TV reviews

I'm not a great fan of Christmas movies - particularly when they're on 24/7 - as they are at this time of year.  Plus all the network/cable programs I normally watch are doing reruns. So I decided to watch some Netflix today.  I've loved the Longmire series - the books by Craig Johnson and the TV series, both on A&E and on Netflix. Actually that's why I subscribed to Netflix in the first place.  I have heard that the season of Longmire that was released this spring was to be the last season.  Well, I finished the series this afternoon, and without giving a spoiler, I have to say it was a MOST unsatisfactory final program.  I only hope that there will be new programs coming. Having vented about that, I've started watching a new Netflix series - Medici.  It's a period show set in Renaissance Florence.  The costumes and views of the wonderful architecture are feasts for the eyes.  I've watched only one program, so the jury is still out on the quality of the program.  We shall see.

Holiday Season

Dear Friends:
I hope your Holiday Season is a happy one - no matter what holiday (if any) you choose to celebrate!

Duplicate bridge

We came in last.  I guess somebody has to.

Thursday haiku

Warm day - open door!

Morning PT, then nothing.

Bridge cancelled.  Phooey!

The week before

It's a very quiet week-before-Christmas - at least for me.  I went to PT and to Walmart (WOW!).

Our swim group holiday covered-dish brunch was this morning.  I didn't go to the pool, but wouldn't miss that party.  The food was amazing, of course, and it's so good to see these nice folks away from the pool.

Tomorrow will be PT and a few hands of after-supper-bridge.

Sorry for tantalizing you with all this excitement!

Bookends

Bookends for the day.

Morning PT. Nap middle.

Evening duplicate!

p.s. Tied for second.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Here-to-Serve 16 Questions 

1. Which is worse? Being gossiped about or being lied to? Being lied to.  I don't care about gossip.

2. What is your favorite "Starbucks" drink? Or if you have better taste, Dunkin’Donuts? I don't do either one.

3. Name an embarrassing moment (Make it good). I can't think of one right now, but I'm sure there have been many.

4. Is it hard for you to ask some to forgive you when you have wronged them? Definitely not.

4. Who do you wish you could meet? Michelle Obama

5. Best food comes from which country? I love food from any country.  When we traveled, I always wanted to have something local.

6. Do you like small talk, or deep conversations? Depends on the situation, but mostly deep conversations

7. Who do you most want to encourage this year? Right now I want to encourage myself to keep going with my physical therapy to keep improving my new knee.

8. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it? They'd probably advise me to keep active, and they'd be right. I probably wouldn't do it as much as I should.

9. How often do you get real sick? I rarely get more than an occasional cold.

10. Are you a person who has a whole lot of acquaintances, or just a few very close friends? Some of each, but I'm blessed with several very close friends.

11. If you could cure a disease, or heal a sickness, which one would you choose? Cancer or dementia. 

12. What was your favorite book of 2016? My reading capacity has been so bad for the last few years, I don't have a favorite book of the year.

13. What was one of your biggest accomplishments in 2016? Surviving, and getting a new knee.

14. If you could be guaranteed a spot on the reality show "Survivor", would you go? Absolutely not!

15. Which is worse? Shopping for Jeans or a bathing suit? I hate all shopping, but probably jeans.

16. How old was your oldest living relative (still living or in the past)? My dear Aunt Betsy was 92 when she died - she's the oldest I know of.

A rainy Saturday

It's warmed up some here - near 50 - but drizzly and misty/foggy all day. 

I went to the Christmas Party at the Bridge Center this afternoon - was asked to go by a gal I'd not played with before.  It was a good lunch, and lots of bridge (17 tables/ 26 hands).  My partner and I mostly communicated pretty well, but didn't finish very high.  This was all levels of players, so there were a number of life masters there - all nice folks, though. 

I just got home just before suppertime, so was pretty whipped for the day, looking forward to a light supper upstairs and soft clothes.

A Holiday Thursday

It's been in the 30s all day, but with a breeze, it felt colder.  At least the sun was shining.  Supposed to be more of the same tomorrow.

I went to the pool yesterday morning - just did most of the PT exercises in the warmer therapy pool.  I'll continue to do that on Wednesdays and Fridays until after the first of the year.  Then, when I'm through with PT, I'll try to get back into the regular classes.  PT is tough, but I am still making progress. 

The Terrace had a family get-together tonight for dinner - with a prime rib dinner.  It was a very good meal, but I didn't stay for the entertainment.  It was crowded with all the extra people, and I was happy to get back home into my soft clothes.  LOL  I'm going to a Christmas party (and duplicate games) at the Bridge Center Saturday and my swim-group Xmas party is next Wednesday.  That's enough celebrating for me - plus going to Margaret's sometime, too.  She'll come through here on Sunday evening for dinner after the Lady Vols game in Knoxville, and we'll make plans then.

One last thing?

