One More Step Closer

Well, I survived my pre-op tests and blood draws yesterday.  Blood pressure was good.  I always worry about that because I have a tendency to get anxious when I go to the doctor and I'm sure that affects the blood pressure.

The EKG was good as well.  All the blood testing came back in normal ranges, so I'm good to go!

Next week, on the 31st, we will go to our JET class and have a few more labs.  In the meantime, I keep reading the knee replacement group posts on facebook and get lots of tips on how to survive the hospital stay and recovery at home. 

Someone recently asked what to bring with them to the hospital.  One person wore men's exercise shorts for therapy and for sleep.  She said because they were silky, it made it easier to move around in bed and were very comfortable.  So, I headed to Kohl's today and bought two pair.  They are really much more comfortable than women's shorts.  They don't look bad either.  One is blue stripe, the other neon green (it doesn't show up in the picture).

We still need to get a walker, cane and other mobility stuff, but Herb wants to wait until we go to the JET class to get a better idea of what I'll need.  I'm sure that will be enough time to run around and get everything.

Herb has already scheduled about 6 or 7 days off to be home with me.  We have adult children nearby who I HOPE I can count on if I need them to fill in somewhere. Herb's work schedule varies anywhere from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm.  So, I think we are good with our plans.

I'm anxious to get this done and face the pain of healing.  It may be more intense but it will be a healing pain and will lessen over time instead of getting worse.

My goal is to be able to walk around the Columbus Ohio Horse Show next April.  We didn't go this year because I knew it was just too much walking and too much pain.  It's the first time I've missed the show in quite a number of years.

Waiting for Time to Pass

As we grow older we begin to notice how fast time passes, unless of course you're waiting for your surgery date to get here!!

It's too early to give the house a good cleaning because it will just be a mess again in a short time.  I want to give my dog, Finn one more haircut before surgery, but I think it's too early for that too.

I did get my haircut yesterday and I had them cut it a little shorter than usual.  It looks really good, and I won't mind if it gets a little unruly before I can get out again to get it cut after surgery.  BUT, I can't stand it when Finn has hair in his eyes, so I'll probably give him a haircut next week.

In the meantime, I wait for time to pass.  Since my knee hurts now, I'm not up for anything too strenuous.  I have no need to go shopping, so here I sit.  I'm still alternating riding my stationery bike and rowing machine every day.  This is the view I have when I exercise.  Some of my bird feeders are in the center of the picture.  The others are off to the right.  Sorry for the glare in the picture, it's the late afternoon sun.

You can see how our yard slants, that's why I no longer cut the grass.  It really does a number on my knees.  We have a pretty big yard, and finally Herb bought a riding mower this week!!!  Yay!  He deserves one.  It's to be delivered next week.

I'm trying to get some things ready for after surgery...like making sure I have enough pillows so that my leg can be elevated.  Luckily, I remember all the stuff we buy even though we don't really need it at the time.  I located 3 brand new pillows stuffed in a bedroom closet...I have no idea how long they've been there but they're  still wrapped in plastic and ready for my leg.  Herb likes to buy in bulk...anything and everything....especially when it's on sale, whether we need it or not.  He's one of a kind!

I located some shoes that I think will be easy to get off and on after surgery for my travel home, so that's decided on.  I usually wear gym shoes as often as I can because they give me the best support for my flat feet, but I know those will be difficult to get on and off after surgery for awhile any way.

Monday is my pre-op testing at my PCP.  I don't like going to the doctor, but it'll be one step closer to surgery.  

With a dog and a cat or two in bed with us every night, it's getting harder and harder to get a decent night's sleep.  I keep tossing and turning because my knee hurts too.  It's going to be interesting to see how I do after surgery.  From what I've heard, it's not going to be easy....and then add animals to the mix...we'll just have to wait and see.  But, I guess I can handle more waiting.

Speaking of animals, here's my editor, Misty blocking the screen as I work on my blog.  I guess she wanted to make sure she would appear in today's entry one way or another.

Me vs the Honeysuckle

In preparation for my upcoming surgery, I'm trying to keep ahead of the honeysuckle that seems to sprout up and take off all over the place!

Three years ago, our neighbor decided to pull out all of his bushes that were next to his fence.  My little birds that visit my feeders would have nothing left to perch on as they waited their turn at the feeders.  So, I bought three nice little bushes (I can't recall what they are...it'll come to me eventually).  They flower and then have nice berries that the birds love.  However, he didn't pull out the bushes by the roots, so now we constantly have honeysuckle and other branches hanging over the fence to our side.  I certainly don't want the honeysuckle to strangle my pretty little bushes that are now filling out nicely.

Our neighbor is a nice guy, but he doesn't really bother much with his yard except to cut the grass, so I know he doesn't mind me hacking away at his remnants.  So one evening and yesterday morning, I proceeded out with gardening tools to neaten up the fence line.  There is a slight grade on our side of the fence which really doesn't look like much, but my knee really doesn't appreciate the pressure that it feels when I'm standing there.  So  I took a nice big ibuprofen for my knee and had at it!!

I know this picture isn't all that grand, but I do feel so accomplished at cleaning out the area, both his fence and our fence where the drainage tubes are sitting.  I filled up several bags of cuttings as you can see sitting on the other side of the fence.

I have about another month before surgery, so I'm sure I'll have to go out a few more times to keep ahead of the game.  I don't know about after surgery...I won't worry about it but hope it gets taken care of eventually.

