Post Op, Day 5

 There was a time when I considered myself fairly pain tolerant, after all, I had three babies with no drugs in sight. Then too, I used to have dental work without novocaine. Now, however it seems as if those old notions need to be put to rest. Two broken wrists, in seven weeks time, has brought into the harsh light my self delusion. Holy Cow!

Going into the surgery I felt confidant that soon my troubles were heading in the right direction, upward and onward if you will. The trouble with being an optimist is that when a snag occurs you are mentally unprepared. Why oh why, did I imagine it would go smoothly? Waking up from the twilight sleep I was both shocked and dismayed to be surrounded by folks who soon put me on a stretcher and whisked me to Florida Hospital in an ambulance.

What is going on? My only concern was needing a bathroom visit while their's was an irregular heartbeat during surgery. Denied my trip to the bathroom, I arrived at the hospital in humiliating fashion and it only got worse while they hooked me up to monitors, drew blood, x-rayed me and so on. I was wide awake and heard the EMT tell the ER doctor that all my readings were normal and the good news is that they remained so during the hours I was there. Eventually the nurse did her best to clean me up, under the circumstances not an easy task, and we were allowed to leave, arriving home around 9:30 Wednesday night. 

Bruce helped me bathe while standing in the tub, followed by setting me up on our couch in the living room. Because of the time, pain medication would have to wait until the morning. The nerve block in my arm, at this point was keeping pain away. That is until 4:30 in the morning when I woke up in pain like I can never remember. Because of the hospital detour we'd had no time to read the instructions and were totally unprepared.  Crazed as I was, I had Bruce give me one of the pain pills from the first break which helped for about two hours until I was, once again awoken. By now the block was totally worn off and all I can say is that while waiting for Bruce to go to Walgreens when they opened at 7 AM, felt like forever. I was pacing, rocking, and most definitely going crazy. Not only from the pain, but the shock of it. The optimist in me never dreamed it could be so bad. My poor Bruce, while not feeling my physical pain, was enduring his own in the form of heartsickness as we waited for it to take effect. Whew! What a morning! Eventually, having had the time to read the instructions, we learned that we should be adding Ibuprofen to the regimen along with an antibiotic and an anti-nausea pill. 

Things could only go up from there, right?

And for the most part they have. After two days I was able to cut out the narcotic, replacing it with Tylenol. We got a little panicky when the swelling around my elbow and upper arm increased, but we were comforted following a quick call to Dr. Patel who assured Bruce that it was to be expected. My bandaging looks like this. I have bruising and swelling above the bandage but I am no stranger to swelling, am I? I will say that it is very hard to find a comfortable sleeping position.

It is a huge relief having my thumb mobile as it was just beginning to loosen up a bit.

As to the actual surgery, the folks were fantastic. This is my nurse Jeff with the doctor who did the anesthesia, both of whom were super professional and kind.

I saw Dr. Patel for a brief moment before surgery and maybe afterwards? That part is a blur although Bruce told me later that he called him a few hours later to check on me. As well, a nurse called the following afternoon. From what I overheard she was also patient and kind. In other words, nothing like our first go round with this mess. 

Here is what the new hardware looks like from the top and the side.

In addition to installing the new plate to stabilize my radius, he brought the ulna (smaller arm bone) out of the joint space and into better alignment with the radial head. According to Dr. Patel it was a bad break but it is all fixed now. Woo hoo!

Bill brought over a lovely bouquet to brighten one room.

Within hours of one another, David did the same. The wonderful friends here in our community have begun round two of meals, friends have texted and called, and I could not ask for a better husband who is more than rising to the occasion.  My instructions are to stay out of the heat in order to avoid an infection in the stitches, keeping me inside until they are removed.  Thank God for television and the fantastic shows on Masterpiece Theater. Currently I am passing the long days watching Grandchester.  In addition icing and elevating has been my mantra.

So while I thought I was pretty good with pain, that has proved to be a falsehood. What has remained true is that I am not a particularly patient person, unlike my honey who has that characteristic in spades. Today is day 64 and with another plus or minus, 30 more before I can return to life ahead of me, well in the words of my late Mother, " I shudder to think."

your friend,

Gail

It's Surgery Day

 The good news is that today Dr.. Patel will repair my break (s), the bad news is that we are not expected at the surgery center until 1:30 PM, which means NPO is in order, the medical lingo for nothing by mouth for eight hours prior. As such, the alarm went off at 5:30 this morning in order for me to have a little breakfast. To tell you the truth, I don't really get it as I won't be put to sleep which is usually the reasoning for those instructions. Instead, I will be given a sedative along with the nerve block to my arm. Learning that was a bit of a relief, so no photos can be expected. 😀

Rather than a post about my latest calamity, I was looking forward to sharing good news about some exciting progress on my road to, once again, being able to use my left hand.  Alas, the best-laid plans of mice and men....