Today was cold, rainy, and foggy - all day long.  I'll not even complain - the moisture is SO needed and so welcome.  And it's NOT frozen.  It's a shame, though, that we can't see the Gemenid meteor shower or the super moon tonight because of the heavy cloud cover.

There was another brutal PT session this morning.  The therapist thought up a new one for today - sitting on a wheeled stool and pulling myself around the room with my feet.  In the pool, we called this the "wheelchair shuffle", but I can tell you that this is definitely not easy on a textured floor and with a low stool.

But I think I've finished getting all the financial stuff under one umbrella.  The last papers (I hope) finally came in last week, and I got it to the financial manager this morning.  I hope this was finally the last thing.

Monday Five

1. PT was at 9.  Always a good way to start your day.  Not!
2. Went from there to the lawyer's office to sign my new will, power of attorney, and medical directives.  Glad that's done.
3. Went to the bank.
4. Knitted away the afternoon.
5. Played duplicate this evening.  My partner and I both had attacks of the "dumbs" - sometimes at the same time.  Not the best of evenings.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

What is some of your favorite music? Classical, chamber music, jazz, blues - usually only in the car

List your three favorite scents. Spring rain, bacon cooking, coffee brewing (hate artificial scents) 

How do you ground yourself or recharge?  Take a nap

Any ways you treat or spoil yourself? Get a mani/pedi, get a massage

Besides your blog, do you have a creative past-time? Knit. I was a painter, but haven't done that in a number of years.

Share something difficult you've been through. John's and Bobby's deaths

What helps you fall asleep? Getting comfortable.

What is one strength and one weakness of yours? A strength, I guess, would be calmness; a weakness would be lack of will power and general laziness.

Have you ever received a letter or written one to someone else? Not recently.  I used to be a great letter writer.  I do write a lot of e-mails.

What makes you feel powerful, what breathes life into you? I can't think of anything

What's your favorite thing to do at night? Wind down, knit, watch TV.

If you could go back to any era, what would they be? I'm happy with this one.

Your favorite things to wear at home? Soft clothes.

If you could be immortal or have an extremely long life span which would you pick and why? Long life, but only if I can do it in reasonably good health, with a clear mind.  The world is crowded enough and doesn't need immortals.

Tell us about something positive you have done for yourself or someone recently. Getting PT after my knee replacement.

One thing you like about your appearance? I'm generally pleased with my short hair.

Something that makes you feel better after a hard day? My recliner.

If you have one, name a favorite book & movie. No favorites come to mind.

I'm not old - am I?

I don't normally read or pass along joke e-mails, but I just had to share this one:

LOST WORDS OF OUR YOUTH

Heavens to Murgatroyd! Would you believe the email spell checker did not recognize the word murgatroyd?

Lost Words from our childhood: Words gone as fast as the buggy whip! Sad really!

The other day a not so elderly lady (70) said something to her son about driving a Jalopy and he looked at her quizzically and said "What the heck is a Jalopy? Oh, Oh a new phrase!  He never heard of the word Jalopy!!  She knew she was old but not that old.

Well, I hope you are Hunky Dory after you read this and chuckle.

About a month ago, I illuminated some old expressions that have become obsolete because of the inexorable march of technology.  These phrases included "Don't touch that dial," "Carbon copy," "You sound like a broken record" and "Hung out to dry."

Back in the olden days we had a lot of moxie.  We'd put on our best bib and tucker to straighten up and fly right.

Heavens to Betsy!  Gee whillikers!  Jumping Jehoshaphat!  Holy moley!  We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley, and even a regular guy couldn't accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill.  Not for all the tea in China!

Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when's the last time anything was swell?

Swell has gone the way of beehives, pageboys and the D.A. and of spats, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes and pedal pushers.  Oh, my aching back. Kilroy was here, but he isn't anymore.

We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, well I'll be a monkey's uncle! or, this is a fine kettle of fish, we discover that the words we grew up with, the words that seemed omnipresent, as oxygen, have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards.

 

Poof, go the words of our youth, the words we've left behind We blink, and they're gone. Where have all those phrases gone?

Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it. Hey! It's your nickel.

Don't forget to pull the chain. Knee high to a grasshopper.

Well, Fiddlesticks! Going like sixty. I'll see you in the funny papers. Don't take any wooden nickels.

It turns out there are more of these lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills.  This can be disturbing stuff!

We of a certain age have been blessed to live in changeable times.  For a child each new word is like a shiny toy, a toy that has no age.  We at the other end of the chronological arc have the advantage of remembering there are words that once did not exist and there were words that once strutted their hour upon the earthly stage and now are heard no more, except in our collective memory.  It's one of the greatest advantages of aging.

See ya later, alligator!

Friday Miscellany

All I did yesterday was go to PT.  It was hard work, but I needed the rest afterward, too.  I'm about ready to give up the cane. It's beginning to be more trouble than it's worth.

