I went to the store today--some ranchland on the trip.
I bet there were 7 dead skunks who had sprayed ther last surprise dead on the side of the road. This is 5 miles, folks.
I used to joke about all the male skunks being on one side of the road and all the females on the other. That was sexist of me. Both genders fall equally in lust. And seek each other. And tragically, as one gender or the other crosses the Farm-to-Market road, one of them dies. and sprays.
Lord, Lord, it's early spring in North Texas. The pungent scent of dead skunks by the highway emphasizes it. Underlines it. cough, cough. Makes it hard to breathe.
It will get better, and we will have a boatload of baby skunks. They are so cute, with their top hair curling into their eyes.
Skunks, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, possoms, squirrels, mice and rats--they all do well in urban settings, especially Texas. A bobcat has been killing chickens only a mile from here.
I remember sitting in a car watching the street traffic in downtown Fort Worth years ago and realizing i saw a subculture that those of us walking through back to the office never saw. This is the same.
How did I get to this oh, yeah, the harbinger of spring in North Texas is the smell of skunks sprayed.
EEEEEAAAAAAUUUUUUU!!!
It gets better, honey, it gets better,
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thank God all critters sleep
A lot has been going on, and I haven't mentioned Gracie.
She is the first dog I have ever had to enter Toddler Terrible Twos. Sometimes, I think I am winning. Time will tell. I hear it gets better when she actually is two. She has four legs and really sharp teeth. Otherwise she's not that different from an obstinate 2-year-old humanoid. For now.
I smugly was reviewing my dog ownership and reflecting that I had never yelled at her yet. This was oh, 3-4 weeks ago. I didn't yell when she destroyed the address book I had kept for 40 years that had so many memories included. I didn't yell when she gently lifted down a pair of really good athletic socks from the table and I found them, chewed from the toes, of course,up to the instep on the rug. I didn't yell when she finished destroying her smancy $60 dog bed and I woke up one morning to foam rubber confetti all over the bedroom. I haven't yelled when she has pawed insistently, tug rope in mouth, at my arm as I lay sleeping at 2 a.m. (She's only done that once, though.) We haven't begun to address the holes in the lawn out back.
I didn't introduce her to human food. She found it all by herself. But one morning when I turned around to the table where I had just set down scrambled eggs for my granddaughter and me--I turned around from the sink, and there was Gracie, gracefully balanced on her hind legs, forepaws bent. She was carefully lapping in the edge of my serving plate of eggs.
"Gracie!" I yelled stentoriously. She didn't budge or quit lapping. That little....
I found a newspaper, rolled it up in a trice and whapped her on the buttocks. And I yelled,"Bad dog."
Sorrowfully, she backed up. This was not a penitent sorrowful. This was a "why would you interrupt my beautiful breakfast?"
Recently, youngest granddaughter brought home a Smithsonion compendium from the library that shows a lot of living things if not all. She left it on the couch briefly. Gracie ate about 1/2-inch of the cover on the top and on the bottom. Pages intact. But as a damaged library book, it cost $50. THAT time I came home and yelled unfairly at a sleeping puppy.
"You cost too much," I stormed.
She looked at me, got up and kind of got out of the way. Humph. and I let her outside.
That's another thing. We ARE thankfully getting rain. Which means wet grass and mud. Which means every time she comes in, it's treats and an all-over rub to clean legs and belly of water and rain. She's into the routine. We're down to 3-4 small Milkbone treats on a really wet day. She struggles less. It was something I forgot to factor in with the rain, but Gracie's muddy paws are worth the rain.
She is sleeping at my feet as I write and will sleep on the discarded old bedspread in lieu of her doggie bed when I go to bed. She insists I play with her several times a day. I do. We are making slow, but overall steady, progress on her yelling bark for attention and jumping up on people. Well, at least with my graddaughters, she calms down in a minute or two. That's progress.
She is such a young dog. She is so sweet. She has so much energy, she pulls me along.
Allergies lately have made me rather listless, and I need to vacuum and scrub the floors, but the rest is going pretty well. I've learned to keep all medications or dangerous substances (like peppermint, I shudder about that day, and what chocolate might do). She won't eat just ANYthing, but I've given up trying to figure out what she won't eat. Since she learned to walk on her hind legs and sniff all the tables, nothing is safe.