Let's get to that good stuff, shall we?

When last we met, well actually the time before that meeting, I'd written about my desire to make a birthday cake for Bruce. Choosing an oft-used easy recipe, Lemon Delight Pound Cake, I set to work incorporating some tips Bruce suggested. While it was slow going, satisfaction set in as I felt I was accomplishing something at last. Using a plate under the measuring cup worked like a charm.

Tapping and leveling the flour came easy using this method.

During Monday's therapy session Darlene implored me to use my hand for simple tasks. Hurray. I actually held the measuring spoon, albeit precariously.

I've gotten pretty good at cracking eggs one-handed, well, sort of. 

Alrighty then, batter is all mixed. Yikes, lifting the Kitchen Aid bowl and getting the batter to flow into the awaiting Bundt pan with such thick batter, was a bit comical, however, after lots of drips on the counter, into the oven the pan went. Ahh...the aroma of a baking cake! My happy balloon burst soon enough when I realized that I could not remove the pan from the oven using only one hand. And this, my friends is when you thank God for good neighbors. Connie, my go to helper was out, but thankfully Julie was in, responding to my knock, she slipped  on her shoes and came downstairs to help.

Not only did she take it out of the oven, she stuck around long enough to dump it onto the cooling rack. Fortunately the cake cooperated.

In typical fashion, Bruce was working at the church on his birthday, but when he returned, he hopped into  action, first by moving the cake onto a plate, followed by cleaning up my mess.

In the end, I am glad that I did it, even if it took three of us to make it happen!

Arriving at Wednesday's therapy session, I once again expressed my doubts as to making any movement progress while my hand was so swollen. This time Darlene seemed to agree, beginning our time together with warmth.

In turn this made the fluid in my hand more pliable, allowing her to massage it toward my arm.

After time spent in the cold massage, she wrapped each finger individually as well as my hand, in compression tape, instructing me to leave it on as long as could be tolerated. SOLD! My hand felt better than it had in weeks.

Furthermore, she suggested that we purchase a golf glove to wear overnight as it would provide good compression. We stopped at Dick's on our way home and did just that. 

That same afternoon I finally did away with my Covid hair, visiting the salon after a 17 month hiatus. Leaving it long enough for a ponytail, she added some much needed highlights, making me feel like a new woman. Things were beginning to look up for this gal.

Waking up Thursday morning, my hand looked much improved. So much so that after having Bruce tug the glove on my hand, he left for his volunteer work and I hopped in the MINI and drove for the first time in  52 days! Woo hoo! First stop was Lake Davis for a stroll with my camera. 

Lots of little ones to see. Next stop, Publix where I finally found my beloved pickles.

While I prefer the Hearty Garlic variety, I took what I could get. 

Seemingly, life was returning to some semblance of normality.

What makes my current predicament so sad for me is that after wearing the glove overnight on Thursday, I woke up to a nearly flat hand causing much excitement in the Peck household, enough so that a lakeside stroll in fine weather was in order.

Well then, we now know how that turned out, don't we? 

In excellent news, I've heard from several people that I could not have a better doctor working on me this afternoon.  Meet Dr. Patel here.  According to Sandy, who has known him since he was very young, not only is he crazy accomplished academically, he is an exceptional human being. How's that for some happy news?

And so I go into this procedure with high hopes and gratitude, feeling so much love from more people than I can properly thank by name. Last evening we learned of the sudden death of an important part of our community. An accomplished Nurse Practitioner at ORMC, while I was being wheeled into the emergency room, she spoke to folks about treating me well, for which I was most grateful. Only 62, on a vacation in Utah, from what we know, her last hike was just too much.  

It kind of puts things into perspective, right?

your friend, 

Gail

There is Kindness in the World

 Ma'am, are you okay?

Ma'am, should I call 911?

Ma'am, can I help you up?

Unknown voices swirled around me as I lay, face first, on the sidewalk.

