Waiting on the New Year!

We are taking it pretty low-key around these parts for New Years Eve. We both don't like getting out on the roads when it's snowy and icy... and tonite, there is both snow and ice falling from the sky! Life in our little town takes on quite a flavor at this time of year... we really don't need to do much more than step out the door to enjoy fireworks, and we can hear the music from the live band playing at the mexican restaurant down on the corner of Main Street.

We both have reflected on how 2009 has gone... it's been a stress-filled year... but also a year with a lot of joy and fun. Going to the Amish Markets and yard sales has been a blast, enjoying the simple things in life as much as time allows! It's been a challenge as well, with health issues and my knee replacement. We still love where we live, and in spite of the snow and cold... I can't wait for Spring to arrive so that I can get all my flower pots filled and start living outside on the patio again!

We do have a few goals for 2010... (not resolutions... we don't do those!) We want to focus on getting my knee rehabbed so that I can walk and ride bikes. We are planning on buying a new bed...a bigger one for when I have my other knee done! We also want to take a little time off and maybe go on a trip somewhere... NC maybe? And of course... I want my HWM (hard-working man) to go fishing... with the new reel that I got him for Christmas. We also need to get Nolli to the vet and address his health as well. And... maybe... just maybe... I'd like to go back to work.

I guess what's most important about all of this is... that we continue to focus on what God wants for our lives and being willing to listen and follow his will. We want to continue to focus on being a family and loving each other each day, inspite of all the silly things that can drive us crazy... (like leaving lights on or my forgetting to do something!) We both love the Simple Things In Life... and we are Grateful and Happy that we have what we have!

Happy 2010 to you and yours... May God richly bless you... and Thanks for reading!
~Suzanne

Winding Down

This Christmas weekend is finally over... we've been in wind-down mode for 2 days now. We've been busy with housekeeping, and doing some winterization while the temps are still good. My Dear HWM (hard working man) has been busy getting plastic up over the windows... in between hanging a new light fixture in the dining room... and working on a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle in that room! Having light to see in that area is more than wonderful!

We also had a little field trip to Lowes yesterday morning... to get all the things HWM would need to get that light fixture put up. We took Pumpkin with us... as we are trying to socialize her a little more. Every trip she takes... she shivers and trembles so badly... until she realizes that she's safe and will be going home with us. She was quite a show-stopper at the store yesterday. It would crack me up when we would walk by men who were there getting supplies and they would turn into big softies with huge smiles when they would spot Punky! She did really well at the end when she got to get into her Daddy's arms while Mommy signed the credit card screen. She was the same color of the work shirt he was wearing... all you could see was 2 eyes and a shiny shoe button nose! I'll be taking Nolli dog on a field trip there soon... he loves going to Lowes... and has since he was a puppy and Mommy worked there.

We went to church today... we greeted by our friends with warm hugs and kisses and sat with them during the service. Church service was a short reprise of the Christmas Eve-Eve service... so it was actually a quite short service today. We ran up the hill to Wendy's for lunch. After... we came home and got started on the "never-ending" laundry pile and actually got a lot of that done... or shall I say HWM did. I still cannot go down to the basement... it's just too much for me.
But I did get a lot of folding done! That's what we've been up to for the last 2 days... just hanging around the house, getting things done and put back in order!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

I am Finished and Ready!

We are all ready for the holiday... I've baked a little, made some candy, have all the items ready for our holiday dinner and all the gifts are wrapped. We've gone to the church Christmas program and we've even done a little visiting already. Nolli and Punky went with me to see Miss Alice at the flower shop and bring her some homemade goodies.

We have plans to meet up with 2 other couples tomorrow for dinner... we're going to the diner down in town! I went to the bank already to get cash so we can leave a nice holiday tip for our server. We're suppose to have some snow and freezing rain tomorrow and I am hoping that it passes before we have to leave for the diner!

I went to physical therapy today... and took Punky with me... she got to go in! She was really very good and sat on my chest while I worked on my knee. I hear that I will more than likely graduate next week... which really means that I will have to continue to work out at home. I am seriously thinking that I will have to "push back" my other surgery date. I don't think I am going to be ready... it's just barely 8 weeks away.

What I really wanted to post is... I wish you all a Wonderful and Warm Holiday! Merry Christmas... Thank you for reading my little blog! I hope you have rich blessings in the coming New Year as well!

~Suzanne

His Eye Had It!

The past few days here have been more than a little chaotic. It doesn't involve Christmas shopping, because I managed to get that out of the way along with getting the cards and packages mailed.

Let's start with... DH having to work down in Philly all of last week. Which means early mornings and long days. We made it through the first 3 days with overtime hours thrown in to the mix as well. Last Friday, DH was suppose to bring me something "special" for dinner, but it didn't happen due to overtime and having to be at the office for an extended amount of time, that he didn't get home until 9pm. That brings me back to Thursday of this past week. DH was going to be getting home at a "reasonable time" and I asked that he stop at "that special place" and pick up dinner. He was more than happy to do so!

So... he stops... he gets that "special take-out" for our dinner. Then he has to stop for gas... and goes inside to wash his face and clean up a little bit. He often does this as his job requires him to get quite dirty. He gets home, we have dinner... he shares with me that he feels as tho something is in his eye. I suggest that we use the Opthalmic eye wash solution... he uses it... I also flush his eye while he lies down. He tells me that it's burning and it hurts. I tell him that we are going to the ER.

So... off to the ER we go... and we are seen quite quickly. But... the ER doctor only puts stain in his eye and tells us that it's an abrasion. I looked... it went from one side to the other, just below the center of the eye. OOOOOOWWWWWWW! With that... the doctor does nothing more, doesn't give DH any eye drops, nothing for pain, no antibiotics. Tell us to give it 24 hours. So we do.

That night, DH was in a lot of pain... he took 3 excedrin, 2 tylenol, I gave him a tramadol and also a vicoden. And I even gave him an Ambien to help him sleep. It was a long night for all of us. (I didn't take my Ambien... I was awake all night long.) DH went to work on Friday... and worked a very long day. He had to stop twice on the way home and rest his eyes... he said it felt like something was still in there. We called our family care doctor, who told us to go to the ER if it doesn't let up or get any better. I also called our eye doctor (whom DH saw back in August for his migraines) who was very concerned that the ER doctor hadn't given him any drops or hadn't really done anything for him. We were instructed to go and get Refresh Optiv to help and then see him on Monday.

By Saturday morning, DH said he could feel something in his eye still... so I fixed a quick breakfast and off to the ER we went again. The same ER clerk from Thursday night was there, and so we were seen fairly quickly. We had a different doctor... who listened intently... and actually did a thorough exam using a specific eye scope and told us that DH had a piece of metal in his eye that had rusted in. It was located in his iris. He didn't feel that he could take it out and that we would need to see an eye specialist. Luckily, I had that phone number in my cell phone and the doctor called him. We had a 3 o'clock appointment with him in his office in Wilkes-Barre. So... off to Wilkes-Barre we went. We had about 3 hours to wait. So we had lunch at Red Robin. We shopped a little bit... and then we went to the office and waited.

