A Sigh of Relief

 A few weeks ago my phone rang around 7:30 on a night Bruce was playing pickleball. A worried friend described how winded he had gotten that night, and it wasn't the first time. Her recommendation of having it checked out was spot on and that's what we did. To begin with,  he visited Dr. Parrillo, his regular physician, the next morning for a consultation which was normal, however he wanted him to see a cardiologist to make sure that his heart was not the culprit. While that sounded easy enough, in the time of Covid-19, nothing is easy, in this instance it takes six weeks to get an initial appointment. And why is that, you ask? Apparently Covid patients suffer damage to their hearts leading to jammed appointment books for cardiologists. He made an appointment for six weeks out with one doctor, however, talking with Fallon, we asked her who she would recommend from working at the hospital in PCU. He called that doctor's office and got an appointment in five weeks. Ordinarily Bruce is a patient man, far more patient than his wife, however, he was told not to play pickleball until he was cleared to do so. Even though he became winded when playing hard, he still wanted to be on the court. Not long after making the appointment he received a call about a cancellation. Did he want it? You bet!

Following his visit, he scheduled the requested CCTA test and was told it would be weeks before he could have it done. Yikes! This was getting old. Lo and behold, another cancellation and he snapped it right up. We went to Advent East on Lake Underhill Road where everything went beautifully, from the registration to the parking to the test. The nurse who took care of him before he went into the scanner was fantastic. I only wish the photo I took of her was not out of focus! 

Anyway, the test result was revealed to Bruce last Friday, and while there is some blockage in his arteries, it is not enough to need any treatment. That said, the doctor would like to see Bruce lower his cholesterol, so if you have any success stories on how to accomplish that, let us know! As you can imagine, he was back on the court Saturday morning and felt fine. The test will be tonight when he's playing only with the guys. As a matter of fact, yours truly was on the court as well, yet only in a very limited capacity so far. Baby steps is what it's all about.

It was very hard for Bruce to remain inactive for those weeks, but from experience, I know that doing a jigsaw puzzle helps to pass the time. I'd begun this puzzle, given to me as a Christmas gift from my dear husband, and one reason it had not been attempted yet was because it seemed like it would be far too difficult with all those tiny people. While I began it, Bruce did an amazing job finishing most of it.

Keen-eyed readers will note the one missing piece at the top!

One day last week we drove over to Warren Park in Belle Isle. Eons ago, it is a place where the boys and I occasionally played tennis. Turns out that on a hot summer morning, it was just perfect! The paved pathways were exceptionally flat, something we all know I very much appreciate. Furthermore, it is an excellent place for seniors to walk, not only because it is heavily shaded, but there are about ten handy little exercise stations with helpful information as well.

You just know I had to stop and read this one in its entirety.  Across the street there used to be a little beach for swimming that is now closed because of the potential for an alligator encounter. Seems like that warning is happening more and more on our lakes. Good thing that when we were young, long before air conditioning became the norm,  swimming in lakes to stay cool was encouraged. The gigantic oaks in the area are really special.

Leaving there, we drove all through Belle Isle, an unexplored area to us. Turns out there are some gorgeous lakeside neighborhoods, one where you could see the downtown skyline through the trees.

Another day when Bruce was working at the church I re-visited a tiny park in Dover Shores where I am thrilled to say that I saw an immature Cooper's Hawk for the first time. At least that is what I'm surmising after searching for a hawk in Florida with an extra long tail.

As I walked along, I came across an Egret that seemed like something wasn't quite right with the one leg held out behind. 

Indeed, when it allowed me to cross the bridge without budging, I knew it most definitely had some sort of disability. Poor thing.