Kate and Jean's box of Christmas cookies came Wednesday.  Major YUM!

A lovely, cold, crisp day here today.  And a busy one for me.  I got my mani/pedi this morning.  My gal loves to do fancy things, so I let her do some Xmas stuff for me today - a Santa Claus on my left thumbnail and a Xmas tree on the right one.  Just the usual sparkles on the other nails.

I played duplicate this afternoon.  My partner and I came in second in the "C group" (whatever that means), so I guess we did pretty good.  No really memorable hands, though.

I hope I sleep better tonight than I did last night.

First time at the Y

I did finally get to the Y this morning, same time, but not to my regular class.  I just did about 45 minutes in the therapy (warmer) pool, mostly walking and doing some of the same exercises that I do at PT (easier in the water, of course).  Showering and getting dressed was almost as much exercise as what I did in the pool, and I was pretty well shot by the time I got home after coffee.  The nap was nice.

Second session

PT this morning.

Not as bad as yesterday.

Still hurts. Rain all day.

What a day!

I haven't worked this much in a day in a long time. I'm not complaining - I need to be doing more and more. Things did kind of pile up today, though.

I had coffee with my swim buddies.  As things turned out, it was a very smart move for me to NOT go to swimming this morning.  Maybe Wednesday.  After coffee, I had an optometry appointment. And I got home just about in time for lunch. Shortly after lunch a friend called and asked if I'd be interested in playing duplicate with her this evening. I like playing with this gal, and though I knew it would make for a long day, I agreed.

In midafternoon, I went to my first outpatient physical therapy session.  I had taken some pain medicine before I went, and it didn't seem like I worked all that hard, but I was surely limping by the time I got home.  I didn't get much rest before suppertime and then off again.

It was great to get to play some bridge.  And my partner and I came in fourth out of 13 couples - not too bad, considering we'd not played together more than a couple of times.  So I'm up for playing again on Monday night.

I was really hurting by the time I got home , so the first thing I did was get some pain medicine. I'm up much later than my current usual.  So I'm off to bed - to rest up for another PT session at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Whew!

Rain, rain

It has rained here all day today - nothing heavy, but constant and cold.  It made for a quiet day.  Margaret and granddaughter-in-law Claire went to the Lady Vols/Baylor game in Knoxville (horrible!) and met here so they could go in only one car.  When they got back, they took me out to eat before heading home.  All in all, a quiet day.  Tomorrow, I have an optometrist appointment and then my first outpatient PT session.  It should make for a full day.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing: The Boat Questions

1. YOU HAVE 10 BUCKS AND NEED TO BUY SNACKS AT A GAS STATION. WHAT DO YOU GET? Maybe coffee and a pastry

2. IF YOU WERE REINCARNATED AS SOME SORT OF SEA DWELLING CREATURE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? A dolphin

3. WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE REDHEAD? Can't think of one

4. WHAT DO YOU ORDER WHEN YOU'RE AT A DINER? Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, salad.

5. LAST BOOK YOU READ? The History of Bourbon

6. DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF UNDERWEAR? Underwear is underwear - no favorites here

7. DESCRIBE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE INJURED. Fell, with broken left humerus, 2012.

8. ROCK CONCERT OR SYMPHONY? LAST SEEN? Symphony, but don't remember the last date.  Last attended chamber music concert in fall 2015.

9. IF SOMEONE WERE TO BUY YOU A GIFT, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE IT TO BE? Travel. 

10. WHAT TYPE OF SHIRT DO YOU BEST IN? I don't quite understand what's meant here, but I prefer long-sleeved loose knit shirt.

11. IF YOU COULD USE ONLY ONE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Chauffeur-driven automobile or first class air.

12. WHAT IS YOUR DEADLY SIN? Sloth

13. MOST RECENT MOVIE YOU'VE WATCHED IN A THEATER? RATE IT. Last movie I saw in a theater was a special presentation of The King and I - super!

14. IF YOU COULD INVENT ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Clean water for everyone.

15. NAME AN ACTOR/ACTRESS YOU'VE HAD THE HOTS FOR? None, really.

16. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CITY? LAST TIME THERE? I really like my home town of Chattanooga.