At 2:45, the office manager showed up and let us in. At about 3:10, the eye surgeon showed up... took DH back to a room and things got started. It was very quick, but very thorough. He got the metal out... checked and went back in to get the rest of the rust out of his eye. I was in there while the eye surgeon checked his vision... and it seems that there should be no issues with that! Needless to say... we are very grateful that he came to help DH.

In the midst of all of this... it's been snowing... and I have to do all the driving. It was exhausting for me to keep going and going... doing all the calls, and then driving and running around and then driving home in the snow storm. We came home to a few inches in the driveway and then a few more added on top after that. DH woke up on Sunday, feeling much better.

I, on the other hand... often have a delayed stress reaction. And I did... I felt pretty much like I had been through the wringer. In between all of this going on, I had been doing all the grocery shopping... and I'm talking a major grocery shopping, both on Thursday and again on Friday. And to top it off... because I was so tired, both on Friday and Saturday, I forgot to also take any of my medications. I learned the hard way that I cannot skip taking medications anymore. (I used to get away with that all the time!) I started to put myself into congestive heart failure... that wonderful drowning feeling, with a constant cough and fatigue. I took my medicine around 11:30pm on Saturday night, sitting up to breathe and let it start to work. I took my dose for Sunday at around 6pm and today I will take it around noon. Then tomorrow I will be back on schedule. I am starting to feel much better this morning... but I am still gonna lay low today.

Oh... and in the midst of all the snow clean up yesterday... we called our landlord 3 times about not having our driveway plowed. The crew finally showed up at 3 o'clock (good thing I wasn't going to go to church!) and proceeded to start clearing the driveway, only to go too far off the pavement and get stuck in our yard! They ended up leaving a huge 12 inch ditch in two places after having to be towed out! It's small town living at it's finest!

There you have it... the scoop on what's going on! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

I'm actually READY!

For the first time in years and years... I am ready for Christmas! I did cut out a lot of stuff on my list of things to do... and it feels great! We decided to only give gifts to a certain few this year not only as a cost cutting measure, but also because the gifts are never acknowledged nor reciprocated.

Also because of my knee... this year I've kept the decorating to a minimum this year. It was great fun last year when it was our first Christmas together and DH was working more locally and home more. I didn't want to burden him with anything extra right now while he's traveling so much and working such long hours. We did a new small 3 ft tree this year, and love how it turned out. As far as adding any decorations to the rest of the house... I only got out a few snowmen and placed them around the living room and office area. Not going to bother with doing up the whole place, laying out greens, changing all the linens... too much work!

I went out today to the post office... and mailed out packages and our Christmas cards. It was great to get them sent... and much less expensive than last year! Last year I sent things via UPS and it was $45 just to send one package and it still got there late. So... I was determined not to do that again. The post office was much less money! I do have a couple of things I still want to get for DH... but as a whole, I'm done with the shopping! As far as for the dogs... I can't really think of anything to get Nolli this year... he has a huge basket of toys he doesn't really play with anymore. Punky, on the other hand... I've found so much for her but have only spent a little bit so I don't go overboard. (After all... Punky really has nothing compared to my spoiled dog, Nolli!)

I've also decided that I'm not going to do a huge ham for dinner this year, but get something small so we don't get "hammed out"! We are going out for lunch on Christmas Day anyway... so I don't need to do very much. ( again!) We have a regional Christmas Party on Saturday... and if it doesn't snow too much, we will go. I'm not really dressing up, but I did purchase a dark red top to wear with my favorite plaid jacket... so I will be comfortable!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Feeling A Bit Better...

After my last post... which was a HUGE Rant! I woke up grumpy... and made myself go to Wilkes-Barre early this morning. DH decided that he would go with me... it really made my errands much easier having him do the driving. And... I finally relaxed and quit busting his chops about his job situation. (It's not like he did what he did on purpose... I'm just tired of being neglected on Friday nights!)

We even had breakfast out while we were there... our usual stand-by of Cracker Barrel. We proceeded to check out a "new" (opened in September) Lord and Taylor Clearance Outlet. It was fun... it was a little freaky to see some of the prices on things... like $400 for a lined bubble vest???? But after looking through the racks, I found a great printed cardigan and a couple of summer tanks... and we spent $21! How fun is that?

We also went to Dundee Gardens, a great nursery in Hanover Township. I wish I had remembered my camera as the Poinsettias were just beautiful in the greenhouse. We looked at all of their trees, both decorated and fresh, and even the fake ones. I managed to find my one snowman of the year. (I have a collection and I limit myself to one a year so I don't go too overboard.) This time I ended up getting a 'snowlady" with a red velvet hat and fur coat. She's very charming and I'm excited to own her! After all the errands and shopping, I am quite tired this afternoon. We came home and we crashed in front of the tv for a little bit and now we are starting laundry and maybe even baking some cookies. (Cookies always make me feel better!)

Thanks for reading... (Sorry about my "rant" post!) ~be blessed!
~Suzanne

Missing Him...

My Wonderful DH has gone out of town again. I think this has been his 3rd or 4th week of travel. It was only suppose to be for 3 days. He called me around 10 am and said he'd been extended 1 extra day. It's only the first day on the road for him... I miss him so much! (We had so much fun this weekend!)

I also had physical therapy today... I hit a real milestone! I actually had weights on my ankle today... that is huge progress for my knee and my issue with my knee cap and muscle groups trying to heal. It was a little tough... but I am excited to go back on Thursday to see if I can add more weight! I am almost off of pain meds all together... I only have to use a small dose of Tramadol at night if I have "overdone it" again... (Not that I have a tendency to do that!... smirk!) My endurance is slowly returning... I did take a short nap today for 25 minutes... not the usual 1 1/2 hours! I just have to learn how to pace myself!

Did I tell you that we have been extended an invitation for Christmas Day from friends at church? They are getting together with a few other couples for lunch... we are excited about that, and it's an answer to prayer for me. God does want us here, for a reason... altho I'm still not certain of what that reason is yet.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Sweet Sunday Love...

We have had a very hard week here at Sugarloaf Cottage... Punky has still had issues with her tummy and digestive track. I've had a couple of days where she was still sick in her cage. I've had to give additional Imodium AD and the laundry pile was stacking up! (Don't worry... everything got rinsed really good.)

DH returned home to us on Friday evening. We were overjoyed to say the least to have him back home. We have busy the entire time he's been home. I managed to give him 3 home cooked dinners this weekend... but we did go out for breakfast once and had lunch out today after church. (Things ran late due to a Congregational Meeting after service.)

We have been busy getting a small tree decorated... I waited for him to come home so we could do it together. We shopped and did errands... and now we are busy packing for him to go out of town again. We won't know until tomorrow sometime if his trip is going to be 3 days or 5 days.

So... for now... we are snuggled inside, waiting for the spaghetti sauce to finish. (I am being very tolerant of DH watching Sponge Bob... he doesn't get Nickelodeon at his hotel.) We are enjoying the last hours before he has to leave again... I've already cried twice this afternoon about it! That's the latest here... I am due at physical therapy in the morning. Oh... and we got snow... it was suppose to be 2 1/2- 3 inches... but we got more than 5! That was so fun to stay inside together and watch it dump snow for hours and hours!

Thanks for reading... Be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Real Great Day... Not!