Another day Bruce went out with Keith on the Conway chain of lakes, in order for Keith to test out his pontoon boat before a scalloping trip to Cedar Key. Once back at their home, he noticed something for the first time and that was the fireplace. What he realized, after a full examination, is he was sure that he and his old friend Herbie built it!!! He began questioning Patty, whose family has owned the home for decades, whether there was a deck out back and he went on to describe his memory. Sure enough, it was one and the same. He couldn't wait to return home and call Herbie to confirm his memory, that is if he could find him as they lost touch years ago. I am describing the time when our children were but toddlers and they not only worked at a place called Presentation South, but did side jobs together, the above being one of them. A Google search brought up sad results. He died seven years ago. Looking at the picture with his obituary, I was reminded of one I had of him from those long ago days.

From left to right, Bruce, Herbie and brother Cris, taking a break from digging a huge new drain field. Needless to say, it was not what Bruce was hoping to find. 

In that same photo album I came across this oldie, but goodie. I think Bill (l) and Dave(r) were about three months old, while Momma was a mere 25.

While I do love handling old photos, it is a shame that they degrade isn't it? 

The number of fish surrounding the dock continues to be remarkable!

Every time I think that I've photographed everything possible in our neck of the woods, something new appears. This time it was a beautiful Jewel Beetle on the tennis courts.

Isn't it remarkable? Unfortunately, it got flipped on its back, allowing me to discover that the iridescence is on both sides.

Looking at the photo above, it makes me think of the world at large during this time in history when everything seems to be going wrong. Should the beetle have been turned right side up in time, it would go about its business, however, I went back a short time later and found that was not the case. As someone who likes to take the long view, I know that history is chock full of horrible times when it seems as if the beetle will never be righted. Eventually things improve, but not without a whole lot of misery beforehand. While it is too late for the pictured beetle, if more people would take the Coronavirus seriously and get vaccinated, it would go a long way toward a recovery, at least on the virus front. While it won't do a thing for all of the myriad of weather disasters, including flooding in Tennessee, an earthquake in Haiti, and now Hurricane Ida, it would be reason for a tiny bit of optimism again. With all of the horrible news, it is enough to make me wish I were a turtle and could pull inside my shell until this all goes away!

No doubt we are breathing a sigh of relief over Bruce's test results and of course, we hope more exercise will improve his ability to play. Now our prayers are for others to find something good in their lives that will allow them to do the same.

your friend,

Gail

Back to Birds

There can be no doubt that I am improving if I'm going back to birds. For a good while it was hard for me to manage the camera I use to photograph birds, but those difficulties are mostly in the past. Not entirely, but I've learned to adapt. Survival of the fittest, if you will. In all seriousness, improvement continues weekly thanks to my exercises and Lisa, the occupational therapist. She spends her days working with a lot of hard luck stories like mine. This morning she took measurements and I have improved a bunch, but in her opinion, not enough to discontinue therapy. For example, she measures how much a person can carry using a pressure device; my right hand is 31 pounds, whereas my left is 18. That sort of thing. I've still got my work cut out for me. Part of any healing process for me involves my camera. It worked before and I'm trusting it will work again.

Bruce went with me to Lake Davis one morning last week. Until my confidence returns I expect I will request an escort during my visits there. All of a sudden, we've got a gaggle of geese.

Egyptian geese appeared about a year ago at Lake Davis, seemingly out of the clear blue. Apparently they have found good eating because they are multiplying with perhaps two families, one lakeside, and one across the street. The pigeons like it there as well.

Of course if I lived there, I might not find it so interesting! Speaking of pigeons, I've counted about 18 different birds on Lake Willisara(the lake we live on) at one time of the year or other. Never, however, have I seen pigeons until Friday.

If I had to guess, they have lost their way!

The sweet owl allowed me to get just a little bit closer this time. 

In excellent news, a fellow who fishes the lake a bunch discovered that there are two owls, something I've not seen since we first moved back from Vancouver. I made sure to be up before sunrise this morning and sure enough, there they were on two adjacent branches. One of them was skittish and flew off after I got one shot in the dim light, however, you can rest assured it will not be my only attempt to capture the two of them!

While we were at Lake Davis a Wood Stork was grazing with one wing extended, perhaps for balance?

