or change or modify, etc. to be able to live an active life do to my height.  I guess, I have done things so long, I never stopped to think about it.  So Anna and I had to get together to answer this question.

As I said before, when we got our new bedroom set, our son had to make steps for me.  These new mattresses and box springs are higher than they use to be in older ones.  I had a hard time getting on top of it - so he made the steps.

Also, when the dining room chairs were made for our new dining room set, he made all the chairs the same size.  As usual, I sat lower than everyone else.  My son saw this and surprised me with a new chair that sits higher for me, so now I sit about the same height as everyone else.  My son told me, in all his years, he never thought of making a chair like this.  Being his Father and head of the house, I should sit as high if not higher than everyone else.  I told him, I am glad he made me equal height and now higher.

I have metal grabbers that I can grab things higher than I can reach.  It is not good for lifting big packages but canned goods, clothes, etc.  I have several in the house, one in the basement, one in the barn and one in the back of our carriage.

Speaking of our buggy, I keep a cushion, small step stool, grabber, and a two step ladder in the back.  These things come in handy sometimes.  The cushion comes in handy if I go to someone's house or in a restaurant and am sitting real low.  The step stool comes in handy when I need to be just a bit higher when working on a job or helping someone, etc.  When I made the step stool, I made it so the top opens.  Anna made the above mentioned cushion so it fits inside the step stool.

When we had the carriage made, I had an extra step put on each side to make it easier to get in on.  Sometimes when I get into someone else's buggy I have to use to the step stool.  I am just a bit short to get in easily.  Of course sometimes, a friend will give me a boost in the fanny which also helps.

Also, my  ladder has to have the steps made closer together than a normal ladder.  I can go up a regular ladder, but it makes Anna nervous and it's harder for me.  I never noticed how bad steps were until we sold our big house and moved into this one story house.  The only steps in our new house is to the basement and you can also walk into our basement from the outside.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

NOTE: Elmer started this letter, had to leave and thought he would be back to finish it off.  He didn't get back to me so I put his closing on it and posted it. Still don't have one for Tuesday yet, either.

Marilyn




13 comments:

Tom said...

sounds complete to me...life is all about adapting

Vickie said...

How very interesting.
Give Pierre a hug for me Marilyn.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Vickie,
Glad you like it. Will do. You give Mable, Henry and Murphy a hug from me, too.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the post Elmer+Marilyn. Hope everything's ok. Blessings, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Carol,

Glad you like the post. Everything is fine. I called Elmer to check this morning and he had just forgot. Blessings to you and yours, Marilyn

Lily said...

I enjoyed this post. I can somewhat relate being only 5'1". I can't remember Elmer's height, but I know I do things differently than some other people.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Lily,
He is just 4 foot with his boots on. If he wears shoes, he is shorter. I know what it is like being sort sometimes as I am only 5 ft 3 in.

Blessings to you and yours, too,
Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
Was out taking pictures today. Hurt my back and my most comfort is the seat of my car so I put two and two together. Have to sort them out as I tool over 186.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
At the top, I put on a picture that I took. The previous one I had was from free pictures. May change this from time to time.

Marilyn

Dynna said...

Hi Marilyn. I noticed that lovely winter farm photo at the top, right away. It is so pretty. I am your height and sometimes need grabbers too for reaching. Elmer is very creative so he would figure out adapters, even if he has to make them. I have a friend with mobility limitations and she has created some of her own "tools" to help her dress, etc. Thanks to Elmer for sharing today. How is baby John doing? I imagine if he is like most babies, growing like a weed. I did catch up with your photo posts and sure enjoyed the flowers. Loved the photo of Pierre watching out a window. So cute. Hugs to you and Pierre.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Elmer and Marilyn. I just knew Elmer would be resourceful amd not let his height get in the way of living his life and caring for his family.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi dynnamae n,
Glad you like the farm photo. Just took it today. Sometimes I need grabbers too for reaching. I know in their new house, they had the cupboards built a little lower so they both could reach in them. Will see Elmer gets your message and question.
So happy you liked Pierre's picture.

Hugs to Lily and Lucy,
Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Anonymous,

Elmer has a way of figuring things out. Will see he gets your message. You are most welcome.

Marilyn