I woke up today thinking I would be taking Nolli-dog to the vet... but can't get an appointment until Thursday evening. (That is sorta ok, as he's feeling better today, and DH could go with me.)
Remember the last part of that last sentence.

We had a lazy morning, because p/t kicked my butt again yesterday. I was at it for 1 1/2 hours... with a taped knee! (My knee cap is not tracking, and is up and off center. Taping will help the muscles get stronger to help it track properly.) I had Punky up on the bed with me... and not once but twice caught her doing the "twirl and find your spot dance". The first time, I stopped her at the start of the dance... the second time, she had done her dance and was about to drop a load... on our bed! I gave her a loud "Ah-ah" and off we ran downstairs. We made it in plenty of time.

When I brought the dogs back up, I put her in her crate for safe keeping. I later discovered that it was a very good thing... as she has "tossed the entire contents" of her tummy... at least 3 times. And her little butt... has been a regular stink factory. I finally gave up... and put her crate in the bathroom to clean... and I put her in the bathtub for the time being... easier clean-up.

On top of that... DH called me in the midst of all this mess... he's been re-routed and will be on his way home shortly. He has been put on another "planned maintenance job" down in Bristol... he has to be at the office at 6am and will be gone until Friday! I wasn't prepared to have my husband gone again so soon!

There you have it... the glory and grace of Sugarloaf Cottage at it's finest! I just hope DH has time to run down to the basement for me and get the load of dog bedding and towels washed for me! (I know... I want the moon!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed. (Pray for my little Punky-dog!)
~Suzanne
PS... Punky is still not doing good... I just gave her 1/4 of an imodium ad tablet. I hope it works... she's still camped in the bathtub. (I think DH has the better deal... getting to go out of town!)

M.I.A.--- Yep, That's Been Me!

It's been two weeks since I last posted... I have been missing in action... well, because... I felt like all I had to write about was my knee surgery, physical therapy and how I am feeling. I figured y'all had to have had enough of that!

My knee is finally doing much better and my kick is starting to come back. Physical Therapy is working... and it's a lot of work that kicks my butt! It pretty much can wipe me out for 2 days after, depending on the "Pain and Torture" inflicted upon me. I still have a ways to go as my vmo is still very weak, my hamstrings are super tight...as are my lateral ligaments. That is cause an issue with my knee cap... it's not tracking in the groove as it is suppose to. I spent 48 hours of this week having my knee cap taped down and to the side. It was uncomfortable, to say the least! I will likely have it done twice a week for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

In other happenings... we are finishing up a nice 4 day weekend. I was quite busy trying to "procure" all the fixings for "The Big Dinner"... but when it came to pulling it all off... I couldn't quite do it and had to have help from DH to get it all going and on the table. He did very well at fixing dinner for us. (I seem to be having symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure again... but haven't reached the drowning stage yet!) I have been tiring very easily, and it feels like all the trips up and down the stairs never seem to end for me lately, with all the trips to the store, walking the dogs, having the roofing guys come last week on Tuesday... and just keeping up with everything.

I think I mentioned on an earlier post, that DH was going out of town for week... that was about 2 weeks ago, so I was literally stretched to my limits by Friday when he came home. I survived, but it did take a toll on me.

Nolli and Punky are doing well... we just did a "debred" session on Nolli's tummy tonight. He still has a wound that won't heal and if we don't keep it clean, it can stink and smell awful! We finished with antiseptic cleaner with a pain reliever in it and then his tye-die t-shirt to keep it dry and clean. Of course that's followed by a "big" favorite treat.

Punky is still working on house training... she does good for the most part. Mostly it's me not getting the "right" idea that she needs out instead of wanting up. (She would rather be up on the bed with me or in my arms than any other thing in life.) We still keep her crated at night, mainly because we are afraid we might hurt her in our sleep if she was on the bed with us. She is also gaining weight and her coat is coming in nicely. She's gotten very round and cute and when she does go out with me... she gets lots of attention because of her charm and cuteness.

So... there you have it... that is what life around here has been about. I also did have a birthday during the weekend, and DH baked me a cake (while I was taking a nap) and took me to see the movie "The Blind Side." We loved it! He also took me to dinner the next evening as well... he did his best to spoil me over the weekend.

I did have a tough day on Thursday... I discovered that my sisters were NOT going to get my Mom for their gathering. I understand that she is becoming fragile and that she is becoming more and more "withdrawn" but, I breaks my heart to know that no one went to see her or had her join them... I have said many times in the past that I wished I could have her with me so that I could take care of her. (I know that it's not even feasible for me to do that now... but still I wish I could.) Needless to say, I was in tears often through out the day.

Ok... I need to sign off for now... and get things done for DH...he's got a long day tomorrow working down in Philly. ... sigh....

Thanks for reading... be blessed... I hope that your Thanksgiving Weekend was wonderful!
~Suzanne

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

Mundane Milestone...

It's Monday... and I've been home now for just over 2 weeks! It also means that I was due to have my INR level checked because I'm on blood thinners since my knee replacement. I managed to get my self in the shower and get cleaned up and dressed... down the stairs and... wait for it.... INTO THE CAR!!!! ALL-BY-MYSELF!!!!

I drove to the doctors office and got into the office... got to see the lab tech and then got myself back home! (My INR level is 2.1... right where it should be!) I was majorly tired when I got home, but fixed myself a cheese sandwich, scrambled on to the bed and did an hour plus in my cpm machine and even managed to take a 20 minute snooze while I did it!

I also managed to get the rest of the dirty dishes from last nights dinner done, and the kitchen floor swept. I plan on dusting a little bit later. I also have some laundry to get put away at some point today. Life is slowly turning back to normal again.

My phone just rang... Bob, the therapist, is coming today and is about 30 minutes away. I can't wait to tell him all the things that I did this morning. I also have my first physical therapy session scheduled for November 2nd with my regular team... looking forward to seeing them all!

I didn't go to church yesterday... I was pretty achy... my shin hurt as did the back side of my knee... I stayed down quite a bit yesterday. Poor DH was left to do lots of laundry and some cleaning... but then, he was suppose to have done some of it while I was in the hospital. (No... I didn't have very much empathy for him... at all! Meaning I was a grouch through some of it.) But today, in light of the sunshine and warmth of the yesterday and today... I am feeling much better. (I've even taken a pain pill to take the edge off of things!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Tired and Weary...

This week has kicked my butt! It's not as though I have "ran allover" to heck and beyond... we know that I haven't! I did quite a bit on Wednesday... taking a shower by myself, cleaning up a "tiny" bit around the house, vacuuming the bedroom, doing my physical therapy and cooking dinner with John. I was officially beat after all of that. To make matters worse... I could not go to sleep that night. Not even with my "cocktail" of Ambien and Vicoden. I was wide awake until after 2 am!

Yesterday ended up being a totally screwed up day for me. I tried to sleep and continue on the cpm machine... but since I'm at the maximum (120 degrees flex) it feels like my head in being pushed into the headboard and that I am going to bang my chin against my knee at any moment. Along with the vibration of the machine... my lower back hurts and my right leg goes to sleep... not good! I did manage to take another shower yesterday and DH took me out for dinner. We went for pizza... and it was my first time to sit in a booth... and it hurt! I can't wait to get back to normal stuff!

