The Time Has Come

I finally made the decision to look into knee replacement surgery on my left knee.  It's been bad for about 20 years, but has progressively gotten worse as time marched on.

I love to hike, but lately it's become too painful to hit the trails any more.  Now that spring is here, it's become more apparent that something needed to be done.  I may be getting older, but not old enough to give up and spend the rest of life just sitting around.  I miss my outdoor time and enjoying nature. 

I went to my primary care physician a few weeks ago and he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.  I really was apprehensive taking that first step, but I went ahead and set up an appointment.

In the meantime, Herb and I went to Petsmart to pick up some bags of cat food and other pet supplies.  Imagine our surprise when we opened up the back of our car to load our purchases, when we found this:

Herb thought we were in the wrong car.  Duh!  We opened it with our keys, it had to be our car!  I was quite taken aback, as the knee surgery was almost constantly on my mind. Was this an omen?

Finally, we remembered that our son-in-law had borrowed this spare car of ours, and the wheelchair was probably his...although he is perfectly able bodied.  After checking with him, he said it was his.  I still don't know why he has it.  Any way, we are keeping it for now....just in case I need it in the future.

After looking at my Xrays the surgeon said I either had a high tolerance for pain, or I just hate going to the doctor.  I laughed, and said it was both.  So, any way, I have all of my appointments set up.  Pre-op checkup, JET class, surgery (which is June 7) and post op appointment.

Of course, being who I am, I have all kind of scenarios spinning around in my head.  I hate to be a burden to anyone...family included.  I don't like to be fussed over and I don't want to inconvenience anyone.  I want to know people care, but I don't necessarily want too much attention either.  Don't know if that makes sense, but I am an introvert, so that may explain my feelings.

Just yesterday I joined some Knee Replacement groups on facebook, and after looking at a lot of posts on those groups, I feel like it will be something I can definitely handle.  Lots of positive posts, along with giving others lots of support.

In the meantime, I am trying to exercise by using my stationery bike and rowing machine.  They are both low impact for the knees, so that's good.  The rowing machine seems to work my arms more than my legs.  The bike works the legs more.  The hardest part about the rowing machine, is getting up and down off the floor!  So hopefully, my arms and legs will be nice and strong to support me on this journey!

Today, I went out and bought some yarn and other craft supplies in case I'm not able to get out for awhile after surgery.  I have lots of books too.  I'll have plenty to do in between physical therapy and resting.  So, those are the main things I'll need.  Right?

The Close & Highlights of a Season of "Counting Birds"

The bird counting season has come to a close.  I have counted birds for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Project Feederwatch Program for six years now.  The season runs from November through April.  Participants pick two days in a row of the week to count birds species that visit their site. We then log onto their website and enter our counts.  We can also enter behavioral data between species.

I have learned a lot over the years.  I'm finally able to distinguish some of their bird songs/calls too.  In the dimness of morning and of evening, it can sometimes be difficult to see the birds clearly, but now I've been able to distinguish many birds just by their flight patterns.

The little chickadees seem to dart up and down as they head for the feeders.  The red bellied woodpecker swoops down from a tree to land on a feeder.  The big ugly common grackles just seem to drop down out of the sky!

It currently costs $18 a year to participate.  Some people may feel they shouldn't have to pay a fee to collect data, but I think of it as a form of entertainment and a learning experience, which it is.  It is certainly worth the $18 to me!!!

Here are a few pictures/videos of this past year:

These are just simple little houses finches and a red winged black bird.  Pretty common birds, but I liked the contrast in colors in this photo.

An Eastern Towhee on a snowy morning.  I rarely see this bird in our backyard.

A short video of a hawk looking for a bite to eat.  

A couple of pictures of a Northern Flicker.  I just love their markings and colors!

 

 

This photo though not very clear, has been verified as a Barn Owl.  Barn Owls are endangered in Ohio, so I was very excited to see this guy.

 

 

This will be the sunset of the counting season and this post.