Thursday Thoughts v.3.29.12

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts.

Here's what's on my mind this week:

[one]

Saw my orthopedic surgeon yesterday for the six week post-op checkup, and he said that my recovery from hip replacement surgery is going remarkably well. All that PT certainly has made a difference, and the walking is doing wonders. I'm walking about a mile each day, and I hope to start more challenging walks soon. The doctor removed all my restrictions and limitations and told me to come see him in a year. Woo Hoo!

[two]

Speaking of walking, the family is entering the 5K Color Run Seattle this May. Wally and I will be walking, and my adult children Sarah and Scott will be running. What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day! If you haven't heard about it, check it out here. Participants start the run/walk in a white T-shirt and by the end are splashed with a rainbow of colors. Can't wait!

[three]

I'm a huge fan of March Madness because I love to see the college teams play with their entire season on the line every game. We were watching a game the other night when two players were injured on the same play. I didn't mind the blood spurting from one player's nose, but it was kinda gross when the closeup showed him shooting free throws...with tissue shoved up both nostrils. Even worse, the camera zoomed in tight on a charley horse in the other player's calf muscle. Every time the player tried to move to get off the court, the muscle cramped again. By the time they got him off the court, MY calf muscles hurt!

[four]

My faithful cats are literally sleeping on the job. Found very suspicious bite marks on a loaf of bread and also on cracker packages in the bread drawer. Husband has set a couple of traps to no avail. Both cats are acting hinky in the kitchen, but have yet to flush out the culprit. Don't they understand they have to earn their kibble?

[five]

Excited for baseball season! Bought tickets for two Seattle Mariner games, and hope to see more games as well. Love to watch the games early in the season before all playoff hopes are dashed. Go M's!

[six]

I've had the same cookie jar for 25 years or so, and it definitely is showing its age. I've been thinking about buying a new one, but can't seem to find one that is fun, colorful, funky, and big enough without spending the big bucks. Much to my surprise, Scott and GF Sandra surprised me with a new cookie jar! It's just the right size and will work very well in my kitchen...isn't this a wonderful surprise? Thanks, kids!

And how is your week going?

 

Thursday Thoughts v.3.22.12

Linking up with Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts.

Here's what's on my mind this week.

[one]

My daughter has the most wonderful friends in the world, and I can't thank them enough for rallying around her! This includes blog friends she has never met in person, old friends who still stay in touch, coffee friends, work friends, school friends, family friends and especially the great friends who make a point of reaching out in a personal way even though she is "fine". Love all of you, and all you do for my baby. 💙💙💙💙💙

[two]

It's officially spring so Wally mowed the lawn for the first time this year. Don't be fooled, the green you see is mostly good old Pacific NW lawn moss. On the plus side, it appears to be a very good year for moss! On the down side, if/when we remove the moss the grass will be pretty darn threadbare. What to do, what to do?

[three]

Took my first walk sans cane this week! This is a huge step, and feels pretty darn good as I'm just five weeks post-op. I haven't been able to dump the cane entirely since I'm still stiff in the morning and occasionally in the evenings. But I can see a cane-free life is just on the horizon and can't wait!

[four]

Husband and I went to a fundraiser dinner this week for a local shooting victim (she's only 9!). We weren't sure what to expect, but really enjoyed ourselves. Due to the large crowd, we sat at a table with another pair, and we had much fun once we realized we had acquaintances in common with both the woman and her daughter. The comics ranged from just OK to really funny, and the food was delicious as usual. Hope the event raised a lot of money for the little girl and her family.

[five]

Finally able to get outside for a little while yesterday and work on my plants! Spent about an hour cleaning up winter's gunk and clipping back some plants that may make it through to another year. Also found my first daffodil of the season! Now if it would just quit snowing...

So what's on your mind this week?

 

Dear Monday v.3.19.12

Linking up with Megan for another episode of Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, Enough already! Spring starts tomorrow and we just saw snow showers yesterday. Thank goodness it didn't stick at our house, but come on now, we are ready for better weather!

Dear March Madness, Love you tons! Even when my favorite teams don't win, I still enjoy the "one and done" flavor of NCAA basketball tournament time. Then again, both the men's and women's Baylor Bears are still winning, so life is good! Sic 'em, bears.

Dearest daughter, I promise not to bore you with platitudes. Just know that Mom and Dad have your back...always and in every way. We'd have your plane ticket, too, if only I could find a decent price! If we can't find anything cheaper, I say you should just make it a longer visit. Dang, that might be fun!

Dear spouse, you are still my hero! Thanks for the cooking, cleaning, coffee making, pill scheduling, shoe tying, leg massaging and every other way you assist in facilitating my rehab. In particular, thanks for being my walking companion and your words of encouragement. When my rehab is over, let's continue the walking program...I am enjoying our time together!