Today... I tried to take it easier... I took a shower... and I've been downstairs twice with the dogs. The wind and cold air have arrived and it also had to hint of rain in the air... the storm for this weekend is well on it's way. ( We are due for 2 inches of rain overnight and another 2 inches on Saturday has been fore casted.) I also did physical therapy today, my progress continues and I will only have 3 more home visits next week. DH is headed down to his supervisor's house as I type and he should be home by 5:30 tonight. We will cook dinner together tonight... and plans for the weekend include laundry, laundry and more laundry! I think we also dust and straighten up and DH will vacuum as well. We will also have to grocery shop... but I may hold off until Sunday. At some point, I'd also like to try and least get something yummy baked over the weekend as well. (That's if I can keep up, though!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Another Progress Report

Things are progressing nicely with my recovery. I keep making progress everyday. I have made it all the way to 120 degrees flex on the constant passive motion (cpm) machine. That's the max! I am able to get up and down the stairs (slowly) to let the dogs have a mid-day potty break. I've been able to help with dinner in the evening and last night, we made dinner together.

Today was a huge milestone.... I took a shower all by myself! DH doesn't know it yet... but I was able to get in and get out using my cane to get it and a towel to hoist my leg up and over the side of the tub when it was time to get out. I took both phones into the bathroom with me and had them on top of the toilet just in case I would need to call for help. I'm very proud of myself for that.

Punky and Nolli are doing well... Punky likes to spend the day on the bed with me while I am using the cpm. Nolli got a much needed bath this week and looks fabulous. He was so happy when it was over and of course DH rewarded him with chicken nuggets. Life is slowly returning to normal... little by little. We are so blessed with all the prayers and blessings that God has bestowed upon us...

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Sunday Howdy!

Here it is... Sunday, already! I've been home a week! I've had visits from physical therapy and occupational therapy, and yesterday the nurse came by. I am doing well... no signs of infection, no issues with my care except for the fact that I don't have my "kick" back yet. That means that I can't raise my foot off the bed. But I am able to lift my foot straight up from the floor a good 4 inches. I also practice at the "barre" a couple of times of a day... doing knee bends and going on my tippy-toes, marching and then trying to kick back to my fanny. I only need help with the last one.

DH is slaving away... taking good care of me. He has taken me to 2 doctors appointments this week, grocery shopped, cooked, cleaned, bathed me ( actually assisted) and ran after dogs. He is one very tired husband these days. He took me out for a drive yesterday as the weather broke, and we enjoyed the fall colors very much.

Today... we went to church. It was good to be back... and they are having a special kick-off meeting tonite for the new study series... with finger foods. We have sweet and sour meatballs in the oven as I type! I am excited to be going out twice in one day!

On the dog front... Punky is thrilled to have me home... she's been hanging out with me on the bed while I do my constant-passive motion therapy on my knee. She's very snuggly and content to keep me company. Nolli-dog has been feeling a little more needy... and he's pushing his boundaries with DH... but the longer I am home... the more secure he is feeling now. There is plenty of puppy love to go around!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Progress

Yesterday I was pretty wiped out from all the activity of Monday... so I stayed down for most of the day. I did what I HAD to do... and I was able to maneuver to get in and out of my CPM machine fairly well. I was able to do as easy breakfast and able to make a light lunch before DH came home. Punky stayed on the bed with me for almost the entire day... she's a big pillow hog for such a little dog!

I did help DH start dinner last night and once everything was going well... I went back to bed. He did good at getting it all on the table for me... it was a yummy meal and more food than I have eaten in a while. We had au gratin potatoes, broccoli and ham steaks. Good comfort food for a cold evening.

I have done part of my CPM this morning... and I have to finish my first set still. I got hungry and needed to eat... and felt that I couldn't wait the entire 2 hours! While I was sitting at the kitchen table... I decided to test my strength... and I can lift my leg straight up off the floor almost 5 inches! I couldn't do that yesterday. Therapy is working... and I need to keep working it! I still find it hard to believe that it was just 2 weeks ago that I had my knee replaced. I am so glad to have had this procedure and I know it will really change how I live! So excited!

Thanks for reading... Thanks for your support and comments! Be blessed!
~Suzanne

The First One...

Hello! I am back home... have been since Saturday. It's been a delight to be back home, even with having to "adjust" to a different type of mobility for a while. DH was with me Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This is my first day home alone. I'm half way through... so far... so good!

My insurance provided me with 7 days of rehab after my 3 day hospital stay. (I will have lots to tell you in the coming days about my rehab stay.) And now that I am home... I have home health care coming in. I have a nurse practitioner, and an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. (Nolli dog was not happy about having anyone come in and "bug" his Mama... he was pretty unglued by the doorbell ringing all the time.)

I am also on a constant passive motion machine (cpm) for flexibility and range of motion. I am up to 102 degrees of flex on the machine... which is pretty good for only 13 days post-op! Since DH has gone back to work, I have to get myself in and out of this contraption by myself. It sits on the bed and I can lie down... and I am in it for 2 hours at a time for a total of 6 hours. It's working... and it's doing a good job. It also wears me out and makes me want to sleep. But I need to get up and move about some afterwards to keep the blood moving.

That's about all that I have for now... Thank you for your encouragement, thoughts and prayers. Be blessed~
~Suzanne

Next On Deck!

I am "on deck" at the hospital at 8:30 tomorrow morning... I had a pre-op appointment this afternoon with the "gas-passer." Plan A is to have a spinal block with "twilight sleep" and plan B is a general anesthesia. I'm pretty much "packed" for the hospital... and DH will have to bring me clothes for rehab. The fridge and the freezer are stocked, the house is relatively clean, all the errands that I can think of or remember have been done, I am officially ready to get my new knee!

Thank you to both Sandy's for your thoughts, prayers, and comments. DH has promised that he will update using facebook and that does appear on the left side of the page on here. I am looking forward to coming through this with being able to become more active and participate in life instead of having to watch from the sidelines this past summer. I can't wait to be able to walk at the mall with my i-pod and my bottle of water... without any pain!!!!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

So Busy!

My life has been a blur since Thursday morning! With only 6 days to get ready for a Total Knee Replacement (TKR), I had a lot to do. I had to get grocery shopping done... and I zipped into Wal-mart... getting a snazzy electric cart, and got as much as I could get into one of those things. I got it all out to the car, loaded it and then had to unload it at home... by myself. That part did me in... I couldn't do too much after that. I do remember fixing something for dinner, but DH went to Men's Fraternity at church. He was going to skip it, but I told him it's too important to miss right now.

On Friday... DH came home from work early. We were setting down to plan out what we were going to do to start out the weekend.... and he got a call for a repair job, just overtime, not double because it was still before 4pm. That took care of what we were planning, that's for sure! I spent part of the day at the doctors office doing my medical history and my pre-op lab work. There was a discussion on my cardiac clearance... that took a few phone calls back and forth with my doctors office... but today the surgical center office has it!

Saturday... we went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then we went to Sams Club for new tires for the car. We put new ones on the front 2 weeks ago, now it was time for the back ones. This time, I again used an electric cart... DH also had a shopping cart. We actually took our time as the wait time for the car was 2 hours. We partook of some of the demo items... and had a nice little snack going on. We spent a good amount of money on stuff... yoga pants and hoodies... cami's for the hospital... along with some yummy frozen stuff for DH while I am gone. (The man isn't going to starve at all!)

