To My Readers...

Now that I am working full time... and having to keep track of lots of details as DH is traveling more and working crazy hours, I think it's time to draw this blog to a close. It's been fun... it's been an outlet to help me vent and keep a little sanity in my life... but I am finding that as I struggle with life in general and sometimes share my frustrations of being busy or being angry and upset about DH's work issues, that negative comments are left and I don't really enjoy that.

I also must say to one certain person who is anonymous... the reason for my getting my husbands work clothes laid out was that he was getting home from work at 11:30 at night (after leaving at 3:00am) and it was so he wouldn't have to disturb my sleep as he was going to nap on the sofa before he headed out for work again at 3:00 am. He does get his own clothes ready... I was trying to be helpful during a very tough and stressful week for both of us... m'kay????

This started out as a way to journal my thoughts and opinions as I adjusted to married life for the first time in 20 years. It's been 2 years and just about 500 posts, lots of recipes and trips to the Amish Market, along with lots of dog stories, rants about work and tales of what we found on our short road trips. It's been fun but now, it's time to end... maybe I'll be back... but for now... I'm done!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Soooo Busy... I'm Spinnin'!

This past week has gone by in a blur. Work is going pretty well so far. Friday was a rather intense day as the entire office was down to using one printer that is on it's last legs. We had a new one at the front... but somehow it's not working at all.

Moving on... I was pretty tired yesterday, so we went out for chinese food. We got there before the big dinner rush and we were able to get seated with our favorite waitress. She's around 70 and her parents were doctors. She has always been wonderful to us since we first moved here... and we hadn't seen her for awhile. Last night was hugs and well wishes as we left... she took good care of us and we were happy to have seen her.

Today... was super-duper crazy busy. I tried to sleep in, but Punky had some crazy dream and howled in her sleep around 5:30. She woke me up and I couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and went to try and go to sleep on the sofa so I wouldn't wake DH up. I snoozed in front of the tv after falling asleep after 6:15. I woke up at 8:00 with Punky licking my face and hand... so much for sleeping in. I took her out and then got dressed... heading up to McDonalds for breakfast from the drive-thru and brought it home to DH. After that, DH got dressed and we headed to the Amish market up in the Pocono Mountains.

We found our usual eggs and butter, smoked sausage and produce. We also found some great pumpkins, squash and beautiful mums. We came home... and I went straight to work. I had to clean up all my summer flowers and get all my flower pots and containers and terra-cotta pots put away for the winter. It was a little sad for me to pull up all the flowers and fill up the wheel barrow with all that stuff. I got things put away and moved. We also decided to do some painting... our doors all needed some spiffing up and we got that done too. We finally got finished just before 5:00.

Tonight, I am back from going to dinner with DH and stopping to pick up a couple of things I needed for work. I'm looking at a pretty big to-do list for tomorrow... but I'm certain I will be moving quite slow while I do it. All I can say is... I'm glad my day started out with a large mocha! I'm sure I'm gonna need one tomorrow too!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Lost in the Closet...

I've been in my closets today... doing more purging and some organizing. I am making headway... and can actually see where are my (remaining) shoes are now. It's a good feeling, but I still need to add a couple of organizing pieces to my closet. And I need to move the clothes bar back about 4 inches. (I really don't want to do that because I'll have to take all the clothing out on that one side.) But if I did that... I would gain some valuable real estate just inside the door for the aforementioned closet organizer.

In the guest room closet... I was able to really organize a good deal of our linens, some Christmas stuff and odds and ends of things I am not yet ready to part with. One of my goals this summer was to get a handle on how things have a tendency to either not get put away (because of space issues) or get tossed into the guest room to be dealt with later. I can confess that I am a card carrying member of the procrastinators club for most of my life. I understand that I come by that tendency genetically, no matter how hard I try!

That's what's  happening here! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Just a Quick One!

I only have time for a short post... I'm heading out the door to Bloomsburg to see my Knee Surgeon this morning. I am still having issues with pain in one area that shouldn't be there. I was discharged from physical therapy on Thursday... and my therapist recommended that I go back for a re-check! Since I "popped it" over a month ago... I still have lost mobility and my quality of life isn't what I had hoped for. I'm going to stop by the p/t office on my way and get a written report of my "lack of/or backward progress."

It's bitterly cold... we've insulated as much as we can... hung plastic over every window and vent! We've even purchased an oil-filled electric radiator to use in the back of the house... it gets toasty warm back there! We do okay during the day, but when the sun falls outta the sky... we are freezing. And then there's the wind... -5 wind chills really suck when you have to wear shorts!

That's all I have time for! 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

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

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

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

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

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