17. WHAT'S THE FIRST WORD THAT COMES TO MIND RIGHT NOW? computer

18. WHAT TYPE OF PET DO YOU HAVE? None

19. WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED THE LONGEST? Chattanooga

20. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON THAT SPENT $100 ON YOU? My daughters 

21. WHAT'S THE LAST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU BOUGHT? Long-sleeved t-shirts

22. WHAT WAS/IS YOUR FAVORITE JOB?  I enjoyed doing medical transcription.

23. WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?? Could be anybody.

24. WHAT ARE YOU CRAVING? Nothing right now.

Friday morning

Busy morning for me, but slug afternoon.  I went to coffee, then got a haircut.  It'd only been 2 1/2 weeks since the last one, but my hair had gone crazy (my friend says hair grows faster when it's cold).  Anyhow, it's much better now.  I picked up a prescription at the pharmacy, and then went to see about getting a handicapped plate for my car.  I've got the placard, but decided, with only one car, I'd get a handicapped plate, and keep the placard in my purse for when I might be in someone else's car.  Unfortunately, I went to the wrong place first, and had to go about another 10+ miles to the right office.  I had to wait about 15 minutes, but had a place to sit, and the wonderful clerk even changed the plates for me.  I had just renewed the old plate, so there was just a small fee for the change-over. That was certainly enough work for one day, so I came home, had lunch, and took a short nap. LOL

Lovely fall weather

It was a lovely cool day today.  Margaret came over and took me to Walmart - my first trip to WM post surgery.  I still rode in the cart, so that wasn't different, but it was nice to have her to bring the purchases in for me.

We also had a session with the financial consultant.  There are still a few loose ends to tie up - and hopefully that will done before the end of the year.  I love that Margaret is staying on top of all the financial stuff with and for me.  And she knows that Sue will take care of the medical stuff.

I have my first outpatient PT on Monday, and am set up for that three times a week for several weeks.  I know it will hurt, but be ever so helpful in the long run.

There are more lovely fall days in the forecast, and also some wonderful rain ahead.

Wednesday rain - plus a bonus

As awful as things have been around our area, it is now fairly quiet outside my door.  Since Monday, I've had over 6" of rain in my gauge - 5" last night - with lots of thunder and lightning.  There were tornadoes and fatalities just SW of us in NE Alabama; in Athens, TN, between here and Knoxville; and in Polk County, the second county east of ours on the NC/TN state line.  Plus the horrors of the awful fire in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN, Monday and Tuesday.  I hope all this rain has at least put out most of the fires.  Because of all the rain, we've had flash flood warnings, too. 

I drove myself to my doctor's appointment this morning.  I knew the swim class would be cancelled because of the lightning, so didn't see my buffird.  Nothing like driving for the first time in two months in a steady rain - but all was okay.

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I'm not a cook any more, but I know folks who would like this recipe from today's paper.

Salted Caramel Sauce

1 cup heavy cream, warmed

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon kosher salt

       In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water and turn heat to medium high. Stir just until sugar is dissolved and then stop stirring completely. Do not stir the mixture; even if it looks a little grainy, that's just the sugar doing its thing. Boil for 6-7 minutes until the mixture has turned golden brown and starts to smell like caramel; make sure it doesn't get too dark or start to burn.

     When the mixture is a deep golden brown, turn the heat down to medium and stir as you slowly add the warmed cream. The mixture will boil up  vigorously (this is why you use a large pot).  Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until it is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla and salt.

     Cool the mixture to room temperature, then use right away, or transfer to a glass jar or two with a tight seal. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

     Start to finish: 20 minutes. Makes about 1 1/2 cups, roughly 12 servings.

Tuesday things

We had almost 2" of rain here last night, which should have helped our local fires.  The devastation in the Great Smoky Mountain Nat'l Park and in Gatlinburg is terrible.  According to the news, at least some of the fires were started by the extremely high winds toppling trees onto power lines last night, and I've heard some might be arson. Terrible stuff, with at least three fatalities.  We're supposed to get more rain tonight and tomorrow. 

I saw the doctor this morning, and he has released me to drive and to return to the pool.  He's also authorized me for outpatient PT three times a week.  I'll drive myself to another doc's appointment tomorrow morning (after post/pool coffee with my friends), but I probably won't go back to the pool until next week.  Sweet Randy picked me up to go to the doc this morning - it was nice to have some one-on-one time with him.

Monday Miscellany

• Physical therapy came by this morning.  She said I was doing great using a cane and to use that instead of the walker.
• It has been cloudy and windy all day.
• The weather-guessers are saying we may get our first inch of rain (in one day) since March.
• I see the orthopedist tomorrow - hoping for release to driving and to return to the pool.

Sunday Stealing - Thanksgiving edition

How many Thanksgivings do you attend? One family and one in the dining room where I live.

Where do you attend Thanksgiving(s)? At Margaret's house

What is your favorite dish? Stuffing/dressing, cranberry relish

What is your least favorite dish at Thanksgiving? I like almost everything.

What, if any, are your Thanksgiving traditions? We're pretty flexible, but mostly the same menu, plus family and friends. And we have our Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday.

Name your FAV thing about Thanksgiving. Family, friends, fellowship, and food.

Do you make anything for Thanksgiving? If yes, share what and why. Not much any more, but I still help make the stuffing/dressing.

Out of everything you eat at Thanksgiving, what can YOU cook the best? The dressing

What do you drink with your Thanksgiving feast? I drink water, but almost anything else is available.