I've never had a dog like her. Gracie, I saved the best for last.
So it is no longer halycon. My baby is growing up. She loves to get and give affection, and with all her mess and headaches, I laugh more than I did,certainly do more than I did, and look forward to more with my beautiful Gracie.
She's coming out smaller than planned, though, and I blame all those cardboard boxes and cotton socks.
Junk food. It isn't good for any of us.
She is the first dog I have ever had to enter Toddler Terrible Twos. Sometimes, I think I am winning. Time will tell. I hear it gets better when she actually is two. She has four legs and really sharp teeth. Otherwise she's not that different from an obstinate 2-year-old humanoid. For now.
I smugly was reviewing my dog ownership and reflecting that I had never yelled at her yet. This was oh, 3-4 weeks ago. I didn't yell when she destroyed the address book I had kept for 40 years that had so many memories included. I didn't yell when she gently lifted down a pair of really good athletic socks from the table and I found them, chewed from the toes, of course,up to the instep on the rug. I didn't yell when she finished destroying her smancy $60 dog bed and I woke up one morning to foam rubber confetti all over the bedroom. I haven't yelled when she has pawed insistently, tug rope in mouth, at my arm as I lay sleeping at 2 a.m. (She's only done that once, though.) We haven't begun to address the holes in the lawn out back.
I didn't introduce her to human food. She found it all by herself. But one morning when I turned around to the table where I had just set down scrambled eggs for my granddaughter and me--I turned around from the sink, and there was Gracie, gracefully balanced on her hind legs, forepaws bent. She was carefully lapping in the edge of my serving plate of eggs.
"Gracie!" I yelled stentoriously. She didn't budge or quit lapping. That little....
I found a newspaper, rolled it up in a trice and whapped her on the buttocks. And I yelled,"Bad dog."
Sorrowfully, she backed up. This was not a penitent sorrowful. This was a "why would you interrupt my beautiful breakfast?"
Recently, youngest granddaughter brought home a Smithsonion compendium from the library that shows a lot of living things if not all. She left it on the couch briefly. Gracie ate about 1/2-inch of the cover on the top and on the bottom. Pages intact. But as a damaged library book, it cost $50. THAT time I came home and yelled unfairly at a sleeping puppy.
"You cost too much," I stormed.
She looked at me, got up and kind of got out of the way. Humph. and I let her outside.
That's another thing. We ARE thankfully getting rain. Which means wet grass and mud. Which means every time she comes in, it's treats and an all-over rub to clean legs and belly of water and rain. She's into the routine. We're down to 3-4 small Milkbone treats on a really wet day. She struggles less. It was something I forgot to factor in with the rain, but Gracie's muddy paws are worth the rain.
She is sleeping at my feet as I write and will sleep on the discarded old bedspread in lieu of her doggie bed when I go to bed. She insists I play with her several times a day. I do. We are making slow, but overall steady, progress on her yelling bark for attention and jumping up on people. Well, at least with my graddaughters, she calms down in a minute or two. That's progress.
She is such a young dog. She is so sweet. She has so much energy, she pulls me along.
Allergies lately have made me rather listless, and I need to vacuum and scrub the floors, but the rest is going pretty well. I've learned to keep all medications or dangerous substances (like peppermint, I shudder about that day, and what chocolate might do). She won't eat just ANYthing, but I've given up trying to figure out what she won't eat. Since she learned to walk on her hind legs and sniff all the tables, nothing is safe.
I've never had a dog like her. Gracie, I saved the best for last.
So it is no longer halycon. My baby is growing up. She loves to get and give affection, and with all her mess and headaches, I laugh more than I did,certainly do more than I did, and look forward to more with my beautiful Gracie.
She's coming out smaller than planned, though, and I blame all those cardboard boxes and cotton socks.
Junk food. It isn't good for any of us.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Making Choices for Happiness
I hate thieves.
Well, I don't like murderers or abusers much, either. But at the moment my attention is on thieves. I hate them.
