I woke up by the alarm Tuesday morning. Today was both garbage day and my re-check appointment with the orthopedic doctor. I got the garbage out to the road, then shaved and showered. I left home shortly before 8:00 AM.
It had rained again overnight, but fortunately it was not raining on the trip. I got to the doctor's exactly on time. He was happy with my progress, but cautioned me not to do any reaching, heavy lifting or actively raising my right arm above my shoulder. I did get a script to start physical therapy (finally!) and clearance to return to work on October 1.
So, I was happy when I left there. I thought that, since I was this close, I'd stop and see how my brother Carl was doing (it's been three weeks to the day he had his right knee replaced).
His English garden in his front yard still looked lovely when I pulled in. And, I took a moment to admire his back yard and pond before ringing the doorbell.
He yelled, "Come in!" and when I stepped into the door, presented me with a cup of coffee. Speaking of coffee, he mentioned a few things about the Blog. First, he said it was really getting boring. I know that, but as I think I've said before, my summer ending August 10, with my operation. How many times can you say, "I didn't sleep for shit last night, took pain pills, threw up, slept in, took a long nap, made some crappy dinner and watched too much TV" and make it sound interesting?
But, then he said, "I noticed you keep talking about making a pot of coffee, and then reheating it for the next few days." I replied yes, that's how I roll so I don't waste it. He said that any time you let coffee get cold, the oils rise to the top and, when you reheat it, the resulting brew is acidic and gives you gas and intestinal problems!
I never heard of that! He said he'd found this to be true and that's why he only brews like two or four cups at a time, drinks what he wants and throws the rest away when it gets cold. Well, you live and learn, or at least I try to! And, now I know...
We caught each other up on our respective family details and the on-going efforts to settle Mom's estate. I'm not sure about Carl, but I suspect he feels the same as I do. Jim is dealing with the larger issues (getting property appraised, etc.,) while Joe and Kathy are working at the New Baltimore house, going through papers, cleaning up and so on. Meanwhile, we two crips are stuck on the sidelines. Sorry, guys, it's just the timing sucked for both of us!
As I said, it's been three weeks since his knee replacement, but he seems to be in a lot worse shape than I was, in either my first or second knee replacements. He said he barely gets one or two hour's sleep when it starts aching and throbbing and wakes him up. I honestly don't remember that but, I don't really remember a lot of stuff and he's got a shit-load of other problems I didn't.
Anyway, I stayed there until about 10:30 or 11:00 AM and then said my goodbyes. Then, I started out on the long trip back home. It was supposed to be hot (a high of 80 degrees F.) and muggy today (it was) and partially sunny (not in Mt. Clemens!)
I was wiped out when I got back, so I just changed my clothes and then lay down for a nap (I know, I know, boring...) When I got back up, I got to work. I swept all the floors and vacuumed the living room rug. I finished loading the dishwasher and turned it on. I brought in my young Shoalin monk and the Japanese lantern and set them in their winter place. The only thing left outside is the chiminia. That will have to wait until I'm a bit stronger.
By the way, fall officially arrived at 5:18 PM today, but it's still hot and muggy (but sunny here) and feels more like mid-August than near the end of September.
I got a phone call from my brother Jim and then a longer one from my daughter Melissa. Next I made dinner (again, nothing fancy, just some Campbell's tomato soup and a toasted cheese sandwich). I drank the soup out of a mug and ate the sandwich watching the news. Not fancy, but really good, BTW!
I got my last call from my friend B___, checking in to see how I was doing.
I watched two episodes (back-to-back) of Hell's Kitchen, then watched Chopped on the food Network and went to bed at 11:00 PM.
Dad,
ReplyDeleteWish you were up and around and feeling better, those first 8 hours back at work are going to be tough with no naps!!! I don't know if this is appropriate and I already mentioned to Aunt Kathy that I would like the little stool that was out at the cottage (Little Carl used to sit on it) Purely for sentimental reasons She said she'd mention it to Uncle Jim. What are they going to do with the cottage? I'm assuming they will be putting it up for sale. Such a shame since it's been in the family forever. I can't image that none of the grandchildren would want to buy it. Not that anyone asked me and logicaistically it wouldn't work. But nice to think about.
Have a good day!