"Don't call 911 please. I need my husband please!"

"Where is he?" 

"He is reading in a Subaru, parked by the big house that looks like an office building." 

The sun hat I was wearing shielded my sight as it lay over my face, glasses askew while lying on my camera. I remember asking if any women were there and if so,  could she would pull my dress down as I could feel it ridden up far too high. Indeed there was.

Moments before, I'd been admonishing myself to keep my eyes on what I was doing as we all know I am easily distracted while in the presence of nature. I think what happened is that I was trying to avoid an oncoming dog, stepping off the sidewalk to do so, then tripping on the edge as I was attempting to resume my walk. 

Bruce, meanwhile heard a man call out to him, asking if his wife was wearing a yellow dress. Only hearing this last night as he described it to Mary during her visit, it broke my heart as I know he must have been petrified hearing that I had fallen. He jumped into action, bringing the car to where I still lay, with many people surrounding me. 

"Oh, darling" I remember him saying. With the help of another man, he pulled me to my feet, seeing the extent of the damage. A woman who lives across the street got some paper towels, another brought a bottle of water, and there were other niceties I cannot recall. Bruce wiped the blood from my mouth, hand, right knee and elbow, while I held my left arm still on the quilt he had given me. Sadly, I knew it was broken again. Not because my bones are especially weak, but because the healing from the previous fracture was not complete. After all, most of the impact this time was on my right side, which although scraped up, has no serious damage.

So, continuing the story of how miserable the experience has been with our doctor's office, because it was only about 1/2 mile away, Bruce drove us there, explained what happened and they responded that Dr. Nguyen was not working and they could not help me. Seriously? No one could help?

Instead they sent us down the street to a walk in clinic where I had an x-ray that confirmed what I already knew. Leaving with my arm wrapped in a splint, they advised that we call my doctor when we got home. Bruce was one step ahead, having already left a message with high hopes that they would return the call. 

They did not!

Taking matters into his own hands, he called the office of Dr. George White searching for help. For weeks people had been begging us to get a second opinion there, certain that I would get some advice on my hand situation. The many testimonials were glowing. They not only answered the phone in a timely manner, he was told if we could get there before 2PM, a doctor would see me, an offer we could not refuse.

In no time at all we were seen by an associate of Dr. White. Off came the splint, new x-rays were taken, and we were ushered into Dr. Patel's office where we learned in no uncertain terms that surgery was the answer. Both Bruce and I liked him immediately, in part because he looked us in the eye rather than spend our time together staring at his computer screen. Furthermore, he actually put on the new splint himself rather than a "cast tech" ! Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday and it will be done in their surgery center onsite which is a big plus in my book. Rather than general anesthesia, my arm will be put to sleep. 

When Connie heard that, while delivering an amazing dinner last evening, she laughed thinking that I would be so curious about what they were doing I would probably want to take photos!

She's got a point, don't you think?

Before this happened I'd been looking forward to passing along some good news regarding my progress. While I do plan to share that story, not today as I plan to lie down and rest. Fortunately this break hurts a whole lot less than the previous one, or is it that I am now accustomed to pain? I'm thinking the former.

Before I sign off, I did get to see this beautiful sight on my walk, so all was not lost.

your friend,

Gail

It is All Relative

 I'm not ashamed to admit that I am so ready for this to be over. Never could I have imagined that I would be writing a post, seven weeks after my fall, and still have no use of my left hand. My thumb remains crazy stiff; thankfully my fingers move, but not well. That said, without a working thumb there is not much one can accomplish. And therein lies my problem. I am a doer and, sadly this doer cannot do much! Not when my hand stays mostly in a swollen state.

All that super pink part is due to the top layer of skin peeling off. Finally, this weekend I figured out a better way of treating it using a soft dish towel to wrap it after I coat it with Aquaphor. So, not only is the swelling unsightly, the skin is as well. Oy vey!

I do, however, have three new and fun dishtowels that I am not using for the above purpose. One from Carlene, a new reader of this space thanks to Patti who introduced her to my musings. Michelle gave me two for Mother's Day and if there is anyone who loves practical gifts it is me. Now. if only I could get back to cooking and baking! Last night I had Bruce cut the broccoli and I managed the rest for roasting. Not much to it but it's a start.

It must have been Thursday that I took a stroll on the property with my camera in tow. I spotted a small feather that once lived on a Limpkin floating in the clear shallow water of Lake Pineloch. 