Everyone knows copper has become really valuable. In my area, churches, schools, cell phone towers, you name it, have had copper wiring thefts. Today, though, thieves took the copper wiring to the kitchen facilities for Meals on Wheels. Workers came in to fix the meals for today's elderly, sick, impoverished or all of the above, and they couldn't cook. All the copper wiring was gone. Fourth time it's been stolen, despite ramping up security every time.
That is just....reptilian.
True. It will be repaired. The people who aren't getting their one hot meal today may have something in the pantry to eat for a few days. Maybe not. It just infuriates me.
Makes me think of the old story about the two rooms. One was heaven, one was hell. In both rooms, there was a big pot of stew. Each person had a long spoon, too long to feed themselves. In the heaven room, folks had figured out they could feed each other. All were well-fed. In the hell room, the folks kept trying to feed themselves with no luck. It never occurred to them to feed anyone else. They were in hell because they had plenty to eat, and they were so selfish, they couldn't get the food because they wouldn't share.
It's a pretty judgemental story, but I like it. There are reasons for kindness. It comes back on us in unexpected ways, I believe. So does selfishness. I get it that people are out of work and desperate for self-support. Boy, do I. I have actually admired some of the scams I have run across. What gets me is that so many of the crime victims seem to be people who tried to give someone down on their luck a hand and got that hand bitten rather badly.
What I can't figure is whether things are worse, with more, too many more, humans and too few resources to go around. That's part of it. I think the other is that as I age, I see the grift, the graft, the meanness and the ugliness, more clearly. At the same time, I am so much more aware of how many people are genuinely trying to make a positive difference, from smaller carbon footprints to gathering coats for school kids in the fall. Making sandwiches for families on the school lunch program in the summers. Rescuing dogs, cats, wild birds, rabbits, mustangs--you name it, someone cares enough to try to save it.
I feel confident that if kitchen repairs for Meals on Wheels take very long, volunteers will step in. It doesn't reduce the vicious indifference of the thieves.
Today is a gloomy day, in the 30s. It snowed last night and wasn't expected to stick, but I see the last melting off the iris in the back yard at noon. More water. Yea.
My youngest granndaughter wants to make supper tomorrow night for her family for Valentine's Day. I am overseeing as she preps and cooks from a wonderful cookbook by Mollie Katzen her mother gave her. It leans heavily toward vegetarian fare, which is fine with all of us. Today we--oops-she will prep beef and vegetables. Tomorrow after school she will put the pot on to simmer after school. Suppertime is after 7 p.m. and it should be ready. Meantime, she'll make this eggless, milkless chocolate cake that looks quite good. We're buying the rolls, thank you. A salad, I think, of chopped romaine, slivered nuts, shredded parmesan and Italian dressing.
All quite simple. All straight from the heart. MMM. Tomorrow night will be cold again. Hot homemade vegetable soup sounds really good. I warned her the recipe calls for mushrooms. She will be 10 soon and is growing more tolerant.
"As long as it is for my mama and daddy and they like them, it will be all right," she said assertively.
I don't expect to see any thieves--no copper around here, nor much else of monetary value.
Lots to treasure, though.
Well, I don't like murderers or abusers much, either. But at the moment my attention is on thieves. I hate them.
Everyone knows copper has become really valuable. In my area, churches, schools, cell phone towers, you name it, have had copper wiring thefts. Today, though, thieves took the copper wiring to the kitchen facilities for Meals on Wheels. Workers came in to fix the meals for today's elderly, sick, impoverished or all of the above, and they couldn't cook. All the copper wiring was gone. Fourth time it's been stolen, despite ramping up security every time.
That is just....reptilian.
True. It will be repaired. The people who aren't getting their one hot meal today may have something in the pantry to eat for a few days. Maybe not. It just infuriates me.
Makes me think of the old story about the two rooms. One was heaven, one was hell. In both rooms, there was a big pot of stew. Each person had a long spoon, too long to feed themselves. In the heaven room, folks had figured out they could feed each other. All were well-fed. In the hell room, the folks kept trying to feed themselves with no luck. It never occurred to them to feed anyone else. They were in hell because they had plenty to eat, and they were so selfish, they couldn't get the food because they wouldn't share.
