Good grief!!

Almost 2 months since my last post - that's ridiculous! Yes, it's been a busy summer, and yet it doesn't seem like we've even HAD summer yet. I've been working - and working out - camping - being busy...and being lazy. The best part of the summer, though, has to have been the time we had with family and friends at Burt Lake. What a wonderful daughter-in-law we have (just like the rest of her family!!) to allow us to share in their special camping experiences. The Maier's are a special group of people!

Kevin's just had his first cataract surgery - and while it went well, he's tired and has some double/blurry vision. We know it will resolve and are looking forward to having the 2nd on completed in two weeks. After that it should be smoother sailing for him -at least as far as driving at night goes!

I'm busy making baby afghans (with lots of love included in those stitches!) and gearing up for the busy fall season. Next week marks my 40th class reunion date (it can't be!!), with Kevin's 40th celebration in mid-September.

Add Danish Festival - and the library used book sale - and the wrap-up of One Book One County - and more trips around the state for work....and the fall is sure to fly by, just like the summer did!!

Mid June

How on earth can it be mid-June (ok, past mid-June) already? I have so much to do this summer that I feel like the days are slipping by unfulfilled. Work is keeping me busy - two monitoring visits coming up, corrective action plans and grants to review....not complaining (love the work!), just so many things to do in dwindling days.

As for home, I'm working on a pet project (more on that in a few weeks) that keeps me busy in the evenings. Then there's the never-ending chase of cat hair! Speaking of which, one less cat is here in the house (for now...). Tumblebump has decided that he's destined to be an outdoor kitty, despite having lived indoors for all of his 10 years. He "escaped" about 10 days ago...we were able to capture him and bring him home, and he was MISERABLE!!! He kept trying to convince me (with yowls and knocking at the door) that he needed to be outside. The little bugger slipped right out through the garage again the other night...he came home (on the deck only - wouldn't come near the door) briefly last night, but we haven't seen him since. Somehow I think Chauncy is happy being the sole kitty in the house.

The rain has been welcome...everything is green and lush...but now the mowing needs to commence again. Yikes - it's getting long!! Perhaps tomorrow afternoon....or Monday....or....

We're looking forward to a graduation open house on Sunday, then Kevin's off to a Big Band rehearsal. Next week will find us both going in a variety of directions...we may even wave as we pass each other on the road!

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday Fun

Had a great morning at the gym this morning - 45 minutes on the elliptical (!), then used some of the other machines. No lifting today...no one there to spot.

Once I arrived home I was able to get a bit of work done towards upcoming monitoring visits...then off to play Mah Jongg. My new set is fantastic (thank you, Beth and Barry!), and brought me lots of winning games today. The soft-side shoulder bag is very easy to carry and I'm thrilled with my choice.

Now it's on to more monitoring preparation tonite as well as some getting some knitting up to date.

Ready for the weekend!

Busy day today - exercise first, then coffee, and on to Sue Ellen's new office building. It's a fantastic new (well, ok, remodeled) addition to Greenville. The office suites are colorful, tasteful, and "eclectic"...or is it "abstract"?

I was able to get the 6 deck planters finished today, as well as a planter in front of the garage. A few grasses and other plants were placed in various gardens, but many more await their turn tomorrow...as does the grass. It's gotten SO long in the past week....lots of mowing to do.

So onto another weekend - Kevin and Erin work and I have WW in the morning, then over to Mom's with newspapers...and to see her new garden.

Flowers - and an Auction!

Wow...got lots of flowers at Trufant today - some at the flea market and some at the auction. The prices were pretty good today. Wish I could be there next week (it promises to be a huge flower auction), but I must work in Lansing that day.

Now on to planting - hopefully I can begin later this afternoon (after an annual medical appointment)...or tomorrow. Lots of planters to fill...some to plant in the ground...maybe even another hanger.

Had a great day with LOTS of laughs at Connie's playing Mah Jongg. The "founding" partners played all afternoon (and some of us into the evening as well!). When I arrived home, there was my new Mah Jongg set! I love it!! Now I just need to wait for the 2009 cards to arrive.

Kevin is off tomorrow, since he works on Saturday....I'm hopeful he can sleep in and get some much needed rest. But I'm also hopeful that we can get the poor 'ol truck in for some work. Seems we "may" have to plan a memorial service (for real!) this time...but then again, who knows? That truck has been a great little wonder for quite a few years, and may just have another life in her somewhere!