From a distance floating decoys look pretty real, that is until the real thing appears, A Cormorant at rest.

Friday morning Bruce asked if I might enjoy walking around the Winter Park Art Festival while he continued working on the columns at church? I could not have been happier with his idea. Slipping my arm into the removable splint, I walked the two blocks to Park Avenue leaving him to his work.

Wallowing in my misery I've neglected to mention that the weather has turned cooler, bringing sunny skies, low humidity, and temperatures in the low 80's. In other words, an unexpected blessing.

Normally held in the middle of March, the weekend in May was a first. A Covid 19 thing. Advertising was almost non existent, so on this Friday the crowds were just right.

Although I was sorely tempted, in the end we did not return to buy two pieces we both liked from this artist, whose booth is pictured below.

Because it is May the roses are beginning to bloom as is the gorgeous Wisteria.

People were respectful of one another, either keeping their distance or wearing masks. Placards with the artist information were printed prior to the new CDC guidelines so masks were required in the booths, or so the sign said. Seeing the Emily fountain by Albin Polasek in the bright sunshine is always welcome and reminds me of my days at the museum.

For those new to this space I began there as an intern during my last semester at Valencia and stayed on for a number of years as a volunteer.

Seeing the art was great, but seeing friends for the first time in ages was even better. First I ran into Ann and Liz who were appalled seeing my hand in person. It is one thing to see a photograph and quite another seeing it up close and personal. Actually, I saw them twice, once while strolling and once while they were having refreshments at a sidewalk table. While chatting I noticed the ladies at the table beside them staring at my hand and what they had to say heartened me just a bit. Turns out that they have a friend who broke her wrist about the same time as I did who is not only having similar problems with swelling but, who also has a doctor like mine. Apparently he told her the swelling is normal and if it does not improve in three months, come and see him. So, yeah for learning of a fellow sufferer and boo to the notion that I might go three months like this!! Secondly, I ran into Cynthia and Joe and we had a lovely chat during which time I tried talking about more than my accident. One subject that came up was the vaccine and folks that are "vaccine reluctant", another term to add to our list of new phrases associated with Covid 19. While I cannot understand their position, if given the chance, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

All weekend I worked on trying to make a fist, icing and elevating, all of which were for naught. 😞

Now that we know where we are going, getting to the therapy appointment went off without a hitch. Before I tell you about what happened to me, something occurred in the waiting room that was so poignant I am putting it down for posterity. An old couple, it's hard to say but maybe 10-15 years older than we are, was already in the waiting room. The receptionist asked the woman who her doctor was to which she replied that she could not remember but for sue it was an Eastern medicine doctor because she did not trust Western medicine. (flashback to our sister Carol!) Anyway she and her husband began a guessing game, using the alphabet, trying to figure it out. Then they remembered the man's mobile phone but couldn't remember a phone number. I wanted to help but at the same time, wondered if they would be embarrassed. Eventually they figured it out but it was painful to witness, imagining it could be me in the future! 

Darlene began our session with a warm compress, hoping to alleviate some of the swelling before we began our exercises. Another woman was seated nearby having a treatment on her wrist, FIVE months after her accident. Long story short, Darlene reiterated that everyone's healing process is different and I just have to be patient. It is worth noting that my fracture is healing as expected and I am just one of the unlucky ones who experience other problems which in my case is swelling with subsequent tightness in my tendons. She moved my hand many ways, bent my fingers at each joint, telling me to have her stop when the pain reached level five. Listening intently, I did my best to commit the exercises to memory. That said, I came home with this.

The arm up means raising it above my head in hopes that gravity will help. In some ways it seems like a Catch 22 because how am I really supposed to make a fist with a deflated balloon atop my hand? If only the swelling would decrease, I think that I could make a fist. 

I must trust the process.

I must trust the process.

I must trust the process.

Following the exercising, she wrapped my arm in a big sleeve,

which is attached to two machines that pumped cool water around my arm as well as a very light massage.

That would be Darlene on the left, helping her next patient. One area of improvement I've experienced is that I can finally turn my hand palm down without crying out. Actually that is huge and not a moment too soon as I'm on the verge of having elbow and shoulder problems from the unnatural position I've adopted in order to not be in pain.

Baby steps has to be my mantra! 

