Gearing Up To Dance Again or I'm glad I have only two knees!

I'm certain that you don't recall that after my first total knee replacement in January of 2012, I did not readily re-gain 100% range of motion.  I had to be placed under general anesthesia, and the knee had to be bent to break the offending and limiting scar tissue.  After the manipulation, I was able to achieve  a 75° bend.

This time, after only one week I was measured at 100°.  I'm still at 100, but able to (slowly) do rotations on the bike.  The swelling and bruising are almost all gone, but I still have difficulty getting 'comfortable' and sitting for long periods of time.  I continue using a walker outside of the house, but mainly to insure balance.  I confess I'm still using pain meds, but have substantially cut back especially at night.

Quite a few of you have written and asked after me, and I feel so blessed in this.  Your kind wishes have really meant a lot and have carried me through a few really, really rough days.  I've also been so blessed with dear, dear folks sending messages, or stopping over for visits.  I'm so thankful to have you all in my life.

Royal Secrets

  I'm taking a short break in sharing our recent cruise/trip photos.  We'll continue with these next week.


  As many of you know we have a family business.  All of our employees have offices in their homes, but business meetings are often held in our home.  Sometimes having a business run from home has interesting effects like the time the husband forgot to tell me a few employees were coming over and I had just gotten out of the shower.  Luckily, our health plan included the months of therapy necessary for the poor woman who walked in on me.  :)  I've also learned since while fun, walking around in my 'altogether' is probably not a good idea.


  Yesterday was another instance when the line between business and family time was crossed a little.  Richard received a call from one of his client's attorneys.  She asked him if he'd been spending any time with a young grandchild.  He told her he had just the night before and asked how she knew.  Instead of answering his question, she asked, "Are you the king?  And were you holding the royal stuffed dog and minding the royal horses"?  He laughed -- evidently he had inadvertently butt/pocket called her while he was playing castle with Ariana on our living room floor.  Think Warren Buffett plays on the floor with his grand kids?  

It's Not All Been Bad

It's not all been bleak as three weeks ago the stork brought Tyler to DIL Jennie and son Michael.  And so we have another bundle to love and spoil.  Our Ariana's take on her new cousin?  When her mother was holding the baby, Ariana said, "Mommy, put that thing down."  We'll be working on this.

Doing well with the physical therapy. And am learning patience.  My new knee celebrates it's one month birthday this week.  We'll celebrate with German chocolate cake, I think.  Or we'll skip the cake and just eat that wonderful pecan/coconut icing.

First Day of Fall and I'm Whining

It's five days after the carpal tunnel release and am in the same blue funk I was at this stage after the first one. Everything is a chore -- washing my face, brushing my hair, getting dressed, completing the simplest of tasks. My right hand is at about 85% -- a little pain, but mostly lack of strength. I'm working on that, though and have opted not to do the physical therapy as I have 100% range of motion. Better to leave the therapy spots to someone who really needs it.
Yesterday I drove to Costco, bought a few things and then put gas in my car. It took a little longer to wrestle with the cart and juggle the gas pump and credit card, but I did it and it felt good to get out.
Well, daughter just called and she thinks I should go to the gym with her. I think she's right -- although it will take me about an hour just to get my sports bra on -- got to harness the girls! Better get started...