It's a pretty judgemental story, but I like it. There are reasons for kindness. It comes back on us in unexpected ways, I believe. So does selfishness. I get it that people are out of work and desperate for self-support. Boy, do I. I have actually admired some of the scams I have run across. What gets me is that so many of the crime victims seem to be people who tried to give someone down on their luck a hand and got that hand bitten rather badly.
What I can't figure is whether things are worse, with more, too many more, humans and too few resources to go around. That's part of it. I think the other is that as I age, I see the grift, the graft, the meanness and the ugliness, more clearly. At the same time, I am so much more aware of how many people are genuinely trying to make a positive difference, from smaller carbon footprints to gathering coats for school kids in the fall. Making sandwiches for families on the school lunch program in the summers. Rescuing dogs, cats, wild birds, rabbits, mustangs--you name it, someone cares enough to try to save it.
I feel confident that if kitchen repairs for Meals on Wheels take very long, volunteers will step in. It doesn't reduce the vicious indifference of the thieves.
Today is a gloomy day, in the 30s. It snowed last night and wasn't expected to stick, but I see the last melting off the iris in the back yard at noon. More water. Yea.
My youngest granndaughter wants to make supper tomorrow night for her family for Valentine's Day. I am overseeing as she preps and cooks from a wonderful cookbook by Mollie Katzen her mother gave her. It leans heavily toward vegetarian fare, which is fine with all of us. Today we--oops-she will prep beef and vegetables. Tomorrow after school she will put the pot on to simmer after school. Suppertime is after 7 p.m. and it should be ready. Meantime, she'll make this eggless, milkless chocolate cake that looks quite good. We're buying the rolls, thank you. A salad, I think, of chopped romaine, slivered nuts, shredded parmesan and Italian dressing.
All quite simple. All straight from the heart. MMM. Tomorrow night will be cold again. Hot homemade vegetable soup sounds really good. I warned her the recipe calls for mushrooms. She will be 10 soon and is growing more tolerant.
"As long as it is for my mama and daddy and they like them, it will be all right," she said assertively.
I don't expect to see any thieves--no copper around here, nor much else of monetary value.
Lots to treasure, though.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Rain, rain, beautiful rain
The 4.5 inches of rain last week at my home was actually more in some North Texas places and filled a number of lakes by at least a foot.
I don't know if it was the long absence of roads flooding that caused so many errant drivers stalling out in four feet of water ormore, but parts of the Metroplex had their share. Reporters interviewing hapless drivers afterwards got inarticulate responses to the effect they did not think it would be as deep if they just drove slowly. I scratched my head over that one but heard the response from at least three persons.
Then there was the optimistic man who had to be rescued by the fire department from his car stranded in about four feet of water and didn't seem to understand that the water had to recede considerably before a tow truck could rescue it.
So the fire truck was heading back to the station when they learned this literally cockeyed optimist had gotten back to his car, was soaking wet in 42 degree temps and needed rescuing again.
They did pull him out the second time, this time adding a ticket for their trouble.
He declined interview, I believe....
This morning, however, the severe drought designation was lifted for the North Texas area I live in. That's good news, and rain is forecast again tonight and for tomorrow. However, a dry spring is also forecast so Stage One drought precautions (watering twice a week max) is staying in effect for most of the area.
Amazingly, January was the wettest one on record, starting 2012 off right so far as most of us are concerned. It is 72 degrees today as well. Last year on this date, we had ice, snow, a low of 13 and a high of 20 degrees.
Texas Monthly magazine noted that in the last 20 years, Texas has had 18 wildfires that singly burned more than 50,000 acres each. To give you an idea how bad the past year was, six of those 18 huge wildfires occurred between April and November.
What will happen in February? No one knows. It's the iffy part of the year. We've had snows in March. On the other hand, two or three years ago we had our first 100 degree day in April.
Poor Jerry Jones and Cowboy Stadium. This year would purely have been a beautiful one for the Super Bowl. Heard today the weekend will see four hotwings devoured for every man, woman and child in the country. Not sure I believe that, but if so, someone is getting a double portion on my behalf.