From there we made a quick trip to Lake Eola to see what some folks call Tuxedo Swans. The park rangers had the parents corralled for weeks in order to keep the eggs safe as there is only one pair at the lake. From what I can tell, they are more commonly known as Black and White Swans. Anyway, the eggs hatched weeks ago but we'd not been to see them. Bruce thinks they aren't so attractive with beaks that look very similar to Muscovy Ducks. There are three cygnets that are pretty grown up already!

We've spent a fair amount of time at the pool to both stay cool and exercise. I am pleased that I can now do the breast stroke, however, the crawl is still a little out of reach. (no pun intended!) We had a pool visitor the other day.

A great Blue Heron, lakeside, blends in pretty well what with his neck looking like the tree trunk.

I was going crazy trying to find this little guy who is a Carolina Wren.

For such a tiny bird, they have a huge voice and this one was no exception, singing like crazy in the bushes on the other side of the garden. I kept looking and looking and then he hopped out in view. My bird feeder still does not attract as many birds as I'd like, but I did have some Tufted Titmouse and a female Cardinal this week, making me happy. 

This afternoon I had my last appointment at Dr. Patel's office. I wish that I could say I was pleased when I left, but that would be a lie. He frustrates me to no end because he won't listen to my concerns. 

Mostly the incision looks just fine except for some lumps adjacent to it in the middle of my arm. Although he says it is nothing, it is something to me. Up by my wrist is another bump that feels like a splinter right where my wrist bends. He told me it was arthritis. Seriously? I was given the all okay as to activities, so there's that. The upshot of my therapy measurements is that she recommended that I continue for another two months. At least today's visit wasn't all bad because I did get a prescription for that, and fortunately, Medicare will cover the cost. Speaking of costs, I did find out that the $17,000 charge was for the facility. All in all it seems as if a broken wrist with surgery in an outpatient facility and therapy costs about $30,000 if you don't have insurance. Can you even imagine?

So I promised all birds and mostly I stuck to that. Now I just need to get out more and find some! If you missed my last post, you can find it here.  I did try putting on my watch, but it still just doesn't feel right. As some of you may know, I love watches, so almost more than not wearing my ring, I've missed having the time on my wrist. Soon, or so I hope!

your friend,

Gail

 p.s. apologies for the use of two sets of parentheses.

148th Day

 On the 148th day, since last I wore my wedding ring, seeing it on the bathroom tray I decided to see if I could slip it on. Hurray! Success at last and just in time for tomorrow's 48th wedding anniversary.

And on the 149th day I had it cut off.

In what has seemingly become my luck of late, that was not a good plan because this morning when I woke up, my finger was swollen and the ring was stuck. As in no soap or lotion would even budge it. Bruce suggested he cut it off, but as he was heading to do more work at the church, I figured we could wait. With that in mind, I joined the ladies for the water aerobics class and I am happy to report, my arm worked pretty well. Not perfect yet, but much improved. My finger, on the other hand, was getting red so once home I gathered my wet hair into a pony pin up (!!!), put on a dress, and headed to Michigan Jewelry just up the street. Oh my goodness, were they ever nice. 

Finishing his conversation with another patron first, the jeweler came and took a look. Yes, he could make it happen.

This device is like a tiny saw that he began the process with. 

This is not my original wedding ring because maybe 15 years ago or so, I discovered one night before bedtime, that the solitaire diamond had fallen out, unbeknownst to me. Naturally I was heart sick, thinking back to when we were so very young and Bruce paid cash for the ring in the time before credit cards were the norm. Around this same time, I'd become aware of diamond mining practices that left me a little cold so instead, after some months, we bought this Trinity ring. This is not to say that I don't think diamonds are beautiful and there are lots of things that if we knew more about how it got into our hands would leave us cold! Anyway, three intertwined bands are meant to symbolize, "love, friendship and fidelity" which spoke to our relationship, so I was sold. On the other hand, while it broke my heart to have it cut apart, my finger means more to me than a ring!

At first he thought cutting one band would do it, but in the end cutting all three was a necessity.