We came home and cleaned... and we put stuff away... and I had to rest as I was just BEAT!

Sunday... we went to church... and then headed back to Sam's as I didn't really like most of the stuff I had picked up once I got it home. (I think it has to do with no dressing room or mirror, the stuff just didn't look good!) We ate lunch while we were there, to satisfy my craving for a hotdog and pizza since it will be awhile before I get that again. Again... we came home and cleaned up another area... and took the shower doors down. We put up a regular shower curtain and took the rails off the side of the tub so that I can sit down on the edge and swing my legs over. (That is a good thing!)

Today... DH left for work very early... I went to have the car inspected. They didn't tell me when I called for the appointment that I would need my registration (which was in the car...) but that I would need my proof of insurance... (I am always forgetting to put the new one in!) So... along with walking back to the car and bringing in what I had... it was all for naut! I was not happy. I don't like the place where DH likes to go... last year they tried to sell me a set of tires during my inspection because they had some "feathering" at 10% wear. (I didn't need new tires! They passed the inspection just fine!)

So... along with errand for nothing... I also had to go to the pharmacy. I had to find another inspection place (tomorrow at 10:30) play phone tag with the guy who wants to bring me my knee machine for physical therapy, play phone tag with the doctors office about cardiac clearance and if I needed to be there by 11:30, and play phone tag with the surgery office about my anesthesia consult... I have that tomorrow after the car! I also stopped at our local market for milk and dog biscuits and some cans of soup... and the discount market for snacks for DH. I also went to the post office and mailed my sisters birthday gift... she'll get it a day late. (Sorry!) That was my day... I'm beat!

Speaking for beat... DH was down in Philly today... and he got called to a job in NJ... for a computer lab that had a real issue with a conveyor. He is just now walking in the door from work... and it's 10:55! I guess that covers the time he's taking off on Wednesday to be with me.
I also need to stop by the rehab hospital tomorrow and talk to them about what I need to have DH bring me when it's time to transfer to there. I want to get that packed so that he doesn't have to guess at what I want... and it helps keep me sane! Time to get DH's lunch stuff cleaned out of his lunch cooler and ready to repack early in the morning.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

The Big Date!

I saw the Orthopaedic surgeon this morning... I really liked him and his nurse Wendy. He looked at my chart... hung up my x-rays... talked about maybe doing some steroid injections... OR... doing total knee replacement. Then, he asked me how soon I wanted to do it... I answered, "soon" and he asked me what I was doing on Wednesday!!!!!

This Wednesday... I am having my left knee replaced. I am scared... but excited to have it done so soon. (His Uncle was going to have a TKR, but his aunt became very ill, so his uncle canceled on him this morning.) So... I get to take Uncle Sonny's place! I will be having a titanium prosthesis implanted, made in France... and it has a 30 year life expectancy or better! He says it's the best thing out there... wow... do I feel lucky. It's also a good thing to get it done quickly... because the next open day was Oct. 21st... and I would fret and stew until then.

So... I am off... to do some grocery shopping and get some stuff done up ahead for DH. I'm going to first start with making ahead a couple weeks worth of sandwiches for his lunch... and figure out what I can throw in the freezer for his dinner that won't kill me to make ahead. I also have to have enough dog food and dog treats on hand as well. I need to have DH stow a bunch of stuff on the porch and we need to clear out all the extra stuff in the bedroom to make it easier for when I come home. I will be in a rehab facility for at least 10 days before I come home though. (That's gonna drive both Nolli and Punky nuts!)

Well... I off in slow cloud to get some stuff done... Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Pensive and Curious...

My Orthopaedic appointment is tomorrow... I'm a bit pensive about going... there are so many questions and thoughts I have about having knee replacement surgery. I'm pretty sure it won't be "right away"... but there are many things to be done to get ready for something that is so huge in my life. (I didn't even have this much anxiety over any of my cancer surgeries... all 3 of them, or my first knee surgery!) I'm certain I will be sent for an MRI... just not sure if it will be done on site... (they seem to have everything at their facility) or if I will have to have it scheduled for the hospital.

On the curious side... DH called me this morning... and said that his father called him this morning. His father tried calling him yesterday as well, but DH was so busy with work calls and paperwork, that he never got back to him. It seems that DH's first wife has been calling all of his family... trying to get his phone number to call him. It seems that DH's son is having an issue... and of course we don't know what it is. (I could speculate... I'm thinking it has to do with child support ending and the kid wants to go to school... and support was ended by the state as the kid was 18 and not enrolled in school. I don't think we will be giving any more support, even if he is in school.... we've been back home twice and the kid didn't want to see his Dad or meet me. ) Anyway... tonite, when he finally makes it back home... he will call from our landline (which we will block the number on) and find out why she's been calling everyone in DH's family. Should be an interesting conversation... and I don't know that DH will be kind.

Punky and Nolli are still adjusting... Nolli is still deferring to her... and I am doing my best to teach Punky that she cannot get in his face when I am trying to love him or give him treats... she's kinda getting the idea... but it's slow. Punky does get some time out of her crate... and lately, she likes to hang out on the sofa if I am at the computer. It's actually quite funny and cute! I will try and get a picture of her little head peeking over the back of the couch.

That's all I have for today... Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Saturday Excitement!

We were taking it easy on Saturday... we'd had a nice breakfast of french toast and bacon and eggs. Then the phone rang... it was Miss J. from next door. She wanted to tell me that one of the neighbors across the street was having a garage sale... lots and lots of cars had already stopped. So... we got things cleaned up and headed over. We cut across Miss J.'s yard to cross the street. As we got to the edge of the road... a lady was crossing back over to our side, and she told us that she had seen a very tiny kitten go running across our yard. She said she was going to go find it... and with that, she was off.

We went to the garage sale... and DH found a Dell Computer System... (it had the hard drive removed) but it had a 17 inch flat screen monitor, sound card and speakers, keyboard, mouse and an all in one printer... for $30. (The monitor alone is worth $30!) I found a cute little white soup tureen... I've always wanted one... for $1.25. With that... we came home and DH brought all of our treasures into the house. Since it was such a nice day... we were in and out with the dogs, enjoying the sunshine and the yard... doing some laundry in between. As the day wore on, I got tired and went inside to read and rest.

Later... I came out to walk the dogs... (I'm still working with Punky... and I take her out after she's been in her crate to avoid any accidents) and as we came back down the driveway... she found half of an eaten mouse. (Yuck!) I called DH... but he was nowhere around. I even tried his phone... but no answer. So, I put the dogs into the stairwell... just as I saw DH climbing the stairs to the deck next door at Miss J.'s. He was wearing gloves... and had the little kitten in his hands.

He told me that as he was outside working, Miss J. came over to ask him to help her... she could hear the kitten crying under her windows on the North side of the house and had put food and water out... but the kitten wouldn't stop crying. He donned his gloves and went to help her... and as they set out to get the kitten... the kitten ran toward Miss J., who picked her up... and the kitten proceeded to scratch and bite her hand. (oooowwww!) DH took the kitten and held on to it until Miss J could get her cat carrier. We then encouraged Miss J to go to the ER for a tetanus shot. She called her sister who is an ICU nurse and her sister told her that yes, she did need a shot and antibiotics.