So the seated woman finishing her last treatment broke her right arm, and the closed reduction done at the outset slipped meaning she had surgery. She described her despair over how long healing has taken and how hard it is to be helpless for so long. A seemingly lovely women in her late 40's, she was not trying to frighten me, only reinforcing what I already know.

It is all relative!

your friend,

Gail

p.s. today is Bruce's birthday and call me crazy if you want, but I'm going to try my hand (no pun intended) at making him a simple cake. 

On A Positive Note

 What must this little gosling be thinking, looking at her reflection in the water?

How well can she even see at this point anyway? The world is chock full of mystery including how is it that our friend and neighbor, Gayle, who broke her wrist just five days before me, has sailed through it whereas my recovery has been far slower? I have no idea except that her doctor opted for surgery while mine took a conservative approach? An unsolved mystery for sure. I will admit to being envious! 

There will be not one iota of whining in this post because of two excellent developments. One such development was yet another kindness, this time in the form of a favor. One of the very best radiologists that I used to work with took a look at my x-rays, assuring me that good healing was taking place. I've begun to think of my radius like I would a scrape that has to form a scab on the road to healing, and it just takes time for that to not only happen, but resolve as well. I had a rug burn on my knee a couple of years ago that took forever to heal. All that to say that my mind is far more settled. 

Secondly, we drove out to my old stomping grounds for my therapy session which, today, consisted on testing and measuring so that we have a baseline to work with. For twelve years I drove out to, what was then called Sand Lake Hospital, five days a week. Now named Dr. Phillips, I had to leave the driving to Bruce. Darlene, the Occupational Therapist was great, not too old and not too young. We spent our time together discovering what I can and cannot do. Although there is a sign prohibiting photos I snuck this one anyway so that I could remember my starting place and it is not great. Turns out I have only 13% use of my left hand compared to my right. (photo taken upside down)

Darlene's plan of action is to help get the swelling down, decrease my pain, and get me to be able to type with two hands again. Just kidding on the last item because I've not told her yet that I write a blog. My hair--she wants me to be able to wash it adequately, something I am all for. Having thick hair is generally a good thing, however, not so much when it comes time to wash it with one hand! I am happy to report that showering without a bag on my arm was heavenly.

My twice weekly appointments are all scheduled and we shall see how it goes.

The skin on my hand no longer looks as if I am a snake thanks to the huge amount of Aquaphor Bruce applied yesterday morning. Of course, when your hand and forearm are covered with, essentially vaseline, I remained pretty sedentary yesterday, watching a terrific nature show on PBS called  Europe's New Wild. It was all great, especially the reindeer drive in Lapland. Who, amongst you, has last thought about Lapland? Not me, for one.

Following the appointment today Bruce suggested lunch at Yardhouse off International Drive to which I quickly agreed. It has been ages since we were out this way, that is if you don't count our vaccines trips. Later in his career, he built several Yardhouse restaurants including a very nice one in South Beach, For readers not from Florida, that is a glamorous area in Miami. He was overjoyed to find edamame on the menu, especially when it is coated in a hot and spicy sauce.

We enjoyed a marvelous lunch made even better because your favorite blogger was emerging from her "down in the dumps" attitude. Of all things, sitting in the booth behind us were two former Darden employees. Not just any employee, but one who is the man responsible for creating Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 52 among others. Many years ago he chose Bruce to do some important projects , rewarding him with a keepsake in the form of a watch. Those were some very hectic and stressful days in the Peck household, to say the least. 

Sincere thanks to everyone involved with the vaccine from the scientists to the truck drivers, who, no doubt, have led very hectic lives helping folks like us to be able to feel comfortable out in the world again.

On the 40th day, I picked up the paddle again. 41st too. Firstly Bruce hit me some balls and then Bill did. Not a game, just a wee bit to get my feet wet. Unfortunately, Dr. Nguyen thinks I need to wait two months before playing again. Maybe I will progress so much by my next visit in a month, the timeline will change? A girl can dream, can't she?

When I visited Lake Davis last week the gosling was so cute I could not resist..

This is her Papa.

You can't blame me. right?

One of the cygnets has disappeared, but of the remaining six, five of them are the expected gray and one of them is snow white. Can you say adorable?

For at least a week I've been meaning to post the photo below from our lake.

It almost looks like a big glove, doesn't it? Speaking of gloves, Darlene told me that a compression glove might help with the swelling and will try and have one for Monday's appointment. Now that I know, I may just turn to Amazon.

Finally, here is the cover of the book I was praising.