Has there ever been a feud during your Thanksgiving? No

Do you have Appetizers before you Thanksgiving meal? Not formally, but there are raw veggies, pickles, olives, etc., available

How many people attend your Thanksgiving(s)? If yes, who? I think we had 16 - fewer than usual.

Have you ever missed a Thanksgiving? Not that I can remember

What kind of pie/cake/dessert do you eat for dessert? This year I had a home-made fried pie, but my usual favorite is mincemeat pie (none this year).

Do you ever play games at Thanksgiving? No

Name 3 things you are Thankful for: Family, friends, food.

Is there anyone who has normally attended Thanksgiving, that will not be there this year? Who? No, we usually have a varied crowd.

Name the funniest person at your Thanksgiving this year and tell us more. I don't remember anything specifically.

Which person eats the MOST? Nobody checks, but I'd guess Jesse or Don.

Which person eats the LEAST? I can't think of anybody who scrimps.

Do any animals attend Thanksgiving dinner? No

If so, do they get Thanksgiving scraps? No

Who carves the turkey? This year, it was Margaret

Have you ever had to make Thanksgiving all on YOUR OWN? Of course, for many years.

Do you get along with the people you have thanksgiving with? Definitely.

Is your Thanksgiving formal, or do you just do whatever? Absolutely "whatever"!

A Zelle Thanksgiving

I spent last night at Margaret's, getting to do my laundry as a bonus.  I helped her make the dressing for the turkey - and we did a pretty good job (if I do say so myself).  Everything was delicious today for our Thanksgiving dinner - turkey, dressing, gravy, country ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberries, macaroni & cheese, salad, potato casserole, and a host of desserts.  Plus our great family and friends - just to make it extra special.  Carol & Stephen brought me home this evening. A great Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving

I hope we can all enjoy this uniquely American holiday with the spirits of family, food, and fellowship.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This and that

I love the blog called Margaret and Helen.  Helen writes a blog every year just before Thanksgiving, giving rules to her family.  Click here for all of this year's version.  But, I particularly wanted to post her last paragraph.  It's something we should all take to heart. 

I love each and every one of you and I am so glad to have yet another holiday together.  Come hungry and leave full.  Hug one another because you can.  Argue if you must, but then agree to disagree.  Try something new or let go of something old.  Give more.  Take less.   Oh hell.  Listen to me rattle on like I am some sort of philosopher.  Screw it.   Come for the food and stay for the company.  Everything else can be made better with gravy.  I mean it.  Really.

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I had a PT session here this morning.  She says I'm doing great and wants me to start walking with a cane in the apartment more and more - and even try in the hall for a little bit.  I asked her if she thought I'd be released to drive (when I see the surgeon next Tuesday).  She suggested I try going to sit in my car - to see if I was going to be able to get in, manipulate the mechanics, adjust the seat, etc.  I'll give that a try - maybe when Margaret comes to pick me up on Friday (so I can have someone with me). 

Our hearts weep...

There was a terrible accident in Chattanooga this afternoon - a school bus from an elementary school wrecked with the driver and 35 students on board.  There are known fatalities, and 23 students were taken to local hospitals, and a few students walked away from the site.

It was a one-vehicle accident - the bus hit a tree and overturned.  The driver was injured and, according to reports, "is cooperating with police" in finding out what happened.  We've heard, unofficially, that five were dead at the scene, and one has died at the hospital.  But nothing said anything about the severity of injuries of the others who were hospitalized. 

Our hearts go out to all the families, schoolmates, and to our entire community.

Milestone

One month ago,  and

I've made improvements ev'ry

Day. Long way to go.

Interesting times

I felt much better this morning.  And I hope learned my lesson about pain-medication-timing.  I saw both the home health nurse and the in-house PT tech today.  I spent an hour in the PT office/gym here for evaluation and treatment.  They all say I'm doing great.  And,  I actually can see improvement myself - at least a little bit every day.

Sue came by this morning before she headed back to SC.  She's really worked hard for both me and for Randy's family this week.

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Things are changing here at the Terrace, too.  While I was at rehab, the executive director (of about 4-5 months tenure) was fired.  With the latest head chef and dining room manager, the food has improved considerably, although the service is still pretty slow.  And several residents have moved away, or are planning to move.  Ah, the old curse - may we live in interesting times.

Slowly...

I've been bragging about how well I'm doing - and I have been.  I've been making progress that I can see, almost every day - just in little bitty steps.  Well, I guess there was one backwards this afternoon.  I forgot to take my pain medicine and let the pain get ahead of me.  And I must have tightened up some when I took a short nap.  Wow, has the leg hurt all afternoon and evening!  I'll be more careful about med timing and keep working it out.

It's been great having Sue here to visit.  We haven't done much, but just visiting/reading/crocheting/knitting has been fun.  And she's been here when the various visiting techs have come.  She's had some ideas for them, and has gotten some ideas for her to take to help her father-in-law.  (Her mother-in-law died last week, and her FIL has Parkinson's.) She's going to go home to SC tomorrow.