I can literally think of only one couple I know well who will A)give or attend a party and B) watch the game. The rest of us plan other stuff Sunday afternoon.
Especially if it's a sunny afternoon.
Maybe we all ought to be investigated.
I don't know if it was the long absence of roads flooding that caused so many errant drivers stalling out in four feet of water ormore, but parts of the Metroplex had their share. Reporters interviewing hapless drivers afterwards got inarticulate responses to the effect they did not think it would be as deep if they just drove slowly. I scratched my head over that one but heard the response from at least three persons.
Then there was the optimistic man who had to be rescued by the fire department from his car stranded in about four feet of water and didn't seem to understand that the water had to recede considerably before a tow truck could rescue it.
So the fire truck was heading back to the station when they learned this literally cockeyed optimist had gotten back to his car, was soaking wet in 42 degree temps and needed rescuing again.
They did pull him out the second time, this time adding a ticket for their trouble.
He declined interview, I believe....
This morning, however, the severe drought designation was lifted for the North Texas area I live in. That's good news, and rain is forecast again tonight and for tomorrow. However, a dry spring is also forecast so Stage One drought precautions (watering twice a week max) is staying in effect for most of the area.
Amazingly, January was the wettest one on record, starting 2012 off right so far as most of us are concerned. It is 72 degrees today as well. Last year on this date, we had ice, snow, a low of 13 and a high of 20 degrees.
Texas Monthly magazine noted that in the last 20 years, Texas has had 18 wildfires that singly burned more than 50,000 acres each. To give you an idea how bad the past year was, six of those 18 huge wildfires occurred between April and November.
What will happen in February? No one knows. It's the iffy part of the year. We've had snows in March. On the other hand, two or three years ago we had our first 100 degree day in April.
Poor Jerry Jones and Cowboy Stadium. This year would purely have been a beautiful one for the Super Bowl. Heard today the weekend will see four hotwings devoured for every man, woman and child in the country. Not sure I believe that, but if so, someone is getting a double portion on my behalf.
I can literally think of only one couple I know well who will A)give or attend a party and B) watch the game. The rest of us plan other stuff Sunday afternoon.
Especially if it's a sunny afternoon.
Maybe we all ought to be investigated.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Learning to be Active Again
If you have never, even temporarily, lost the ability to do something physical that almost everyone can do, this anecdote may mean very little. If you have---
Yesterday, I started outpatient physical therapy at a place I had been before. Therapists work their clients hard, and if we are willing to stay an extra half hour or more and work extra, they let us. No extra charge.
The doctor and therapists have all been telling me how fast I am healing after a second knee replacement, and I was eager to get to the stationary bicycle.
The time came. I put my feet on the pedals. To my astonishment, both feet pedaled smoothly. No pain. I could pedal in complete circles with both feet.
And I surprised myself, because I teared up for a few seconds, then finished the 10 minutes with a great, goofy grin. Inside, I was trying to figure it out. No, it probably hasn't been 30 years since I could do this, but it has certainly been more than a decade. Maybe 15-20 years since I could pedal without major pain.
Not that I had a pressing need to bicycle during that time. But something I thought was absolutely lost is found again, and I can do it. Being able to pedal will lead to other things I can do again.
Shortly before this discovery, a theapist showed me a lunge move to build up the calf and thigh muscles. It involves leaning far forward with one knee bent, the other straight. I started to say,"I can't do that because of my knees." Bingo! Light went off! These are new knees. I can do these lunge exercises without harm.
I have flared up a bit for years at anyone who called me handicapped, but I have been. I still will be--other arthritic joints have not gone away. With the healing of my knees, however, I can do so much more. I am going to be able to bicycle and get on a treadmill regularly. The aerobic activity is one of the best medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis, and indeed, countering the effects of aging.
Gracie and I really will take those long walks. I may go down to the senior center and take up line dancing, if it so pleases me--and I definitely will be working in my garden this spring. All of these things give me joy.
I know this because a bicycle pedal has promised it.
Tomorrow, I will do it again.
Yesterday, I started outpatient physical therapy at a place I had been before. Therapists work their clients hard, and if we are willing to stay an extra half hour or more and work extra, they let us. No extra charge.
