FOR TODAY (November 16. 2009)...

Outside my window... it's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and the temperature is pleasant.

I am thinking... of how much I am going to miss my Husband this week!

I am thankful for... how hard he works... and how good he takes care of us!
From the kitchen... there is no pressure to make anything good for dinner tonite!

I am wearing... denim shorts, a white t-shirt, white socks and my brown birki clogs and my light blue cardigan.

I am creating... organized stacks of paperwork and medical statements to file.

I am going... to physical therapy twice this week.

I am reading... the book Mrs. Kimble.

I am hoping... to have the time pass quickly this week.

I am hearing... traffic coming back into town... the school bus just dropped kids off.

Around the house... Nolli is sleeping under the table and Punky is sleeping on the couch... I still need to empty the dishwasher and vacuum the floor.

One of my favorite things... is leftover pizza for dinner tonite! (I don't have to cook!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: to tackle the paperwork on the table... shred what needs to be shredded, and recycle lots of paper!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Thanks for reading.... be blessed!

~Suzanne

About a Year Ago...

I wrote about going to the Amish Farm Market... and even took a few pics of what we bought! DH and I have been back there a few times this past spring and summer. Today, we decided that I was in need of a little diversion from always going to the doctor or physical therapy and we set off to find some adventure. (Unfortunately we forgot the camera.)

We have a church dinner coming up in a couple of weeks... and we were not familiar with where the event site was... so we set off through the valley to find it. We did... it only took us a few minutes to figure out where the place was... so we were left with the rest of the afternoon... and off to the Poconos we went! We took all state highways, because it's more fun that way. We got to the Market and found lots of good stuff. We bought potatoes, radishes, (DH's favorite) butter, homemade breakfast bread, and some of the best sweet onions ever! Oh... and some whoppie pies, too! It was so good to get some of the last of the season's good stuff. They are only going to be there one more week and then they are done until April. Last year they were open until Christmas, but they said they're done for this year!

We also went to another Flea Market in Blakeslee... but it was a little depressing and quite run down. We just didn't like the 'vibe' around there. I was also getting tired. So... we decided to head to get some grub to eat and we ended up at Dunkin Donuts across the street! We ate lunch in the car and then headed up Rt. 940 east and then cut north. We ended up going across state park lands, passing an army depot along the way. We ended up so high up in elevation, that we were in thick, heavy fog for many miles. It was actually a fun drive. We ended up about 20 miles north of Scranton before hitting an Interstate Freeway to come home. We ended up driving around 120 miles today... munching on donut munch-kins and having a good time looking at the lay of the land as we drove.

Tonite... we are safely home... we've had a good dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread. Everyone is comfy and warm. DH is getting most of his gear together to travel this next week for work. He's headed to New York... and I'm facing my first week alone at home. I'm more than a little nervous that I won't be able to keep up with everything... but I know that if I pace myself and just stick to the basics and keep the dogs happy... I will survive without DH. I only have 2 appointments for the week... so that's a good thing. I just have to remember to get the trash out to the curb on Wednesday and space the dog walking so that I don't get too worn out.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Just My Luck!

On Wednesday, being Veteran's Day... and that *Applebee's* was doing a free meal for Veterans and DH is a Vet... (Air Force!) we decided that it would be fun to go and partake of such a great offer! DH got home at 3:45... he briefed me on his day and then took a shower. We made it out of the house by 4:45! We knew there would be a crowd... and we weren't disappointed at all... it was a packed house!

We got signed in for a table and were told it would be about an hour wait. Everyone was is good spirits and very friendly. DH... being the sweet and wonderful husband that he is... found me a place to sit in the waiting area. We people watched, we ate fresh chicken tenders that were being passed around by the management, and we were genuinely happy as names were called for tables as each group called meant we were that much closer to getting a table. I was sitting next to a WWII Vet... he was there with his wife. He was a rather tall and strong boned man... and he used a walker... when it was their time to go to be seated... we all, DH, his wife, the hostess, all helped him get up on his feet. When they moved on, another lady came and sat by me.

More people came in and placed their names on the list... and would move back out to the foyer or go outside. All of a sudden, the door opened and in came a woman pushing her husband in a wheelchair. I was sitting near the right end of the bench... and the door to the foyer was off to the left. There were many people standing around.. Instead of going up the middle... she chose to go to her right... where we were sitting... and she didn't seem to take in consideration the full width of the wheelchair... and proceeded to push right into my my left knee!!!!