Progressing

Jean is a happy camper - at home tonight with her sweet dog.  It was great to have her here, and she was such a help.  Sue is in town now - to help both me and Randy's family.  She was here with me this afternoon - actually here when the home health care nurse came and the PT tech came to make their assessments.  They were both impressed with the progress I've made, with suggestions and plans for other stuff to be doing.  Each will be making additional visits.  I sent Sue to spent the evening/night with Randy - I think he needs her more than I do right now.  She's going to take me to get my overdue mani/pedi tomorrow afternoon (and getting herself a pedi, too, of course).  Jean took me for my overdue haircut yesterday.  That ought to keep me going until after I see the surgeon on the 29th - and hopefully by then, I'll be released to drive. 

Gwin Ifill (1955-2016)

What a loss to the world of honest journalism!

Onward and upward!

Obviously things are very quiet this weekend.  The moon is several days from full, but very beautiful from my door.  The smoke has been very thick for days, but seems to let the moon shine through. 

The home health coordinator came by Saturday to get me set up for their services for the next few weeks.  This will include the nursing services here at the Terrace and the PT under their auspices.  The Terrace nurse came by to take vital signs, so I'm definitely getting checked.  Jean has had me getting to the dining room, walking in the hall, and doing some exercises. And I went to dinner tonight by myself.  Jean's been so good taking care of me - and I know she's ready to get back to her own home and her sweet dog - so she'll head for home tomorrow.  Sue will come in on Tuesday for "second shift". 

Onward and upward!

Friday

HOME!!!

Miscellany

I'm told I can leave here about 11 in the morning.  I have to talk with the nurse about general stuff, but then Jean can take me home.  Yea!  I've met all the PT and OT goals that they had for me here, and all tell me I'm doing well.  I know there's still more to come with the PT folks back at the Terrace.
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UTC women's basketball is about to start - and with a bang for us.  We open with an away game at Rutgers! and then our home opener is against Florida.  Coach Foster says "then we get into the tough part of the schedule!"  I don't know when I'll be able to start going to games, though.
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The forest/brush fires keep burning, seemingly unabated, with new ones starting every day.  I-75 in our area was slowed way down most of yesterday due to brush fires and smoke along the highway.  One subdivision was evacuated, at least for a few days, but they hope they'll be able to keep the fire away from the homes.  And absolutely NO rain in the forecasts.

Afterwards

How to deal with the election outcome?

Actually, we dealt with the mechanics 16 years ago, when Gore won the popular vote and Bush won the Electoral College vote.

And, although we may not have liked it, we survived eight years of Bush/Cheney.  I can only hope we survive four years of Trump/Pence.

I will remember that this is one country - and we are all Americans first.

And I will try very hard to not despise and denigrate everything he does as others have done during the eight years of the Obama administration.  We must learn to work together and compromise for the good of all.

Sad news

Sad news this evening - Our dear Randy's mother, Jean, died this afternoon.  Our deepest sympathy to Taylor and the rest of her family, especially those who are also my family.  Much love to you all.

RIP, Momma Jean

Monday news

We've started the procedure toward getting me out of here on Thursday or Friday.  I've met almost all of the OT goals - still have to have her around while I take a shower.  Lots of work yet on the PT, but I don't need to be in Rehab for that. I can get a lot of that at The Terrace. 

There are so many brush/forest fires in our area now.  The smoke was very heavy this morning, but cleared by afternoon.  It'll probably settle down into our valley again overnight.  Everything is tinder-dry, so the least little spark will set something off, and the wind carries it.

My exciting life!

I've been making progress, but very slowly.  I went to the surgeon this afternoon.  He thinks I should be doing more, but....  And he's also concerned about the breathing problems I've been having.  I'm going to get something set up with my PC to get some investigation done for that problem.  No specific date for leaving here, maybe another 10 days or so.  Between PT sessions and doctor visit, I was pretty well shot today.

Progress

Still at rehab and

Improving very slowly.

Don't know discharge yet.

Rehab update

Everybody has commented on my breathing since I've been in here, so I guess I'll be asking my doc about a pulmonary workup when I see her for my 6-month check in December. 

The PT continues to go well.  I walked more than twice as far this morning, and am now on getting-up-with-assistance for the bathroom.  This is great.  Even Jean is pleased.  The Occupation Therapy folks are working a lot on my upper body strength, so I have good confidence with that to help with walker/chair/cane, etc.  We'll see what fun thing they come up with next.  I know the bicycle thing is still in my future.