We took over care of the kitten while she went to the ER. This little, tiny, cute kitten is about 4 weeks old. But she is wild... and she hisses and spits and wales a pretty good punch for a little kitty. We ended up lending out Punky's crate, it's bigger than Miss J's cat carrier... and we fashioned a disposable litter box out of something DH had in the garage. Miss J is keeping her in one of the rooms in her cellar, off the garage. We thought we had things under control when Miss J called around 8:30 that night, and the little kitty managed to escape the crate from the bottom. DH went back over to catch her and put her back in... and they fashioned a cover from some insulation board to go around the bottom 2/3's of the crate.

Punky is using an old dog crate that is much smaller than she's used to... she doesn't like it one bit! Today... Miss J called to say that she is going to have to keep the kitten for the 10-day observation for rabies... the county animal shelters won't do it. (I've never heard of that... I figured if an animal bit you... it was surrendered and observed by the county.) She's hoping that the shelter would lend her a large cage so that Punky could have her crate back. Punky is currently on a leash and sleeping near by... it could work out to be a good training experience for her and help her get used to be a member of the family!

We aren't sure where this kitten came from... and it also looks like she was attacked at some point because she had dried blood on her side. Miss J says that the kitty hasn't groomed herself at all... which is probably because she's so young. Yesterday... I discovered the other half of the dead mouse... we do have a couple of hawks and some owls that live near by... and our big tree is a favorite roost while they feed. When DH picked up the first part of the mouse on Saturday, a hawk flew out of the tree... screeching the entire time... upset that we threw dinner away, I'm sure. Miss J told us that before we moved in, they would often see bones and fur lying in the driveway under the tree.

We also saw the deer up in the clearing late on Saturday. They have changed color... gotten much darker for Fall and Winter. We haven't decided if we are going to do deer crunch this year. Once you start to feed them, you can't stop during the Winter. It's a rather good expense... I think we'll just put out mineral salt licks for them. I know there are other people that live up the hill in the village that do put out feed... it's probably more than enough.

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Workin' It!

I've been trying to do my physical therapy at home... I've been given resistance bands... and I am working my shoulders to stabilize my thoracic spine. It's hard work, and I am sore doing it. DH has to help me do one of them, doing a pull and slowly putting my arms back behind my back. That one wears me out.

I received my paperwork for my Orthopaedic appointment next week. I filled out all the paperwork... 4 different forms and took it along with my X-rays up to the doctor's office today. I'm glad I went up there today... it's not a huge facility... but it is spread out. They have their own on-site surgical center, their own rehab facility, and other doctors offices there. They also have their own on-site daycare center... not too shabby! Everyone seems really nice, when I go next week, all I will have to do is check in and pay my co-pay and then be sent to patient registration. Then the process will begin... it still scares me that I will have to have my knee joint replaced... and the pain of going through that process and recovery scares me as well. I hurt now... and I am trying to mentally balance out going through intense pain to regain mobility to the level of pain I currently have. (The problem with that is that I have a very high pain tolerance and it's tough to gauge it all!)

Work wise... DH is still going through issues with his supervisor... and we are still not certain what is going to happen. We are starting to consider moving back to Maryland even though it's not what we want. If it's what God wants... we have to be obedient and allow him to do the work and take care of the details. We both have trust issues with the supervisor... I wouldn't trust him to do anything he says... I have a gut feeling about a few things... but there isn't much more I can do other than pray, pray, pray and pray some more!

We are planning an easy weekend... not doing much more than cleaning house, doing a little yard work and maybe going out to Berger's Farm for an Antique Farm Equipment show. (That sounds like fun... eh?) I hope to get Nolli a bath tomorrow while it is nice... Punky needs one as well... but I'm going to wait as her ears are giving her some trouble. (I cleaned her ears yesterday... yucky... poor little dog! I don't think they've ever been done!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

It's been awhile...

I haven't posted... because I feel that all I am going to talk about is my knee.... and it's true this time. I went to the doctor again on Monday... and he cannot decide what exactly is going on with my knee being all hot and swelled. It's still hot but the swelling has gone down a lot. The office called today... and the doctor requested that I come in for lab work. So... I trucked on over to Bloomsburg and got it done.

I have tried to stay off of it... it's not easy to do. I had errands to do yesterday... and then make dinner and clean. DH is now working in Philly again... so I needed to get extra things made for his lunch because it's such a long day for him. One new development is that I now cannot get into the shower by myself. We have a 20" deep soaker tub... and it also has a 2 inch lip for the shower door glides. Using my step stool (as I have since we've moved in) I could not clear the glide, and could not get my leg over it by myself. DH had to help me over.

We are going to have to modify the bathtub and take off the doors, remove the glide bar and put up a regular shower curtain. We will also have to add a grab bar for me... I am not liking this new development, but it was bound to happen sooner or later. DH wants to modify the entire tub, but I don't know if we (I) want to spend the money to do that. We shall see what happens in the near future. For now... I will become an "evening shower" person... and I guess I will start getting more used to the "bed head" look again... Good thing I stocked up Bed Head "Modifier" hair product. I think I need to at least go in and have the back of my hair cut a little shorter to get it to do what I want. I'm also starting to develop plantar facisitis in both feet... yuck! I am doing physical therapy at home for it. (It just never seems to get better for me!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Late Night Adventure

So.. yesterday... I went to the doctor... got the great news that we've done what we could for my knee... and it's time for a Total Knee Replacement. With that news... I quietly came back home... stopping at the store to get a few things for dinner. (It was pouring down rain, and cold... so homemade chili was in order!)

I got everything into the house... walked the dogs... attempted to do some things around the house that resembled some housework. I got really tired. So I took myself a little nap... (soon to be interrupted by the phone ringing... and it went to the answering machine) I got up and got to working on making the chili for dinner. DH ended up being re-routed for the rest of his day... which put him 4 hours over on a Friday night. (Again!!!) By the time he came home, I wasn't moving very well. My left knee was the most swollen I've ever seen it, and it was also the "hottest" part of my body. I wasn't worried until the chills hit me.

I called my doctors service... but he had signed out for the weekend. His weekend cover sent me directly to the ER. We got there a little before 10 pm. We had to go through triage... and then wait for the ER Attending to come in. I think he thought I was a "doctor hopper" looking for pain meds. I am not one of those... at all. I told him that if he wanted to see my x-rays of what my knees looked like, I would send DH to the car to retrieve them. Finally, he realized that yes, I had seen my doctor today... and yes, my doctor did tell me that I have water on my knee... but that, no, my knee was not in it's current condition during that visit and only became that way that evening.

Long story short--- my blood pressure was sky-high ( duh! ) and I was starting to get an infection in the joint. That's a serious thing, considering all of my various medical situations. At one point, I looked straight at him and asked him... "Are you gonna treat me or not? Cause I'm getting a vibe that feels like you don't want to!" He did do a white blood cell count, which came back normal... and he gave me a broad spectrum antibiotic and a really good shot in the hip of Toradol to relieve my pain. We were outta of there by midnight and back on the road to home! Needless to say... I was quite "loopy" and we laughed a lot on the way home. I think I managed to get DH up out of bed a minimum of 4 times before we could settle in for the night.