It is a remarkable story of a remarkable woman named Nancy Wake, otherwise called the White Mouse. Yet another historical fiction story that I knew nothing about. Just when I think I've read it all about WW11, along comes this. Seriously fascinating story.

Wasn't this a nice change? An upbeat bit of reading?

You are welcome. 😊

your friend,

Gail

p.s. My homework is to work hard on trying to touch my fingers to my thumb. Wish me luck!

Why Does it Have to Be So Hard?

 I'll be frank with you, just when I thought that I was on my way, there's been a road block which has put me in an unhappy mood. Bear with me, if you will.

As you may recall today was my six week follow up for more x-rays and hopefully good news. Before the x-ray there had to be another cast removal which Danny performed skillfully, first using the saw,

followed by the spreader.

When Danny asked me if I wanted to keep the cast it reminded Bruce of his youth when saving a cast was fun. No thanks was my reply! Should you be wondering, these days, casts are made of fiberglass. 

The big reveal of what we feared was the case.

Yup, no reduction of the swelling. Above the cast there has been significant swelling, but aside from my fingers, it was hard to know. Because my thumb has been immobilized for six weeks, it is as stiff as can be. What you don't see pictured is my peeling hand, both top and bottom, along with my arm. 

Today Dr. Nguyen took more time saying that his goal was for me to be able to make a fist. As well, I no longer need a cast although I did come home with a removable brace. Furthermore, he ordered occupational therapy twice a week to help me regain the use of my hand which, at this point in time, is useless. So, once home, I tried scheduling an appointment and here's what has me so frustrated. 

    THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR TEN DAYS! Seriously? 

I can hold my fingers down using my right hand, but until there is a reduction in the swelling, I still can't do a thing. Why does it have to be so hard? I wish I knew! 

For the record, the fracture site feels pretty good, it's just this damn edema that is painful.

Let's move on to happier topics, shall we?

I made some scratch muffins last week! During the course of this ordeal, I am learning to improvise. There are loads of things I miss doing and one of those is baking. You are not in the least surprised, are you? After I'd made them while Bruce was working at the church, he had a better idea on how to accomplish measuring flour, but in his absence, I did it like this.

I can't even remember how I swept the excess flour from the top of the cup, but it was likely to have been not very accurate. Same goes for the leavening agents. Wonder of wonders, they came out alright.

Not perfect, but edible. I will admit that removing the pan from the oven was pretty tricky.

I've been reading, while keeping my arm upright to reduce the swelling, however that was a pipe dream. Nonetheless, reading one of the books Mary gave me, it made me happy seeing the back cover.

And why is that you ask? Because I knew that the review was from Nancy who was such a great book critic, who in time became a friend. Now I read reviews on her blog, which you can find here.  I emailed her to tell her about the happy coincidence and her response made me laugh. Apparently a journalism professor scoffed at her chance at writing career if she was a one finger typist. She showed him! One a finger typist, always a finger typist. As for me I learned two-handed typing in the 10th grade and I struggle doing it with one finger. Perhaps, by the time this is all said and done, I won't even be able to type with two hands. 😟

Whoa Nelly, uploading photos from my Panasonic last week, I discovered a nice shot of the Pink Moon. Definitely not pink.

The boys and girls spoiled me on Mother's Day, beginning with a Saturday delivery courtesy of Bill and Fallon. Holy Cow it is beautiful!

InBloom florist for the win.

Michelle was the only one who would consent for a photo with me.

She could not stay for the pizza in order to visit with her Mom. That said, she did hang around long enough for Bruce to open the Tiffany box for me. Inside two beautiful wine glasses to go along with two impressive bottles of Cabernet. Following lunch, Matt and Tom called AND I beat Bill in Yahtzee which is a pretty big deal. Just when you might think it could not get any better, Dave took us out for a ride on the pontoon boat. Yup, it was a good day. By the time Jonathan called I was plum worn out.

The same holds true for this post...I have to concentrate so hard to find the keys, yes the very same ones I can use without looking, that I am calling it a day. Since I began writing, I've heard back from an office where I can get an appointment on Wednesday! The fact that it is on the other side of town is the only drawback, however I'm willing to give it a try because I want to get better, sooner rather than later.

your friend,

Gail 

 

Five Weeks In

I spent some time rummaging around reading old blog posts today after having a discussion about the weather earlier. While watching the pickleball action this morning, (naturally feeling sorry for myself), play stopped for a moment for the participants to rest and we talked about how darn hot it is already. Maybe, or maybe it is nothing too much out of the ordinary for this time of year? I knew my blog would be able to set the record straight. Going way back to 2008, the weather was much the same. In 2009 the temperature soared to 97 on Mother's Day. I also discovered that it was my best day at the market to date; inexplicable, but there it was in black and white.