It's not dead...just stunned!

Remember the old Monte Python dead parrot sketch? That's the way Erin's car can be described...not dead, just stunned. She, of course, is thrilled that her car can be resurrected...not only for the cost, but because she loves that car.

Busy, busy time of year. Planning for 40th class reunion, working, yard work...you name it, it needs to be done!

I hate cars...but what else is new?

Cars. Ugh. Erin's car is at the shop with some transmission concerns...not good...then there's the old Ford truck...which ALSO has transmission problems. YIKES....this one will need to be towed in, though, so hopefully we can get it in next week. In the meantime we'll need to juggle...anyone have a good - but cheap - car for sale??

Spring/Summer

What an absolutely gorgeous day. The lawn is raked...myrtle is being moved from where it's overtaken a garden to under a blue spruce...the camper is in the front yard waiting for a good wash/cleanup.

And I'm ready to get some sleep! Not that I did all of the above items, but it was just a long day after a short night. Off to WW first thing in the morning, run some errands, then play mah jong tomorrow afternoon at Gisela's.

So next on the list is to clean the office! What a mess it has become. By this time next week it should be in shape!!

Finally checking in

Can't believe it's been over a week since I checked in here. The week was busy with 3 days of training in GR...a full day of conference calls....and catching up on things around here today. Hopefully I can get into the yard tomorrow and begin to muck out the branches, leaves, etc. What a mess!

Still trying to de-clutter - 3 bags of papers and one box of cardboard readied today for recycling next week. Hope to get more accomplished yet today - and over the weekend. Too much "stuff" is making me twitch....

Looking forward to the weekend, though - Kevin is actually home this weekend, so perhaps we could even go to dinner on Saturday!

Busy week

Well, it's been busy lately. Although my cold makes it difficult to do much of anything else while I'm breathing, it's getting better! I've been able to work out a bit in the fitness center and pool (twice this week!), and just started back with my exercise group doing the Biggest Loser dvds. I wasn't able to do all of the moves today (seems my left foot toes just don't want to bend yet...sure hope that changes sooner rather than later), but it felt good to be able to begin to participate again.

In addition to just getting around better, I've also been working many, many hours on a project for MDE - planning, scheduling, and conducting many conference calls. The biggest hurdle is getting various schedules together, but it's all working well! Ten calls currently scheduled and ready to finish...two still to line up (for now - more to come later)...and 17 completed!

Now I need to get busy on the yard work!!

Spring!

It's spring! I can't remember a time when I've wanted spring as much as I do this year.

I'm getting along walking without my cast - although my foot remains swollen much of the time (that's to be expected), I surely don't miss the sound of velcro ripping as I'd hurredly put the cast on upon awakening. I've worn two different pairs of shoes...many remain that I cannot yet wear...but before long I'll be in sandals anyway.

Hoping to get lots of work done today - both "on the job" and off. Kevin's off today, but is already busy with some Boy Scout related projects. I'm still hopeful he can tackle one project that I have in mind....

Lookin' forward to the weekend.....

Today's the day...

I've been looking forward to. I visit Dr. Buchanan this afternoon to find out how my foot is healing. Funny, but I'm almost fearful of trying to stand/walk without the cast...my leg/knee/foot all feel so weak - and floppy! But nevertheless, it's an exciting day!

Weekend!

Well, I'm really getting used to moving around well in this cast...sans crutches. I know that when the doctor gives me the ok to walk without the cast that my mobility will slow down somewhat (at least it has the other times I've been in a cast - yikes! this is the 3rd time!!). My foot continues to swell quite a bit during the day, but no real pain, so I'm really feeling great.

Lots of work accomplished this week, setting up/coordinating conference call reviews with local school districts. It's great to be able to work from home, not having to hassle trying to get a convenient parking place, or wondering about weather related issues. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to take this task on...it will keep me busy for many more days.

Had a fun 72nd birthday breakfast for my friend, Char - her actual b'day is St. Paddy's day, but the group celebrated this morning. What a gal!!

Now it's on to the weekend...perhaps there'll be a mah jong afternoon tomorrow?

Wow

What a morning! I went to the fitness center and pool - first time in nearly 6 weeks! It felt funny taking the elevator to the fitness center, but I didn't want to waste my energy - or hurt my foot - on the stairs (a gal in a cast can only do so much exercise!). I did one round of bench presses (60 pounds...down from my usual, but a place to start). Next time I'll plan to work upper body for a bit...there are a few machines I can do while still restricted.