All I could do in the panic that swept across me was to say... "Stop! Stop.... I can't move my leg that way... my feet are down there.... I just had my knee replaced... please... don't push!" She maneuvered out of the way... with just a little "sorry" and kept right on going. The lady sitting next to me asked how I was... and I said, "ok." She asked about the procedure and I told her who my surgeon is and how good he is and that I am barely 6 weeks post-op and just using a cane and have been for almost 3 weeks. She told me that she needs to have her knees done, I told her not wait and don't be afraid!

Needless to say... I am very glad that I had taken a pain pill right before we left... so it wasn't too bad. I did have issues during dinner in trying to get comfortable and had to sit with my leg propped up during the meal. During the night... I had a tough time getting to sleep... and the left side of my knee was in burning pain. I took all the pain meds I could "healthily" take... and still had a tough time.

I woke up yesterday... feeling very stiff and sore and had more of a painful limp than I've ever had. Needless to say... when I went to physical therapy, we all got a good laugh out of what happened. Later when I went to see my surgeon... I had to have x-rays first, and the technician could hardly believe the story, when I told her! And Dr. Williams and his nurse also laughed! (How do you really put that down on the insurance forms for "progress"? ) Last night was another rough night for me... I was swelled, and black and blue... and in pain! I took 2 naps during the evening because I was tired and hurting and I again, took my maximum dosage to be able to sleep during the night.

Today... I am taking it easy. I am not as swelled, but still black and blue. I have some pain... but not like I did last night. I am so glad that it's the weekend... and that DH should be home early today! (We have packing to do... he's working out of town all next week. I'm not ready for him to be gone, and I'm not looking forward to being alone.)

Work wise for DH... this week has been a really turning point... God has answered our prayers about whether to stay or look for something else... that door remains closed for now. I am grateful for God's faithfulness to us.

Thanks for reading... and be blessed!
~Suzanne

Faithfulness

The past few weeks have been a real trial for me. I have been working on my physical therapy and it's been REALLY HARD to do it... it causes me alot of muscle pain in the evening, along with making me really tired. Along with all of that... of course, is DH's job. We know that I have had great issues with his boss, and that I have spent many hours over the past year in prayer about DH's job and his relationship with his boss.

Last night, it was heavy on my heart to pray for DH... which I did as I fell asleep. I woke up this morning and also prayed for DH and his day ahead. (In fact, last night... I told DH to be sure to get to his job site plenty early enough this morning... I just had a feeling that his boss would be showing up.) And in fact... his boss did show up today... along with the company service manager. They had an unscheduled 2 hour meeting with DH today... and he finally got a new replacement phone that he asked for almost a year ago! And they discussed many issues... part of which was the issue with "Big Brown" delivery company and that in fact the issue was never DH's work, but a personal vendetta by the on-site plant engineer that didn't like DH and wanted to get a job for his buddy instead. DH was told that his job is safe... that his boss doesn't have the power to fire him... and that he will be getting a raise in January!

I have prayed and prayed that God would show the company the truth about what happened at "Big Brown". And I've also prayed that God would enlarge our "territory"... and the Company service manager is planning on coming to this area to find new contracts for DH. All I can say... is Thank You, Heavenly Father for answered prayers.

From a Grateful Heart...
Suzanne

Time Gets Away...

I can't believe that I have had TKR over a month ago! I started put patient physical therapy yesterday. It totally kicked my butt! Of course it also didn't help that I decided that I needed to cook some really good food for dinner... and spent almost 3 hours in the kitchen before it was over. No wonder I was tired!

Today... it's taken me quite awhile to get up and moving. I took a shower this morning, which wears me out. I was also still in a lot of pain... and finally gave in and took a pain pill around noon. I was able to fall sleep for an hour... and when I woke up and made some lunch, I felt as though I had turned the corner on the pain.

I guess having 3 days in a row of tons of activity really does a number on me. Saturday, DH and I went to Cracker Barrel for lunch and grocery shopped. I also fixed some yummy cheese burgers for dinner and baked pumpkin bars that night. Sunday... we went to church... we cleaned house... I cleaned up my baking mess... and then took a 2nd shower to go to small group bible study that night. So... add to that my p/t on Monday... yeah... it's no small wonder that I am feeling wrung out and exhausted. Oh... and we gave both Punky and Nolli dog baths on Sunday as well.