All that to say that reading posts from more than a decade ago reminded me that this set back is just one bump in the road in our life journey. Our life is the best way to describe it because Bruce and I have traveled as a couple for 54 years. Lots of ups and downs with, thankfully, far more ups than downs. How I would have managed this latest solo is beyond me. He's not only gotten the hang of dressing me when I can't do so, but he's learned how to wrap my newly washed hair in a towel as well.

You will be pleased to learn that I have managed to "push past the pain", in part because I feel somewhat reassured that I am doing myself no harm. Actually, for the most part, the pain is diminishing even though the swelling continues,, especially if I am outside for too long in the increasing heat.  As was true back in 2007, my camera helps me cope. It goes where I go which on one morning included a stroll around Lake Davis affording me the opportunity to catch up with the Spring happenings.

The goose remains in her strange location in the wide open. On my first pass this was super fun to witness as a gosling used a plastic bowl to cool off.

Obviously this prompted the question as to what happened to the other three eggs? That is an unsolved mystery because on my second pass this scene presented itself.

Hard to know, but perhaps this screaming hawk in the nearest tree knows something we don't?

The cygnets were all accounted for I am happy to report.

In our lake many ducklings have been born, and many have disappeared just as quickly as they appeared. Between the hawks and the otters, their chance of survival is always perilous. Mama Wood duck sits alone.

Speaking of peril, using our new Apple TV box, or whatever it's supposed to be called, I've been watching a fantastic series called Earth at Night. 

Should you have the same box I highly recommend having a look. Another great series we loved was Ted Lasso. 

Never could I have imagined how much we would love a series where soccer plays a prominent role!

Connie brought a delicious meal last Monday night of which mashed potatoes played a prominent role. God love her, she remembered how much I love them.

Backing up to the old blog posts, what fascinates me is how society has been changing over the life of my posts. I've commented on lots of that over the years so with that in mind, I'm seeing a new trend, or at least it is to me. While having my lunch the other day, I was browsing the latest Subaru magazine, coming across an article by a young man named John. In said article he included several photographs of his seven month old daughter. Her name is Land.  Seriously? I've just been alerted that a woman named her daughter Ocean. I just can't help but wonder how either of those names could be turned into a nickname, or I'm thinking specifically how my term of endearment for our son Jonathan is "Jon-boy", who, in fact turned 38 yesterday. 38!!! Before long all of our sons will be in their 40's. Holy Cow! 

But I digress, what other baby names are trending?

I've been wandering the property with the camera dangling from my good arm. As was the case with this Red Winged Blackbird, I set my camera on any nearby solid service, maneuver the zoom, then bring it to my eye, hoping I am quick enough. While my intention was to catch it perched on the roof apex, what I caught was far better as I have taken very few shots of this fast bird in flight. 

Ah, the best laid plans..... as they say.

Bountiful, fragrant Gardenia plants are in full bloom. Couple 91 degree heat with increasing humidity and you've got a winning formula for richly scented air anywhere near these beautiful blossoms.

Trending, here we go again. Naming the full Moon is, while actually a fairly ancient custom, new to the masses. Or, so it seems to me.  I give you last week's Pink Moon, rising over the lake. That glow! That shimmer! 

What a blessing to have been vaccinated as has our whole group who gathered for a Kentucky Derby party at the pool. Thank you to everyone who worked on these wonders that are allowing life, as we knew it, to resume. 

Carolyn, taking the guys picture had a speed limit birthday today. 

I'm not entirely sure how it worked, but for those wanting to wager, horses were drawn from a bowl with the one Bruce chose coming in third. I believe he netted $10.

Sandy had fun decorating. 

There were two Loving cups, the real deal btw, on loan from Patti. After some hours yours truly began to fade, leaving the group still  playing a dice game called, "Left, Right, Center". Have you heard if it? Neither had I. Money was won, and money was lost, and the crowd went wild! Especially because one dollar bills were in play.

One more week, or so I hope. No one wants to wear a cast in this heat! 

your friend,

Gail