The pool was next. The lifeguard helped me scoot down the steps and get on a noodle to bicycle around. Typically I'll do that for an hour, but since it's been a while I found I was tired after about 30 minutes. I had wanted to stay longer (the rest of the work-out group was coming in at 8....I got out about 7:55), but didn't want to push past my limit the first time back. It worked well...I came back up the stairs on my bottom, lifting up with my arms, dried off my leg/foot, got my cast back on and, with the lifeguard holding a chair, got back into standing. It felt good!! I can hardly wait to go back on Wednesday.

Sunny Wednesday

After a busy Monday - going to town, working around here, etc. - I went to the MDE to work on Tuesday. Boy, am I out of shape now! I left home about 5:30 a.m. - worked until 3:30, and came home exhausted! I stumbled my way to bed by 9, and was out when Kevin and Erin each arrived home.

Today I'm beginning a project for the MDE - I love this kind of project...it can be accomplished at home, without the hassle of driving in to Lansing.

Beth and Barry sent some photos of the trip - wonderfully green, warm-looking pictures...just what I needed to assure myself that warmer weather is coming!

Looking forward to today

Barry called from Miami...they did, indeed, come home from Costa Rica! It's nice to know that this was the kind of vacation they did not want to end - always a good sign.

Up early this morning to go back to WW. I know the cast weighs about 3½ pounds...and realize I've probably gained a pound or two (no exercise...lots of sitting...watching my muscles turn to mush...sigh)...but I do want to be back there and continue to my goal. Good friends are there to help in case I have any trouble getting in, manuevering around, etc. It will be good to be back.

Then this afternoon it's another mah jong day! Some of the group decided to have a game afternoon, so I'm in! I was a bit rusty playing on Wednesday...so today should be better. Maybe I'll even "mah jong" today!!

Early to rise...

I kept waking up in the night thinking about things. First, how scary it is, knowing how quickly life can change. A friend's daughter and son-in-law were involved in a serious accident last Saturday...I learned of it last nite and they've been on my mind ever since. The "kids" are both in the hospital, with family nearby. My thoughts are with them....

This situation has reminded me to be grateful for the health and well being of those I love...and to put aside the minor inconveniences of life that occur along the way. While I've been caught up in the details of how things have changed for me, albeit temporarily, with my broken foot, it really is just an inconvenience along the way....

Take care, all.

Getting around

After my outing yesterday I'm ready to roll! I made arrangements to play MahJong with friends tomorrow - can even drive from my garage right into the host's garage without having to manuever through any ice/snow/rain/slush! I can hardly wait - I haven't played in over a month.

My mom came out and helped me get the recycling together to take to drop-off tomorrow. It's been nearly 2 months since I last took the recycling in, and our garage can't take much more! Now the Rendezvous is full...so I'll drop it off before heading to MahJong. Life is good - LOL = recycling AND MahJong all in one day! That's busier than I've been in 4 weeks!

Speaking of which...my foot is much improved and I'm able to walk on the heel of my left foot with the assistance of one crutch (sometimes two...). It feels good to be getting around a little better and I'm really thankful for everyone's help.

It's a great day

Thanks to my favorite big brother, Terry! He arrived this morning to help me see what I could do for myself in getting out of the house and graciously packed my necessary stuff in the car...rode to town with me...and helped me get groceries. How wonderful to be outside again! Thank you, Terry!!!

All of this getting out made me think that I need to find out about handicapped parking access at the MDE. Since I have a handicapped permit...and assuming there must be parking access near/under the building...I could actually go to the office! Keep your fingers crossed everyone!

Snow...snow...snow

It's snowing out all right, and I'm here on the couch with a nice, fat cat purring away without a care in the world. Well, ok, his only care is that I continue to fill up the food and water dishes, and provide him with a clean box. He's just so sweet...his head is on my arm and he'll soon be asleep.

I continue to make progress with the crutch-walking. Last nite I slept without my air cast, and the rest was so much better than I've had in ages. Unfortunately, the velcro on the cast is very loud, and I have to put the boot on (and off..) if/when I get up in the nite. Hopefully the ripping sound of the velcro won't awaken Kevin in the nite.

Also hoping the snow quits soon - I'd like for Kevin to be able to get home tonite - and for Erin to be able to get to GR for the Griffins' game.