I am slowly trying to get back into the swing of things... it is just taking longer because of my thyroid issue (fatigue) and blood sugar... (trying to keep it regulated.) It's a battle to feel good... but I know that I have to keep trying! I am also very glad that we adopted Punky... she's been such a good bed buddy for me! She is learning to be more comfortable as a companion pet rather than always being in a cage. She still has issues with taking treats from our hands... especially if it's in a close area like the hallway near her cage. I gave noticed that she has gained a little weight... you can no longer feel her ribs and her little face is actually a little fuller now! When she lies down on top of me and turns her head and puts her front paw up, she reminds me of a teddy bear... she's so cute!

Nolli dog has become an even sweeter dog... if that's even possible! He is more loving and attached to DH... and last night he did something that I've never seen him do... he actually asked for seconds on his food! DH gave it to him and he ate it all. So funny! He is also trying even harder to get Punky to play with him... and even tried to get her to play while they were both on the bed last night! That was funny... but I had to tell him that play time was for the floor, not the bed while we are all in it!

That's all I've got for now.... I will try and post a little more often as this healing process continues.
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Working hard...

I have been a little lax in posting... I've been busy! I was discharged from home health nursing care yesterday. I was also discharged from in-home physical therapy. My therapist is quite pleased with my progress. Of course, I also spent 6 hours a day on my cpm machine... and that was quite successful in getting me to a good flex position. I turned the machine back yesterday as well... I'm actually gonna miss that thing!

So... today, since I didn't have 6 hours tied up with being flat on my back... I decided to start cleaning my house. It's going to be a slow and arduous process! I managed to get half of my furniture in the living room cleaned off, dusted and polished. Soon, I will move on to the dining area and book cases. (But I am in no hurry.) You can tell that I was not feeling my best before I went into the hospital... and you can tell that I am starting to feel stronger each day. That's not to say that I don't get tired, because I do. And I am also feeling the pain in my knee... more on the outside than on the inside, unless I'm laying down on my side and have my knee resting on the bed... then it hurts inside too! I am having a hard time finding a comfortable position to sit in, or lay down in... and standing starts hurting after a few minutes... unless it's in the shower... I do the shower for a full 15-20 minutes, but I'm really tired after that! I just don't know what to do with my self sometimes! I am constantly fidgeting and moving... it's starting to distract me!

Also working hard on this Halloween Eve... is my DH... he had an early work day... up at 5am to leave for NJ by 5:45. He was almost home... (less than 20 miles) and got called down to Philly for an emergency night call. The double overtime is great for the budget... but I'd rather have him home, safe and resting, having a good dinner and being with us. I've been up and down the stairs today a total of 4 times... and I think I will have at least one more trip before the day is over. That's pretty good for me... 5 trips is a lot of work and again... makes me tired! The upside to that is that I am losing a ton of weight. I've lost around 22 pounds since my knee surgery! I really watch what I eat... don't really eat a lot... and I drink a ton of water. What I do... is mostly whole foods, and whole grain bread... not a lot of processed anything. It does make a difference in how I am healing and feeling... and I like it and think I will just keep doing this for awhile longer.
I am getting tired.. time to go and rest, once again!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

It's Scheduled!

I got a call today from the Physician's Assistant with my surgeon. She called to schedule my right knee replacement. The date has been set... for March 3rd. I can't believe that I am going to go back and have my right knee done so soon. (I keep having thoughts that I should put it off as long as possible!) So... there it is... on the calendar.

I did venture out for a bit today. Punky and I went to visit Miss J at the flower shop. It was only Punky's 2nd time there... she was a bit nervous and didn't want off of my lap at all. She finally warmed up a little bit just before we were leaving. Miss J hadn't seen her in awhile other than in the yard. She couldn't believe the difference in little Punky's coat and the act that she has gained a little weight. Her coat is very silky and soft with no mats and you can no longer feel her ribs. Her little face even has a little bit of a softness to... she's a little bit rounder!

I did manage to fold the rest of the laundry today... I did 2 hours on my cpm machine... and got the kitchen cleaned up from last nights dinner as I was too tired to do it last night. I also had a rough night last night as I have a tooth that is bothering me... and it didn't stop hurting until I took 2 vicoden and a tramodol along with my ambien. That's alot! Today, because I slept a little later... my whole schedule was off and I've had blood sugar problems too. (I hate that feeling!)

Anyway... DH has just gotten home from work (down in Philly) and we need to figure out dinner. I am thinking that breakfast sounds good on a cold and rainy night! I can't wait to fall into bed a little later and hopefully... I will just zonk out and snooze!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
(Oh... Please remember my friend Liz and her son, Seth... he just left for basic training in the Army!)

~Suzanne