Dear Dash, Thanks for coming to my rescue! We have two kitties, alpha cat Trooper and his shy big sister Dash. The other day I was on the floor doing my exercises when spouse decided to pretend to "attack" me. We were both pleasantly surprised when Dash came to my rescue; Trooper was more frightened and would not come near. Must be Dash's maternal instinct coming through!

Dear Family, Today is the start of another hectic birthday season. Let's see, we start with Kayden on March 19; Ava on April 2; Sarah on April 10; Sandra on April 11; Wally on May 22; and Scott on June 1. I'm the only one with a birthday in the off-season, so you guys have plenty of time to plan my celebration. Just sayin'.

And how is your week going?

Thursday Thoughts v.3_8_12

Linking up with my famous daughter Sarah for another edition of Thursday Thoughts

Here's what's on my mind this week...

[one]

I am having SO much fun playing Words With Friends with my 86 year old aunt in California! She routinely kicks my butt, but I enjoy reconnecting and chatting with her on a regular basis. I'm hoping to become a better player just by playing her!

[two]

Favorite new app of the week: SoundHound! I've just started using the basic version of this app, which is free. How often do you hear a song on the radio, but can't quite remember the name of the song or the lyrics? Trust me, it gets worse every year. The SoundHound app identifies any song playing on the radio and also provides the complete lyrics! Husband and I are having way too much fun discovering how many lyrics we thought we knew, but in reality did not. This great app also identifies the album or CD where the song appeared, the artist, the songwriter, and provides links to videos and even where to buy the song. Way too much fun!

[three]

I've really been enjoying taking regular walks with the husband. The weather has been nice enough to get outside, but we've also taken advantage of the mall when weather does not cooperate. Yes, that means we are mall walkers (don't judge). Once I get a good rhythm going with the walking cane, it feels wonderful. I have been very careful not to walk too much or too far, but already can tell that the walks are helping with the hip rehab. Watch out cane, you are on the way out!

[four]

My lovely sister visited on Monday. She brought the makings for a delicious meal, a couple of hardback books for me to borrow, and several travel books so husband and I can start planning our trip to Europe. After she left, husband took the meat out of the fridge and acted a little irritated as he asked me what he was supposed to do with it now. Huh!?! I thought she left sauce and directions? Nope, he says, all she left was meat. Well, thanks a lot, sis! Come to find out, husband took food out of her cooler, but didn't know he was supposed to take the sauce out, too. Needless to say, hilarity ensued on all sides once the confusion was resolved. So, to my thoughtful sister...thanks for the meat, Heide!

And how is your week going?

 

Dear Monday v.8

Linking up with Megan for another round of Dear Monday.

Dear Monday, It's a gorgeous, blustery day and I couldn't be happier for another week to start. My rehab is going very well, and every week means more progress...yea!

Dear Shower, I really shouldn't take you for granted. The recent ten days of sponge baths was a great reminder of how fortunate I am to have hot water available any time I want it. Growing up, my childhood home only had one bathtub with no shower (for six kids) and I didn't even realize showers existed. I promise to appreciate you every day!

Dear Pete, Thanks so much for lending me the cooling jacket for my hip! This is one slick unit...you fill a small cooler with ice and water, attach hoses between the cooler and the cooling pad, velcro the cooling pad in place wherever you want it, and then turn on the quiet water pump attached to the cooler lid. The pump circulates ice water from the cooler to and from the pad. No need for messy ice bags, and it stays cool for quite some time. Heaven! Highly recommended for anyone undergoing surgical rehab.

Dear Cane, I appreciate all the assistance you provide, but don't get too comfortable. You are only here temporarily and I'm already looking forward to walking without you. No offense, but can't wait to dump you!

Dear Washington Huskies, You break my heart over and over again but I still keep coming back for more. Just when I think you blew your big chance to win the men's basketball Pac 12 title outright, you backdoor your way into the championship. Here's hoping you get to experience a little March madness!

Dear Sarah, I still can't get used to the fact that you are so far away, but I guess I can live with it! I love that you call me almost every day, and it makes me happy that you share so much of your life with me. I absolutely do not take our relationship for granted, and thank God every day that you are in my life. I love you unconditionally!

Dear Wally, Thanks for your continued patience in my rehab. You are always willing to massage my sore leg, take me for a walk, rearrange my support pillows, carry my extraneous junk, fetch medications, cook meals, do laundry, go shopping and pretty much take care of any thing that needs to be done. You have let me concentrate on getting better, and I appreciate that more than you know!

And how is your week going?