Weekend's Here!

The weekend's here...but it sounds like the snow will be, too. Guess I'm glad that I don't have to get out into it, but I sure wish I could...

I've discovered that walking with crutches is much slower than getting around on my scooter. However I'm determined to use the scooter only when I need to carry something, or trying to do something in the kitchen. Somehow I bent my toes a bit too much today and have a small amount of pain...sure hope I didn't do anything to affect the hardware in there.

All in all it's been a good week. The kids are off to Costa Rica on vacation...Erin "aced" her exam (good job!!)...Kevin and Erin have a concert tonite in GR and then they'll finish the weekend with some Venture training. Whew! Income taxes are done...and I'm on the task of cleaning out some of the office drawers (why or why do I keep so much paper?). So glad I have a shredder that's ready for a work-out!

I walked (well, almost)!

It's been 2 weeks since surgery....and Dr. Buchanan originally said no weight bearing for 2-4 weeks.....then when I saw him last week, he said "2 weeks after surgery"...and that's today!!

So...I gave it a little try in the kitchen. Two crutches - 1 air cast - minimal weight on my left heel - and I took a few tentative "steps" around the kitchen - with no pain!!

That's all the exercise for now - don't want to overdo - but it was a very encouraging session. Yea!!!!!

Sunshine

Thank goodness it's sunny today (before the storm)...now if only the temp were about 40 degrees higher than the current 25, I'd open up all the windows and drink in the fresh air. As it is, I think Tumble has the right idea - he's sleeping in front of the slider....drenched in sunshine.
(Darn...I tried to send a pic of Tumble from my phone to my laptop, but no luck yet)

I was able to work a few hours this morning via email - proofing a training manual - and it felt great doing some work again. My good friend Gisela offered to pick me up for an afternoon of Mahjong, but I just couldn't turn down the work after cancelling so much this month. I am, however, looking forward to whenever the next game is - because by then I should be able to get out more easily (weather permitting) - and even drive!

The most exciting part of the week, though, is Beth and Barry's vacation to Costa Rica! What an adventure for them - they deserve to have a fantastically relaxing - and exhilerating - time, and come back refreshed and ready for spring. Happy traveling!!

Celebrating!

Had a great day today! Dr. Buchanan is very pleased with my foot progress - even said this 50+ old foot "looks good" (who'd have thought I'd be so happy about a foot that looks good??). He also said my bone is very strong and so surgery went very well....and....in another week I can begin to bear 10-15% weight on my left foot (wearing the air cast and using crutches), and that by my next appointment on March 17 I should be walking with the air cast alone! At that time, depending on the degree of swelling, I may be able to get rid of the air cast. What a thrill!!

The rest of the day was like a present - to be outside (even though it was windy) - had a hair trim, went grocery shopping (using my knee scooter with Kevin following behind me with the cart), and out to lunch. After lunch we decided to stop at Penney's - I couldn't see the sense in having Kevin load up my scooter just to take it out again on the other side of the parking lot...so I said "meet you there!" And off I went - on my scooter - across the parking lot (watching VERY carefully for cars...and pot holes - and none of either appeared, by the way), and made it to the Penney's door before he did!


Now I'm happily here at home after a day out and looking forward to the process of beginning to be more mobile. Life is good!!

Gettin' ready!

Tomorrow is Dr. appointment day...I'm really looking forward to hearing what the plan will be...well, ok, more accurately what the timeline will be. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I am really anxious to be able to drive and get around a bit more.

But the great news...I have everything ready for our tax information to go to the accountant tomorrow! And I even caught up on updating my business financial files today...it feels so good to have it done.

Gisela has offered to pick me up for coffee on Friday...if the weather is decent and the news tomorrow is good, I'll be ready to go....

Back to work...and takin' it easy.

Yup, back to work today, via conference call. Feels good to be busy, but then afterwards it feels good to sit with my leg up.

For right now I have a big cat on my lap (Chauncy....keeps me warm, too!), with the laptop balanced near my knees...my left foot on top of a couple of pillows. No pain pills since Saturday night, so that's a plus, too!

Tomorrow it's more work early in the morning, with work being delivered to the house by a local agency representative. Then it's fun time, with a visit from a friend...I'll provide the coffee, and she's loaning me a book. Now I just have to get to work on getting paperwork around for our taxes.