Five days postop

 I'm SO much better today.  I've had a shower, gotten my hair washed, and actually been to the toilet - all wonderful accomplishments.  The PT gals both told me I've done a great job today.  No panic this time, and had enough pain medicine to keep that under control.  I definitely will agree with the inpatient rehab.  IMO, the folks here are MUCH better dealing with patients here than in the hospital.  Things were too fast and rushed there - at least for me.  In the hospital, it was too much about getting me walking and to the potty and to the hall, etc.  Here they first worked on some strengthening to the leg, and just more standing and weight-shifting - before they actually worked on getting me walking any distance. And she started me off getting up between the parallel bars, rather on the walker.  She measured the distance covered this morning, and I had walked 30 feet.  It doesn't sound like much, but definitely was.  I could hear Jean all but crying behind me, she was so pleased.  I sat in the wheelchair to have lunch today, and then got taken to the potty.  Then just bed stuff for me to do the rest of the day. 

Coming here was definitely the best plan.  I really don't think I'd be doing as well as I am (5 days post-op) without it. Jean reevaluated my wardrobe and went to Walmart to make some adjustments, so I'm well fitted out with "lovely" exercise clothes, etc. I don't know how long I'll be here, but probably at least a week. 

Surgery eve

At least I'm early on the schedule.  I'm supposed to be at the hospital at 6:15 in the morning.  Jean got here this afternoon, and we've packed and talked about what needs to be done.  One of us will post as soon as possible. 

Counting down

Fortunately, my pain level was considerably less today than yesterday.  I guess things have settled down a little bit. I got a short pre-surgery haircut and hope it will last for the duration.  I started gathering different clothing for the hospital vs rehab. That was about the extent of my activities today. 

On the weather front, we tied a record high of 89 today.  It seems like this summer will never end.  However, the prognosticators are saying that it's going to cool off substantially by this weekend - with maybe even a little bit of rain.  We'll believe that when we see it.

Mondays can get interesting

I went to swimming and bridge today.  I came in second last week (four tables), and that was good to hear.  I'm sure I didn't do that well this time.  But I had some interesting hands and got a play a lot of successful defense (always fun).  One of my swimming buddies (Renna) fell yesterday - on her face.  She wound up with a broken nose, stitches, and dental surgery today.  At least she didn't break a big bone, but still.  I really hate it for her. Poor baby

Only two more days, and it can't come soon enough.  I went off my NSAIDs after Friday , and my body is really complaining.  I have an Rx for pain meds, but rarely take them.  That's not been true since yesterday.  Not fun at all. I didn't realize how much good the daily Rx does.  I'll sure be glad to get back on it regularly

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On another front:  A group of residents and family members (50 total) met with the local Ombudsman for assisted living, etc., this afternoon.  I wasn't able to attend, but have gotten a report about it.  This large group gave a list of problems with the food (quality and service) and nursing since the new management company took over.  I gather it was a very good meeting.  The Ombudsman will digest all the information given to her and then meet with Management from the Terrace.  It will be interesting to see what happens next. Stay tuned.

"Exciting" weekend.

My exciting weekend started when there was no duplicate game at the bridge center because of a regional tournament.

Saturday's fun was taking a couple of my co-residents to the grocery store.

Today, it was laundry.  It's good the surgery is coming up, so I can get a few days of rest.

Friday Five

1. Swimming, followed by an Autumn coffee/breakfast at Renna's for the group.  Sweet!
2. Got business done.  Hand delivered signed contract and retainer check to the attorney, and got the medallion signature for what I hope is the last investment transfer (and got that mailed).
3. Went to duplicate, only to find an empty building.  No session because of a regional tournament.
4. Vegetated through my unexpectedly free afternoon.
5. Got achy enough that I decided to not go up to dinner, got into soft clothes, ate at home, and went to bed early.

Thursday stuff

Forgot to mention the HORRIBLE thing I saw on Tuesday.  I went to Walmart, and they had Christmas stuff out on the shelves.  AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!! 

I went to Silver Sneakers, and my afternoon was dedicated to a mani/pedi and a visit with the Financial Advisor.  I had to get the polish off my nails before the surgery.  Then I went to sign some more stuff at the financial office.  Lots of stuff to get arranged. 

I'm seeing some birds I haven't seen for a while - guess they're coming back for the winter.  All summer I've had nuthatches, titmouses (titmice?), black-capped chickadees.  Now I'm seeing some cardinals, doves, and wrens.  I really hadn't missed them until they started showing up again. And the hummingbirds have gone for the winter.

Voted!

My big (and only) accomplishment today was to vote.  The county election commission comes here so residents can vote.  The state early voting starts on the 19th, so this is essentially an absentee ballot.  I'm just glad to have it done before my surgery. And now these people can all shut up and get off my television.

Rain deficit!

The weather is great.

We really do need some rain.

Sun, glorious sun!

Preadmission Monday

I had my preadmission visit this morning - and it took the whole morning.  Blood work and EKG, then a visit with the nurse for history-taking and instructions. Someone will call me the afternoon before surgery to let me know the time to show up. Fortunately there's so much information prior to a joint replacement that everything is written down, too.  Now I get to study and exercise and remember to do all this stuff.