The doctor and therapists have all been telling me how fast I am healing after a second knee replacement, and I was eager to get to the stationary bicycle.
The time came. I put my feet on the pedals. To my astonishment, both feet pedaled smoothly. No pain. I could pedal in complete circles with both feet.
And I surprised myself, because I teared up for a few seconds, then finished the 10 minutes with a great, goofy grin. Inside, I was trying to figure it out. No, it probably hasn't been 30 years since I could do this, but it has certainly been more than a decade. Maybe 15-20 years since I could pedal without major pain.
Not that I had a pressing need to bicycle during that time. But something I thought was absolutely lost is found again, and I can do it. Being able to pedal will lead to other things I can do again.
Shortly before this discovery, a theapist showed me a lunge move to build up the calf and thigh muscles. It involves leaning far forward with one knee bent, the other straight. I started to say,"I can't do that because of my knees." Bingo! Light went off! These are new knees. I can do these lunge exercises without harm.
I have flared up a bit for years at anyone who called me handicapped, but I have been. I still will be--other arthritic joints have not gone away. With the healing of my knees, however, I can do so much more. I am going to be able to bicycle and get on a treadmill regularly. The aerobic activity is one of the best medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis, and indeed, countering the effects of aging.
Gracie and I really will take those long walks. I may go down to the senior center and take up line dancing, if it so pleases me--and I definitely will be working in my garden this spring. All of these things give me joy.
I know this because a bicycle pedal has promised it.
Tomorrow, I will do it again.
Monday, January 16, 2012
No January doldrums in Texas
One of the things wrong with Texas summers besides the heat is the sameness. We wake every day knowing it is going to be hot. In normal years, we have a few days of rain, and not too many days over 100 degrees.
Last summer, we knew every single day was apt to be sunny, uncomfortably hot, and just like the day before and the day after. Boring.
I have to laugh, because this fall when most of the country was having the grass brown, ours was finally greening up. It still is green. We've mowed twice in December--as much as all last summer.
We have had several freezes, hard freezes. Hopefully that will slow down the fire ants. chiggers and fleas next summer. Today at noon it is 71 degrees. Tomorrow afternoon, same time, forecast is for 45 degrees. Then we will have several more days in the 70s. Teens may do a little sun-bathing, or we did back in my day....but that doesn't mean the month can't end with ice and sleet. The Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show started Saturday. There's a reason they call the end of January Stock Show Weather. Those same Texas teens that may get out and suntan a bit may wrap wool scarves around their necks to enjoy the carnival rides, sleet permitting.
Many tales are being told of how ranchers and farmers managed last year's drought. Many hopes are being expressed that this year won't be as bad. Already, they are encouraged because the rains came this fall, allowing winter hay to be planted to feed the remaining stock.
None of us around here liked 2011 very much. 2012 already looks better.
Wonder-dog Gracie is getting plenty of outside time today. Last week, following the rain, I kept her treats and an old towel by the back door, because after the rain, she came in muddy clear up to her belly. We negotiated. She agreed not to fight me for one tiny Milkbone treat per towel rub of each leg, and two treats to rub her belly. And then, just as I figured, she headed straight for the cream-colored couch. Not a smear in sight, thank you very much. That was MY end of the negotiation.
Tomorrow, we'll throw her tennis balls a lot inside until she's not the only one getting exercise. She can catch about half the balls on the fly now. Nothing stays the same with Gracie around. Life is never boring, and that leaves me in a permanent good mood.
Last summer, we knew every single day was apt to be sunny, uncomfortably hot, and just like the day before and the day after. Boring.
I have to laugh, because this fall when most of the country was having the grass brown, ours was finally greening up. It still is green. We've mowed twice in December--as much as all last summer.
We have had several freezes, hard freezes. Hopefully that will slow down the fire ants. chiggers and fleas next summer. Today at noon it is 71 degrees. Tomorrow afternoon, same time, forecast is for 45 degrees. Then we will have several more days in the 70s. Teens may do a little sun-bathing, or we did back in my day....but that doesn't mean the month can't end with ice and sleet. The Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show started Saturday. There's a reason they call the end of January Stock Show Weather. Those same Texas teens that may get out and suntan a bit may wrap wool scarves around their necks to enjoy the carnival rides, sleet permitting.
