Reservation Made!

 It may seem like a small thing - but today I was on the phone to Alaska Airlines.  I cancelled next year's birthday flight to WA in February.  I won't even have six-months under my belt by then.  No, I won't be riding Farah for that decade birthday... :-(   I'm totally disappointed...  I just remember I will ride again!

 I've scheduled my flight home, for the day after my six-week check-up!  Coming in on a Thursday afternoon, will give us time to situate me at home over the weekend.  Having the leg heal without complications, is my priority.  I'm glad I didn't sell my stationary bike!  I've adjusted my expectations too.  By the time winter weather breaks, I hope to be back on Speedy & riding the trail.  

Me in my home "office"~

Each day, I'm spending more time up! My leg lets me know when enough is enough. I've got a lot of flexibility back in my ankle & can stretch, rotate & move my foot without pain. All good! I'm anxious to find out when I can start physical therapy, too.

My "Caregiver" Courtney with her hands full!

Courtney has been just super! We've readjusted my brace, so it's no longer cutting into the outside of my ankle, which was creating a pain all it's own! We're getting expert at re-wrapping the leg too. I make the most of each of my trips, but can only take small items & handle the walker. Courtney ends up moving my projects from the living room, out to the kitchen table in the afternoons etc.  It's so exasperating after a meal, to not be able to jump up & help with dishes.  Feeling somewhat helpless is very difficult for me.  I'm actually starting to get the knack of doing latch hook again!  It's not as easy as I'd remembered!

Josie, Cassidy, Mason, Skyla & Grammy~

A week ago Friday, Oct. 2nd, daughter Jentry drove up from Astoria with Skyla & Josie!  (I was still feeling very yucky.)  They were on their way for a long vacation in the west - to include Yellowstone!   It was so wonderful to see them! Grandson Ben keeps me in suspense - saying he'll visit - then not showing up. Joyce is driving up this week to see me & I'm really looking forward to that.

Butch usually calls once in the morning & in the evening to catch me up on what's going on out his way.  I talk to Nika too - Butch says she does recognize my voice - but he's probably saying that to make me feel better.  When he's away driving activities, Nika stays with Doris & is totally spoiled - I'm sure!

Now, I'm coming up on my third week!  Half-way to going Home!

Methodical~

 I can't think of another word to better describe my days & nights, which all seem to blur together...  Last week, on Thursday the first, Courtney decided we should go to the Evergreen ER & have my leg/foot checked.  My foot was totally swollen, black & blue.  When I actually thought about it - I'm amazed my ankle didn't break.  I have my Ariat boot to thank for it - I think.

Hobbling out to the car, sliding into the backseat & making the drive, was more tiring than I had imagined.  At the clinic, Courtney put me in a wheelchair to get to emergency.

Unwrapped~

Getting all the ace bandage off felt so good!  The Doctor there checked the color of my leg & foot.  The swelling could have been another bout with Compression Syndrome, but thankfully was not!  All the staff complimented me on my balance & how well I was maneuvering.  They replaced all the old ace bandaging with a new, softer product.

Today, was my two-week check-up!  I was pretty excited to go.  They had scheduled x-rays & finally, I got to see what had gone on inside.  It actually wasn't as bad as I'd prepared myself for, except when it came to removing the cotton.  The lines of staples going up both the outside & inside of my leg looked pretty horrific.  Something out of a Frankenstein movie. Too wicked to post a photo.  They'd already scabbed over.  Removing them all, took most of an hour.  My leg will never look the same...

I was happy to hear I'm healing right up!  Doctors were impressed with my progress & said I'm doing everything right.  I had to get more pills for pain.  I keep trying to cut them out - but after hours of wiggling around - end up taking one by day's end.  Usually, a couple more to try for some sleep.  I've been told I'll have another two-weeks of pain - then the worst of it will be over!  Gosh!  I look forward to that!

My upper body is getting stronger from using the walker.  My right leg - which used to be the bad one - is taking the abuse better than I expected, too.  Four-more weeks & I hope to be flying home!  A day at a time has never been easy for me - but my choices are limited.

I sit outside for a while each afternoon after lunch & watch the rabbits & squirrels.  I've used colored pencils & had fun doing a couple small drawings.  Courtney & I watch TV in the evenings - hot tea & mother/daughter time.    I never expected my Grandkids would see me this way - but they're taking it in stride!