ALL IS WELL.....

I have to say, I have two son-in-laws with the greatest sense of humor. They both work hard at keeping me on my toes and reminding me that there's always a funny side to life.

The latest example is Wes. He is married to our youngest daughter, Jennifer. They live in Olathe, KS with their two daughters, Bailey and Olivia.

Thanksgiving day Wes presented me with a gift bag of accessories for my 'new wheels'. The presentation began with, "When a member of the family receives a new set of wheels, it's our tradition to provide that person with an assortment of useful accessories." I could tell that Wes put a lot of thought into what he bought for me and each item was useful, decorative and served a purpose. I received--

1. A bicycle cable with a padlock to prevent anyone from steeling my wheels.
2. Glow stick necklaces to wear when navigating in busy traffic.
3. Air fresheners to keep that 'old person' smell away.
4. A rear view mirror for changing lanes without causing a pile-up behind me.
5. And best of all a pink horn to announce to anyone within ear-shot that I NEED SOMETHING!!, or GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

I'm only sorry that I didn't receive these things earlier. These would have been beneficial in the early days after my surgery. Chuck could have used some extra help with being sensitive to my needs. There were times if he was far enough away that it was difficult to get his attention when I needed him.

But, I've never been one to waste an opportunity so Monday when I traveled to Iowa City to see my surgeon, I mounted all my 'stuff' on my wheels for what I expected to be my last outing with the walker.

First of all, Mary and I met our cousin Sandy for lunch at Granite City in Cedar Rapids. It was easy to get everyone's attention and I received VIP treatment in the restaurant. We got the table we wanted and our waiter was very accommodating. When I demonstrated the horn and told him I would use it to get his attention if needed, he laughed but we never had to honk for him. Doors were held, people moved out of the way. Same thing in the hospital. I'm not really the kind of person that tries to get the attention focused on me.......but it certainly had it's advantages. People were interested in the story and I could tell most were envious that I had such a thoughtful son-in-law. Thanks again, Wes. YOU'RE THE BEST!!!!!


My curiosity is peaked when I'm told not to do something. My foot had to stay bandaged for 2 weeks so I was very anxious to see what it looked like when the dressing was removed. I had seen it a couple of days after when I got the dressing wet and Mary had to change it, and it made an impression on me then. I told everyone it was a 3-4" incision when, in fact, it was about 2 inches. Nice job of suturing and I don't think I'll have much of a scar. The doctor explained that the probe was pretty deep to free the nerve that was causing the numbness, but looks like it's healing well.

I followed doctors orders yesterday exactly. Only 1 hour with my shoe on and the rest of the day wore my boot. I have no pain whatsoever in my foot, but after a day walking with that boot the tendon in the back of my calf was screaming. So, I've decided -- no boot. I'll wear the shoe and rest every hour or more often if needed.

That's the latest update for me. My life is pretty small right now. There's lots to do in the next couple of weeks to get ready for Christmas. Today I will finish my shopping list and do as much as I can via the internet. This weekend, Chuck and I will go and try to finish up what we can. We're going to look for an electric fireplace for the sun room to make it cozier out there. I decorated that tree yesterday and enjoyed the snow flurries a couple of times. I know it was cold outside in the afternoon, so I was glad I didn't have to go out.

Stay warm everyone and I'll be in touch.....