Herb and I went to Natorp's Nursery Outlet on Sunday.  Herb is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to plants.  Unfortunately, he really doesn't have the time to keep up with his plants, so some die, some just barely get by.  And, of course, when I have my surgery, he'll be helping me and perhaps doing some extra stuff like laundry.  I try to remind him all the time about how busy he is because I hate to see plants die, but I can't convince him not to buy his plants.  This is a part of what he bought Sunday.  Two lettuce plants, ten tomato plants and some other little plants I didn't want to get too attached to...I said a little prayer for each of them.  Did I mention we have deer and other wildlife that like to visit our yard?

 Oh well.  We are definitely different types of gardeners.  I like to keep plants simple....he likes them scattered and messy!

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.

Kingfisher Trail 3/29/2016

It's been a while since Finn and I hiked Kingfisher Trail in Winton Woods.  It was a nice crisp morning with only a few people on the trail.  A couple walking a dog and 3 young boys on bikes.  Bikes are not allowed on the trails, but I've learned over the years people believe those rules are for other people not for them.  I used to say something to the kids, but they always acted innocent and just kept going any way, so I've given up.  They're just going to do what they want to do any way.

There are 3 portions to this trail.  The lower trail where the first two pictures were taken down by the creek.  There is also an upper portion of the trail.  There is also an "unofficial" portion in between the bottom and top.

I don't know if you can see the tiny yellow flowers among the spring grass, but it looked like a beautiful carpet.  The creek is in the background.

Another shot of the creek farther along the trail.

 This picture was taken from the upper portion.

A lot of the trees in Winton Woods have been cut down due to the Emerald Ash Borer infesting so many of the trees.  This particular tree is one where every year we saw Black Racer snakes sunning themselves in the spring.  Since the tree has been cut down I wasn't sure if we'd still see snakes in the tree.  No snakes today...I looked around in nearby trees and on the ground too.

This picture was also taken from the upper portion.  If you look into the background you can probably see the boardwalk, which is the beginning of the trail on the bottom portion.

The path in the middle of this picture is what I call the "unauthorized" portion of the trail.

Taken from the upper trail.  Another pile of cut down trees.  The forest has really been opened up.  Of course I prefer the canopy of trees...especially during the hot weather.

We usually hike the trail twice.  First in one direction, then turn around and go in the opposite direction.  The lower trail was quite muddy this morning, so on our second time around we decided to take the "unofficial" middle trail back out.  I can always kick off my muddy hiking boots, but I wanted to give Finn's underbelly time to dry out before we got back into the car.  He's such a short little guy.  He sits on an old sheet in the passenger seat.  This is a photo of the beginning of the "unofficial" middle trail.

Finally, the nice bright forsythia bush at the end of our hike near the parking lot.

Easter Sunday/Monday

I've never really been big on Easter. Not so much the Holy Season of Easter, but of the secular holiday of Easter.

Even as a child, I wasn't one who liked to dress in frilly dresses or back in those days, Easter bonnets. My parents always got me a new Easter outfit complete with an Easter bonnet. I was never comfortable in dressy clothes and couldn't wait to get out of them.

I liked candy (still do, especially chocolate) but would just be happy with the candy, forget about the basket and the phony grass. I don't like pastel colors, springtime colors are too subdued. Give me bright and bold!! Any way, Easter has always brought me down a little, maybe it's just due to the emphasis on the secular celebration of Easter. Or maybe I'm just a little weird.

This Easter Sunday though was very nice. Herb and I went to 8:30 Mass at Corpus Christi Church. Although, it was a bit crowded as usual on Easter and Christmas, I wasn't bothered too much by the crowd. I like a bit of elbow room between people, and on Easter and Christmas that is hard to come by.

Herb and I had a nice surprise as daughter, Emily and granddaughter, Emmi showed up for Easter Mass too! After Mass, Herb had to go to work (Boo!), so Emily, Emmi and I headed to Frisch's for Easter breakfast. We had a really nice time, and was surprised that we didn't have to wait to be seated. Emmi wore a pair of bunny ears (she didn't wear them in church.) I thought she was supposed to be the Easter Bunny, but she said she was Louise Belcher!

You be the judge:  Easter Bunny or Louise Belcher?

In the afternoon, I took my dog, Finn for a walk at Winton Woods Park.  Neither of us have gotten a lot of walking in over the winter.  He tore his ACL in November and had surgery, and I felt guilty going for walks without him, so I didn't walk either!  We took our time, and it was a nice sunny warm day.  It felt good to get out after having a couple of back to back colds.  We even saw the rookery where the Great Blue Herons are nesting!

Today, (Easter Monday) Herb and I made a trip to Half Price Books to clear off our book shelves of books we were finished with.  We kept our books separate because I was hoping to make a point with Herb.  He never wants to part with anything and I knew his old outdated computer books probably wouldn't get him much.  He had 4 large bags full of books and they paid him 50 cents for all!!  I felt really bad for him, I thought he might get a little more than that.

I carried in a small easy to carry box of novels, and got $13.00!  Not a king's ransom, but good enough for me.  I was hoping Herb would realize a lot of the stuff he's hanging on to isn't worth much and maybe he will just trash the rest.  Or, perhaps, it will all backfire on me, and he still won't part with the rest because no one appreciates them like he does.  I'll let you know what happens!

I also have a second tab at the top of this page entitled "Fur Kids", I've recently updated that page as well if you'd like to read about my furry kids.