Hopefully, in another couple of months, when all the swelling has FINALLY abated, he can once again join the circles.Being an optimist definitely has its advantages but sometimes you just have to face reality. 😔

Our son Bill is entering the upcoming pickleball tournament at the USTA campus in Lake Nona , in just a few weeks time, so we took a drive out there to see what it is like. What it is like is very, very impressive.

Situated basically behind the airport, there is a lot of plane traffic for one thing. It is a really beautiful campus that mostly has tennis courts, however, they have added dedicated pickleball courts where we came across the woman who has taken over the classes. Did I tell you it was hot as blue blazes? I should have.

Having taught tennis for twenty years, she's made the switch to pickleball which is common because the sport claims to be less stress on your body. Hmmm....another of our regular players took a tumble on Sunday morning and she too, broke her wrist! Oy vey!

Speaking of wrist fractures, Lisa stepped up the game on Monday having me try lifting a two pound weight.

I know you would love to hear how well I did with it, but the truth is, we had to move back down to one pound because it was just too painful. While I am using my hand regularly there are still things that I just can't do, or if I can, I look darn clumsy while doing so. As I began this post yesterday afternoon, Matt and Tom called via Facetime and Tom noticed my hair was pulled up, wondering if I'd done it myself. Why yes I did, albeit with somewhat messy results. So there's a victory for you!

In a case of what retired people will do to amuse themselves, we visited the brand new Publix on Orange Ave, located in the former Lucky's grocery store. A mini version of the one across the street. In a nod to the former tenant, or maybe it is just something Publix is giving a try, they have a bar. Yup, a bar where you can order beer/wine, specialty coffees, and craft sodas. 

Surprisingly they have Caymus on tap, a delicious, expensive wine, for $30 a glass! We took advantage of their offer of a sample. Because every place I go, for the most part, there are few employees around, it was almost weird how many we encountered there. It appeared as if all the managers in a 20 mile radius were in the store greeting people. Time will tell how things go with a Publix on two corners across from one another.

Another store we visited was Boca Bargoon, looking for fabric. We'd already been to Joanne's where there were loads of empty rolls and about three employees in the huge store. For what, you ask? After giving us ten years of excellent use, the thrones are needing an update. The problem is that I love the fabric that is on them so much,  most others pale in comparison. The helpful employees laid out the fabric on chairs to give us an idea on how they would look.

The above is okay, but the green is not really right. The one below is also okay, but I didn't really like the texture. Although they have a large inventory, in the end, none of them did we really love. In a shocking move for me, I'm considering solid, although I've yet to put that idea into action. 

Rainy afternoons are the best for working on puzzles....this one was super fun.

The cheerful card is from Mary Jo, the church administrator, who Bruce sees several times a week. I suspect he has given her updates on my slow but steady progress and she figured I could use a little cheering up.

Did I tell you that Fallon has completed her Nurse Practitioner course work? Forgive me if I've already done so, but we are super proud of her hard work. Up next--boards, followed by putting all she learned into practice at a place that is yet to be determined. 

As each day passes I become more and more confidant doing normal things on my own. Like taking a walk around the beautiful property.

Ah, the wonderful fragrance from a blooming Plumeria tree.

Shocking pink Oleanders in bloom.

I came across the newly installed bench in memory of Elizabeth, the long term resident who passed away suddenly while on vacation. She worked tirelessly for years and years, trying to make our community a more beautiful place to live.

In world news Covid-19 is still wreaking havoc on all manner of things, from school mask debates to supply chain problems to ever increasing job openings. One shopping plaza we drove through had help wanted signs on the windows of every single store. Matt and Tom were explaining some new coronavirus vocabulary terms currently in use in England, including "Covid secure" and "pingdamic" which refers to pings on a persons phone should they have come in contact with an infected person. When I began writing about this, back in March of 2020, I never could have imagined I'd still be doing so in August 2021. Maybe I should have when you consider the Spanish Flu outbreak lasted for several years. 