I had enough time to grab some lunch before bridge.  And then even got some pretty good cards during the afternoon. This evening, I started some of the exercises and studied the paperwork from the hospital.  Tomorrow I need to talk to the nursing staff here and find out for sure the services I can expect for after rehab.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

Wish List Meme, part one

1.) What are 3 things on your Wish list and why?  Good health; to have my money last; for Trump to disappear.

2.) Do you miss your childhood? No

3.) What do you do on your spare time on the weekends? I'm retired. Weekends are just like the rest of the week.

4.) What do you appreciate most in your life? My family.

5.) Would you rather be rich or healthy? I'll take some of each.

6.) If you could go back in time would you and why? Maybe a couple of years, before John got sick.

7.) Favorite game as a child? Jacks.

8.) What is your dream career? I pretty much like retirement.

9.) What do you do in your free time? It's all free - I knit, read, play around on the computer.

10.) Favorite clothing stores? I hate shopping, so Walmart or online.

11.) What TV shows can't you live without? NCIS, Rachel Maddow, Sunday Morning.

12.) 3 things you need in your life are: Food, shelter, family.

13.) What can't you sleep without? I can sleep most anywhere, anytime.

14.) Who do you have a celebrity crush on? Nobody - well, maybe Gibbs.

15.) What is your Favorite Season and why? I love the cool, crisp weather of Fall.

16.) What is your Favorite Wild Animal? Hawks

17.) Name 3 of your Favorite Childhood shows: Mine were on the radio, and I really don't remember any of the names.

18.) If you could live as a character in a movie who would it be? No answer here.

19.) Favorite vegetables? Tomatoes (but that's a fruit), corn.

20.) Favorite Fruit? Cantaloupe (or maybe tomatoes)

21.) If you had a dragon what would you name it? Dragon 

22.) What do you put on hotdogs? Mustard, onions, chili

23.) Do you play online games? Yes, but not timed ones or role-playing ones.

24.) What's your favorite way to get inspired? Huh?

25.) Do you have a middle name? I didn't until I got married, then I used my maiden name as my middle name

Friday Five

1. Hurricane Matthew has ruled the news.  All our folks are safe.
2. Alison & Joe are in Croatia and other countries on their long-delayed honeymoon.
3. Happy Birthday, Margaret!
4. I wonder if Trump will overcome today's news like he has all the other revelations.
5. It's looking like another quiet weekend.

Legal stuff

The trip to the attorney was quick and easy.  When I made the appointment, the paralegal sent me an email with a form to get all the information they needed.  I filled that out and took it with me.  I also took, of course, my previous wills/documents.  It's a one-attorney office, in a small building,  and the attorney deals with "elder" related issues - so it was just what I was looking for.  My appointment was at 10:30, and I was back home at 11.  I had provided all the information, so we didn't have to go through a lot of that.  Anyhow, I liked the man, so I'm pleased with my morning.

Bridge after supper tonight, and that's the extent of my excitement for the day.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I got my flu shot here at the Terrace.
2. Silver Sneakers class gets me off my butt.
3. Lunch was okay today.
4. Hurricane Matthew is turning out to be a real stinker.
5. Paul and Katherine are having to evacuate from their home.
6. Sarah and Carson are having to evacuate from their home.
7. I went to supper with Carol and Stephen at a new Caribbean restaurant.
8. Jerk Chicken is good, but a little hotter than I'd like.
9. I watched the Vice-Presidential debate.
10. It didn't change my mind on the election.

Better Monday

Home after my long Monday.  Not much in cards at bridge today, but the time in the pool was great.  My back pain has eased off over the day, so I guess it wasn't the Fosamax.  I don't much care - as long as the pain has stopped.

We now have a 14" rain deficit for the year, and have no rain predicted for the next two weeks.  And the highs over the next five days are supposed to be in the mid80s.  Crazy year.                                                                                

A new life begins for the newlyweds and old stuff for me

The wedding was lovely and Andy & Erica are well and truly married.  The venue was great, with beautiful weather.  The ceremony was outdoors beside a lively, lovely small river, just at dusk, and just outside the mouth of the cave.  The reception was held under the overhang at the entrance to the cave, beautifully decorated with lights and white and black flowers.  And it's always great to get to spend time with my girls, their spouses, and good friends.  Sue and Randy got me back home about 2, so I had time to get my papers read and then go up to supper.

I'm going to have to check with my rheumatologist this week.  I've had five once-weekly doses now of Fosamax, and my back is killing me.  I've been taking more pain medicine, but without much help.  I don't know if this is something new or a side effect from the Fosamax, so I want to ask his opinion and what my options are.  The knee did pretty well with the walking at the wedding.  I was very careful with the cane, and the girls and SILs are so solicitous with me.  Anyhow, we shall see......