Sunny days

What a fun weekend. Beth and Barry came to visit...brought dinner AND breakfast, and took good care of me. What a joy to have them here, especially knowing they have many things to do before a well deserved vacation.



The family came out for dinner last nite - good to have everyone together. My foot was much improved yesterday, and the swelling seems to have gone down a bit. Another plus - it's been 14 hours since the last pain pill!

Add that to the sunshine today, and it's been a good one!

Keeping myself in check

I feel SO much better today - I slept through the nite, and even stayed in bed a little later this morning. There is still some pain in my foot (and head..?), but I am so much more relaxed now.

Still making sure I rest and keep my foot elevated, though, because it could become easy to overdo...and I do NOT want to go there!

So much better!

Wow...even though I'm still extremely tired (still haven't slept, but I bet I do tonite!), I feel SO much better this afternoon...I'm actually feeling more human now that the pain is under control (I'm even looking forward to getting cleaned up and vertical again!).

Whew, it feels good to feel good!!

Not quite what I expected

Oh, I am not feeling very good. The pain in my foot is much more intense than I had anticipated, and the pain pills tend to make me nauseus...all contributing to many tears (very unexpected!!). I cat-napped a bit during the nite, so I assume the lack of rest is contributing to the way I feel. Mom will be out herein a little bit and will help me off-and-on while also going to Barrie's House for a little while.

Yuck...

Back home!

We left this morning about 9:30 for the 10:45 check-in. Apparently right after we left, the Surgical Center called asking that we come early - Dr. Buchanan was running ahead of schedule - of course we didn't get the call, but as soon as we arrived they got things going quickly.

I was taken to surgery about 25 minutes early....and was finished in 30 minutes. Dr. Buchanan told me to take the pain pills every 4 hours (for the first couple of days) regardless of how I feel, just to stay on top of the pain before it can set it. I had a pill before we left GR, and Kevin is in town picking up the heavy-duty stuff (as well as getting Tumblebump's valium refill!).

Tiredness has set in, so it's time for a nap....glad to have the surgery finished and able to look forward to continued recovery.

Almost there

Received a call from the surgical center this afternoon - surgery time has been changed from 3:10 pm to 11:45 am. I must admit I'm relieved that we leave earlier...less time to stew about it.

My good friend Gisela is planning to provide dinner tomorrow night (what a sweetie)...she had planned to come by in the morning after exercise (ooh, I miss that! - WAIT!!! Did I say I MISSED EXERCISE????? Never thought I'd hear those words from this mouth!! LOL), but now we'll be out of the house by 9:30. So perhaps I'll see her tonite....or later tomorrow afternoon.

My Mom came out today to get a key for the house - she'll be stopping in on Thursday to help me (what a Mom!). And with my favorite son and daughter-in-law coming on Saturday I'll surely be taken care of well!

Movin' on, this time with trepidation

After my phone call with the nurse at the surgical center, I'm feeling more apprehensive than before. I realize now that I'll be coming home not with my air cast, but with a dressing, bandages, etc. - which means I won't have the protection of the cast in case of bumps, etc. I hadn't given much thought to post-surgical pain control (since I've been pretty much pain free since my fall), but now realize I might actually use the pain killers that were prescribed last week. Aargh....

Such is life, I guess...my new mantra = this really isn't such a big deal; it could be worse...

Movin' on...

Had a pre-op physical today with Dr. Page...everyone says I'm in good hands with Dr. Buchanan as a surgeon. Jo picked me up after appointment to go out to breakfast, then brought me home. I'm just really thankful that my foot is relatively pain free - now if the swelling could be better controlled, that would be great.

Kevin and Erin have Grand River Winds tonight, so the day will be pretty quiet here. I plan to watch some movies, work on the baby afghan (for Kristy), and spend some time on the computer.

End of a long week

I decided to begin a blog to keep me going through the next few weeks of limited mobility. Since breaking my foot on Tuesday, this week has seemed v-e-r-y long. In the scheme of life, a broken foot is not a big deal (I need to keep reminding myself of this!). In the scheme of "right now", it directs most of what I can do.


Fortunately there's very little pain, although my foot can easily become mega-sized. So today I'm doing my best to keep my foot elevated as much as possible and see if I can keep it at a reasonable size.


Earlier today, when remarking that Kevin's on the ice all day at a Scout event, I said I'd rather have a broken foot......can I change my mind on that?