On a brighter note, Monday night we watched a wonderful film on AppleTV+ named CODA. Have you heard of it yet? If not, I suspect you will as it is moving and powerful in a quiet way. Speaking of the arts, Patti took my suggestion and read The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett. Loving it so much, she's passed it along to four other women who loved it as well. Highly recommended!

Someone you know was up early...

Following church, where I must mention, the crowds are thin and we are back to mask wearing, we returned for lunch at Prato. Again we sat at the bar and are getting to know the bartenders, both of whom are long term employees who know the menu well. There are so many delicious items on the menu that each week we try something different even though the pull of that mustard spaghettini is strong. When I mentioned that I was thinking of getting a dessert to celebrate our upcoming anniversary, Meghan suggested we try the olive oil cake. Sure, why not? To say that it was delicious is putting it mildly. Oh my!

The lemon sauce, the blueberries, the cake--heaven in a dish. What happened next was so sweet and surprising that I burst into tears when two glasses of rose champagne arrived. Happy tears? For sure. Although if the truth be told, there were some sad ones mixed in because these last months have been such a struggle. Not in any way between the two of us, but I would be lying if I said this setback has been anything but miserable. Looking on the sunny side though, at least none of our loved ones have had Covid-19 so there is that to celebrate!

Here's to a long and happy marriage! 

your friend,

Gail

All in All, A Pretty Good Week

The house is, once again, mostly silent during the day. Generally the television stays black until the evening, however, during the Olympics I would turn it on when I got up and it stayed on unless we were gone. I watched or listened to countless competitions, ranging from volleyball to equestrian events. There certainly was a lot of young skin on display, along with amazing athletic feats, wasn't there? Was mine ever that flawless? I think not. 😀 

One exciting development was the appearance of an owl behind our place. It's probably been at least six months since last I was treated to the thrill of seeing a Barred Owl up close and personal. Bruce was waiting for me down at the pool and called for some supplies. Meanwhile I was watching the Canadian and Swedish women during their penalty kicks. I told him I had to check something out back with my camera in tow and after seeing the Canadians miss two kicks in a row, I ventured out into the heat. Woo hoo!

Unlike most of the owls I've encountered, this one was leery of me and flew off in a jiffy.

Returning to my living room, I was just in time to see the Canadians celebrating their victory! And that, my friends, is why I love watching sports. You just never know.

One morning I went to the garden center at WalMart where I oftentimes find good deals on house plants. Not this time though. Going inside to find a few things, I am still surprised when I find empty shelves. The one on the other side of the aisle had even less merchandise.

In other shopping news, I went to Milennia Mall still searching for just the right bathing suit. I began in Bloomingdales and while their display was far superior to the one I saw at the Macy's at Florida Mall, still no luck for this picky gal.

One silver lining to this whole ordeal is that when I first broke my wrist in late March I'd begun a topical treatment for a basal cell area on my upper left chest. The cream literally eats away at your skin and looks and feels pretty bad. I was about two weeks into the six week course of treatment when I fell. Deciding that one horrible thing at a time was enough for me, I discontinued applying the medicine. So far so good, as it turns out, but the skin is very pink, so a high necked suit has been what I've been looking for. Fortunately the suit I ordered from Amazon fits just fine and does what I need. 

Still I like shopping in person when I can. A trip to the mall is full of photographic opportunities. Who knew so many people are wealthy enough to line up outside a Louis Vuitton store?

Then too, who would have ever guessed that Christian Louboutin would feature tennis shoes in their beautiful window display? 

I know it will please you to know that I pushed that silly fear of riding an escalator aside using this one to get to the first floor.

I must say, the Olympics are not the only place where lots of flesh is on prominent display. I, too, wore my mask the whole time except for when I ate a late lunch at Earls.

I vividly recall watching Andrew Spear do that amazing mural with a Sharpie.

Roaming through all sorts of stores, in Anthroplogie I saw this Cat Astrology book which reminded me so much of my dearly departed sister Carol. In an otherwise skeptical family, she was the only one who would choose a dog based on his astrological sign. Apparently she was not alone in her beliefs. That said, it was on the sales rack.