Today... we took easy in the morning... and then did the whole pharmacy thing ... stopping at CVS, and also getting DH a haircut while we were at that shopping center... and on to Walmart to get my other script. We managed to grab an electric cart that worked... and the Walmart Greeter actually yelled and snarled at us as DH went to get the cart... I had been standing there waiting while she was off talking to someone else, so we helped ourselves. She did not make me feel welcome at all... I snarled back at her that IF she had the knee that I had... she'd help herself to a frikken cart too! Oh my!

We are now safely home... we've eaten, snacked... and relaxed. We've had Punky out of her crate for most of the day... she likes to lay on the bed with me. Nolli has also gotten up on the bed with us... it's been a cozy family afternoon. I am starting to feel better... the chills have stopped and although my knee is still hot, it's not nearly as warm as it was. I actually can feel a difference on the inside edge of my knee... like there's actually just enough room in there, instead of not enough! I'm getting a little woozy as I am keying... so I think I've written all that I can and have it make sense. I am hoping to be able to go to church tomorrow!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

It's Now Official...

I went to see my primary care doctor today... and he has determined and recommended that I have my left knee replaced. Total Knee Replacement! Yikes... that has got me a Little Freaked Out! But... after examining my knee today... I have quite a bit of water on my knee.. my meniscus is torn (again!) and with the bone spurs that I have... he feels that I have little to no cartilage left and am walking bone on bone. (I have been that way for awhile!) But... now that I have jumped through the physical therapy hoops and done Hyalgan injections... it's very evident that it didn't work for that knee. (My right knee has a little pain... but nothing like it is with my left knee.)

Altho I have a very high pain tolerance, it's become an issue of mobility, even using the electric shopping carts, getting up and down is quite painful, even with having my knee braced and using my cane. It's enough to make me hold my breath as I get up! He's recommended a good surgeon in Bloomsburg, and that I can have Dr. Pyles, my general surgeon, to assist in the procedure so that I will have someone I know and trust there as well. (I really like Dr. Pyles... he's a real crack up!) Dr. Seidenberg said that he would let Dr. Williams cut on his own knee... that means something as Dr. Seidenberg did his sport medicine practice with the St. Louis Cardinals. (It's always fun to go to his office and see his signed sports memorabilia and pictures with the players... he knows people!) So... my first orthopaedic appointment is Sept 24th... just 2 weeks away... and then we will know more after that!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Nine/Eleven...

I am remembering those who sacrificed and gave all... those who were innocent victims of terror, and the loss of innocence in America... that it "would never happen here."

I am grateful for those who serve in our military so that we retain the rights and freedoms we have in this Dear Nation of Ours. I am honored to say that I have many family members who have served, or are serving now in the military, or work in the hard jobs of police officer or fire fighter or first responder.

We all remember... and will never forget!

God Bless America!

Released... for the time being!

I have just returned from physical therapy... they've discharged me for my back and shoulder! I have a whole regimen of therapy exercises to do at home. I have bands to do resistance... and the goal is strengthen and stabilize my thoracic spine. For the most part... as long I don't turn funny or lift anything... I have zero pain in my back. (Lifting Punky sideways can give me a twinge... so I have to be careful.)

I see my primary care doctor on Friday... DH has additional testing to do tomorrow... so you can see how the rest of my week is gonna play out. I'm gonna be running... and I'm gonna be tired. Bear with me, okay? Today... my therapist and I talked about my knee... and what is in my best interest to do next... we both feel that I should ask to see my x-rays of my knee, and then push to have my left knee replacement done. It will be tough and grueling... as I don't have any real support system here to help me. (Gone are the days of having my Mom fly out and stay with me as I recuperate... those were true "diamond times.") I also have decided that it's time for a handicap placard for my car as well... I have the form filled out and ready to go for the doctor.

We are beginning to see the signs of Fall come to our yard. We have an ornamental cherry tree in our front yard... DH went out to the garage and quickly came back up to tell me that the entire herd of deer were feeding in our front yard! We only got a quick glimpse before someone driving down the street, yelled from their car and scared them all off. There are also a few trees beginning to change colors and I've seen a few smaller maples leaves on the ground already. Pumpkins are being harvested now as well... there is a large grower on the other side of the mountain... they have a few large crates already picked! It's hard to believe that soon we will be putting away all of our chairs and dismantling the trellis and all the flower pots and stowing them for winter... I've enjoyed our outside living area so much this year.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

FOR TODAY (September 7, 2009)...

Outside my window... it's cool and cloudy. It's very quiet outside today.

I am thinking... of all the projects that need to be finished before the snow flies this year.

I am thankful for... a hard working and very talented husband, our cozy home, and our fur babies... and for good health insurance.

I am wearing... denim shorts and my old (very old) navy v-neck sweater... and of course I'm inside, so my feet are bare right now!

I am creating... my Christmas shopping list in my head... and also looking for a birthday gift or two...

I am going... to physical therapy this week, and also to the doctor this week.

I am reading... nothing... I just finished reading The Shack. A former co-worker has tried to "taint" my views on this book... but I won't be deterred... I liked it!

I am hoping... and praying continually that DH's bosses will be convicted to do the right thing.

I am hearing... DH working on projects down in the basement. He's fixed a broken chair seat, and now is fixing some wiring for a couple of things that we got garage sailing..

Around the house... it still needs to be picked up, dusted and vacuumed from the last couple of days. There is a roast in the fridge that will soon go into the oven for dinner. Yummmm!

One of my favorite things... is that DH likes to help me in the kitchen... he baked cookies for me last night and made breakfast this morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Doctors appointments for both of us... physical therapy for me... getting bills paid this week, getting tires on the car and car maintenance... and remembering to order contact lenses for me!

Thanks for reading... I hope you are having a wonderful Labor Day! Be blessed!

~Suzanne

Heart... Soul.... Love

I love the skit guys... and often view thier videos on You-tube. Today I came across this... not the skit guys... but it reminds me of what is most important. This touched my heart today and I am sharing it with you....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbIOdj529Uo

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Trying to Be Good...

My back issue is not going away quietly... everytime I think I get a handle on it... "Boom!" It reminds me that it's still there and controlling just about everything I do. You add my bum knees to the mix... and it's a pretty clear picture that looks like I am falling apart before our very eyes. I am trying to stay on task with my physical therapy and do my exercises. I forget sometimes!

The other day... DH came home from work... and he was not a happy camper. He uses a quite large air compressor in his daily duties. Before we got married, he went and bought a very nice, shiny blue one from a big box retailer. It had lots of bells and whistles with it... his buddy T. (who is now his supervisor) wanted the company to buy it for DH... (so that he could later pull it and put it in his truck...) DH decided that he wanted to buy it himself so that he could have what he needed in certain situations. Anyway... a few months back, it had issues, and we discovered that the warranty that it had was no longer any good because the manufacturer went out of business. (It's a good thing that he didn't buy the extended warranty... it would have been of no use.) Now... back to DH not being happy... his compressor died! Gave up the ghost... and he came home and took it apart to discover that a belt drive had shredded.

We ended up taking a drive to Pennsberg to Supervisor T's house and borrowing his air compressor. We had a nice drive... and went to a new little chinese buffett before heading back out of town. We had a lovely dinner and an enjoyable car ride. We were gone most of the evening... getting home at 9:30. We were quite tired and poor DH because of my knees and my back... has had to pick up most of the slack for me. I can't really lift, can't carry laundry down, shouldn't be leaning over to load and unload the dishwasher. I do what I can... until I hit the wall... and then DH has to continue on. I am so blessed to have such a great man.

Things with Punky and Nolli are progressing. He still feels a little jealous from time to time. She's a very exuberant personality... full of energy and quite willlful. He's so laid back and sweet... just needed a little love and interaction from time to time. While I was laying on the bed with my knee encased in ice last night... I had DH let her out of her cage... she was up on the bed with me for snuggle time. She jumped right off and went to get water... and I called to DH to let him know she was out and about... he came down the hall to get her, but not before she jumped back up on the bed... all by herself! She's tiny... and Nolli has trouble jumping up on the bed. But not her... she hops right up there like a pro! Who knew!!!!

This month is going to be interesting... I see the doctor next Friday... I don't know if he will send me to an orthopaedic surgeon or if I will have to see one on my own. I've been doing some research, it's scary and I don't know that I will be able to come home right away without having some help or going to a rehab facility. There's also the stair issue and the fact that most everything in this home is not handicapped accessible... like the bathtub... it's deep, and I have to use a step stool to even get in!

Also this month, we have to have the car inspected... and it needs new tires. (I am hoping that the brakes are still good.) It's also cooling down, so we will need to buy heating oil. We are hoping that we won't have to move... I would hate to have to buy oil and then move! There's a lot on the plate... and of course, as always... we do covet your prayers.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY (August 31. 2009)...

Outside my window... It's cloudy and cool, with a slight breeze.

I am thinking... of what a great weekend we had here... Friday, DH brought home Chipotle for dinner, Saturday, we stayed home all day and worked on small home projects. And Sunday, we went to church, bought a new tool for DH and had lunch at Cracker Barrel. It was a nice day.

I am thankful for... my hardworking husband and our little family. I am thankful for a cozy home and good friends.

From the kitchen... we are going to have pork chops and scalloped corn for dinner. Yum!

I am wearing... a black long sleeve cable v-neck sweater and denim shorts... bare foot as usual.

I am creating... yummy things to eat for dinner... and maybe dessert too!

I am going... to physical therapy tomorrow... glad to see progress on my disc issue.

I am reading... "The Shack"... and I love it!

I am hoping... that I will gain more mobility and be able to go back into the pool for my knee.

I am hearing... the breeze in the trees and few birds too. We've kept the tv off now for a few days... and either talked or listened to music.

Around the house... DH is working on a couple projects, I am working on training Pumpkin... and Nolli is enjoying extra Mommy-time with me!

One of my favorite things... is how most of my outdoor flowers are still blooming... we are well aware that soon we will be putting all the Summer things away and our outdoor living room will be gone for another 7 months.

A few plans for the rest of the week: working on my flexibility... and recording my pain on my knee to build a clear picture of what is happening for the doctor. (Replacement may be coming sooner than I thought.)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Delurking Myself!

I have been around... just not posting... I am doing a ton of at-home physical therapy to help correct a bulging (leaking) disc in my thoracic spine. It's just under my shoulder blade... right where my bra strap starts. The doctor thought it was muscular... but the therapist wanted to rule out the disc first.... and it ended up being the disc. So... now that I have done the first set of exercises... I am doing step 2 and it is every hour or more if I need it. I am concentrating on my posture... and my rib cage is sore. I've even raised my monitor up a good 6 inches on the desk to help my neck so that my chin is not down.

This also means no bending forward. No lifting... and I had to downgrade my handbag. I am still also dealing with my left knee and how uncomfortable this last injection of Hyalgan has been. I am in more pain then before the first shot. I have to watch how long I stand, how I stand and how I walk. Ice is still my best friend... and we "meet" several times a day!

Nolli and Punky are doing well... they are becoming more bonded... and I am sure to give Nolli more one-on-one time with me and extra treats and car rides when possible. We are looking forward to the weekend... and being able to chill out around home. They are calling for lousy weather all weekend, so we are content to stay home and putter around here.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Womans Daybook...

FOR TODAY (August 25, 2009)...

Outside my window... it's sunny and warm... and just a little humid!

I am thinking... of the many projects I need to tend to and want to put off~

I am thankful for... good health insurance, DH's job~such as it is, and the love that we share for each other!

From the kitchen... there is pizza bread on the table... popcorn for snacks... and double-deck tacos for dinner.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a black and pink floral knit top and black flats.

I am creating... physical therapy props... rolled towels in different configurations to help me with my posture and being able to sit properly.

I am going... to the pharmacy later. (Always... the pharmacy!)

I am reading... nothing... got any suggestions?

I am hoping... for Pumpkin to figure out what going outside means soon!

I am hearing... DH working on projects, the tv in the background and just a few cars going by.

Around the house... there is laundry to do (always!) There is a little light housekeeping to be done.

One of my favorite things... was having DH at my p/t appointment today to reiterate what I am feeling and to learn what needs to be done to help me with my posture and shoulder issues.

A few plans for the rest of the week: to maintain my physical therapy program and gain strength.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Sweet Sunday Love

I had a very rough night last night... I went to bed feeling ill... and was up and down during the night. When I finally woke up this morning after getting some sleep, DH had come into the bedroom and told me that I was not going to church this morning. He was very right... I wasn't moving all that well. My legs were hurting and my knees (left) were screaming.

DH did make me breakfast... yummy french toast, pepper bacon and fried eggs. It was so good. And I did share with Nolli-dog. (I cannot not share bacon with him! I did give some to Pumpkin as well.) We went back to bed for a while as I elevated and iced my knee. I brought Pumpkin with us... she's learning how to chill... (just a little, lol!) and we worked on a couple of cross word puzzles. Once we finished, I got showered, and we decided to take a drive.

We went down the country road that I wanted to explore with DH... showed him where I had found one fishing hole... and we made our way home. We drove 60 miles of back roads and made a huge loop around Sugarloaf Mountain. It was so fun... and we discovered a great park as well... one that we will probably go and visit again before the end of Fall... don't think we will hit it before end of Summer.

We stopped and picked up some bread and cheese and salami... and had a great little picnic. It was divine! We enjoyed the sunshine and each other's company... it's all about the simple things to us!

We are now home... and doing a few chores. DH is such a help when it comes to some of the things I use to do alone... he flipped the mattress for me... and vacuumed under and behind the bed. He's going to start a load of laundry for me as well. (He told me that he understands that I cannot do it by myself anymore. That I do need help with some basic chores these days.) I am growing concerned as I had great hopes for this injection series... and it's helped my right knee... but my left knee is still in so much pain and is so stiff that I have trouble walking if it's not braced. The doctor told me that I don't need the brace... but I do so much better with it.

That's pretty much what our day has been... just enjoying the simple things... helping each other, and being a family. That's Sweet Sunday Love!

Thanks for reading.. be blessed!
~Suzanne