Weather-wise it has not been nearly as hot as is typical for this time of year. Lots of days of sunshine and a lot less rain, although we did get a doozy of a storm Saturday evening. Prior to the rain falling, it was so dim outside I plugged in the tree lights for a little cheer on a dreary afternoon.

During these last months Bruce has let me sleep later than usual thinking it would be healing for what ails me. As such, it was unusual that I was up in time to see a lovely sunrise.

The puzzle is complete and was it ever a fun one. With super irregular pieces I'm not so sure how much my son-in-law Tom would like doing it, but I sure did. Then again, it would probably be far too easy for his skill set.

Next up is the VW one thanks to Nancy!

Frequently in this space there is mention of Bruce doing work at our church. Should you have wondered what projects he does, an example would be this tiling project under the water cooler. Apparently it leaked and ruined the carpet below, so he and John removed the icky carpet and Bruce laid tile for the first time. Following the service, he wanted to show it to me, and lo and behold, it was leaking on the new tile.

That will get sorted out on Wednesday when he returns to join others in yet another project. Not only did he and John work on tile last week, they spent most of another day repainting the benches and cubbies for the preschool.

An old property needs constant maintenance for sure.

Following church, we walked a few blocks to have lunch at Prato on Park Avenue. On both of our visits we sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender who has worked there for nine years. It was two weeks ago when we first went there and the servers were busy with a bustling crowd. Yesterday not so much as the fear of Covid-19 has changed the dining landscape.

She told us the crowds are diminishing as the Delta variant keeps on spreading throughout the community. As well, she said her vaccinated sister just had a mild case. To say that we live in uncertain times is quite the understatement. The local hospitals have put elective surgeries on hold, the ICUs are full, and in general, it's a mess out there. Adjacent to the therapy building is a Centra Care. In the last two weeks we've noticed the parking lot being full and the receptionist at therapy tells me that each morning people are lined up on the sidewalk waiting for the 7AM opening for Covid testing. 

Did I tell you that I can put the clean sheets on now? Big milestone for me as it involves pulling which is quite difficult with a still, very stiff wrist. Although I have been going to therapy twice weekly since mid June, there is still work to do to resume my normal range of motion, as they say in the business. Here's what the space looks like. I sit at the table with Lisa, and oftentimes, two others. It's pretty much amazing watching her juggle everyones needs at the same time. Very frequently one of the seated is a translator, as was the case this morning, provided by the hospital as many patients speak limited English. 

After some form of heat treatment, Lisa manipulates my hand and wrist. (yes, there is still a small scab)

She then puts me through my paces using a variety of tools.

I am happy to report that I have "graduated" to the green clip.

Furthermore, I am also happy to report that all of the work I've done in the pool has loosened my shoulder quite a bit, although putting my hair in a decent ponytail is something I've not fully mastered. 

What I am not happy to report is the beloved Bobby Bowden has died. While not unexpected, when it finally happens, the news is never welcome. Matthew attended FSU during some of his glory days with Charlie Ward at the quarterback position along with winning a National Championship. If I remember correctly, he once saw him at a store. Jonathan also graduated from FSU and will always be a fan in part because of the legacy Bobby Bowden created in the football program.

Finally, it is my custom, while reading the daily newspaper, to read the "Today in History" column. Always a fascinating way of putting today's news into perspective. It might interest you to learn that on this day in 1910, the US Patent Office granted a patent for an electrically powered washing machine. While that development was good news for us all, the bad news recorded in the column today was that on this day in 2020, there were 5 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States. While that number was bad, it pales in comparison to the number of cases recorded a year later. Shockingly it is 35.8 million today! Obviously, compared to our total population the number is still small, but it does translate into around 1 out of every 10 people getting it thus far. Thus far being the operative words. Sadly, there are still people who won't get the vaccine, a fact that makes me plumb crazy. Think of the greater good, folks!!

Gee, I hate closing with that depressing news with today's title. 

your friend,

Gail