Many tales are being told of how ranchers and farmers managed last year's drought. Many hopes are being expressed that this year won't be as bad. Already, they are encouraged because the rains came this fall, allowing winter hay to be planted to feed the remaining stock.
None of us around here liked 2011 very much. 2012 already looks better.
Wonder-dog Gracie is getting plenty of outside time today. Last week, following the rain, I kept her treats and an old towel by the back door, because after the rain, she came in muddy clear up to her belly. We negotiated. She agreed not to fight me for one tiny Milkbone treat per towel rub of each leg, and two treats to rub her belly. And then, just as I figured, she headed straight for the cream-colored couch. Not a smear in sight, thank you very much. That was MY end of the negotiation.
Tomorrow, we'll throw her tennis balls a lot inside until she's not the only one getting exercise. She can catch about half the balls on the fly now. Nothing stays the same with Gracie around. Life is never boring, and that leaves me in a permanent good mood.
Friday, January 6, 2012
A New Year, A New Life, A New Knee
Following surgery Dec. 21, I woke up Dec. 22 to find my pins a little more wobbly than I would like. So I spent another week in rehab hospital.
A good friend ( who had privately decided to sleep on my couch a couple of nights) told me, "At last you've regained your senses." So I was back to three therapy sessions a day in rehab, which is a really good thing. It has gone faster this time. At two weeks, I'm spending more than half my time on a cane.I didn't get off the walker the first time until after the third week. Matter of fact, I'll get physical therapy at home for this week and next before going to an outpatient facility. I'll be driving in another week.
The first time, the surgery felt like beginning something new. This time, it feels like a natural continuation of where I want to go physically.As soon as I can pedal using my left knee, I'm off to far healthier aerobics and a more active life.
I'll never be really athletic, but I'm going to put in a garden this spring and start walking with Gracie. I look forward to this with such pleasure.
My granddaughters helped their dad take care of Gracie while I was gone. They played with her, threw balls, and let her snooze in their laps. Oldest granddaughter told me that "just every now and then" Gracie would have a sad face. Then she would brighten and play some more. I tell you, this dog has great attitude.
We finally got everybody together for present exchange this past Wednesday. A number of people have asked me if I minded being in the hospital at Christmas. The answer is no. I was too busy learning how to use my new knee. The granddaughters vacuumed and did laundry when needed. Home a week, I can pretty much do that now.
I got my daughter-in-law a rainbarrel and will go get her another and one for me (they fit in a Camry one at a time.) And some more soaker hoses. I hope the coming year will not be as hot, but it probably will be as dry. More on my hobby horse later. We are going to learn now to grow things with as little water as possible.
I think it will be interesting and fun.
A good friend ( who had privately decided to sleep on my couch a couple of nights) told me, "At last you've regained your senses." So I was back to three therapy sessions a day in rehab, which is a really good thing. It has gone faster this time. At two weeks, I'm spending more than half my time on a cane.I didn't get off the walker the first time until after the third week. Matter of fact, I'll get physical therapy at home for this week and next before going to an outpatient facility. I'll be driving in another week.
The first time, the surgery felt like beginning something new. This time, it feels like a natural continuation of where I want to go physically.As soon as I can pedal using my left knee, I'm off to far healthier aerobics and a more active life.
I'll never be really athletic, but I'm going to put in a garden this spring and start walking with Gracie. I look forward to this with such pleasure.
My granddaughters helped their dad take care of Gracie while I was gone. They played with her, threw balls, and let her snooze in their laps. Oldest granddaughter told me that "just every now and then" Gracie would have a sad face. Then she would brighten and play some more. I tell you, this dog has great attitude.
We finally got everybody together for present exchange this past Wednesday. A number of people have asked me if I minded being in the hospital at Christmas. The answer is no. I was too busy learning how to use my new knee. The granddaughters vacuumed and did laundry when needed. Home a week, I can pretty much do that now.
I got my daughter-in-law a rainbarrel and will go get her another and one for me (they fit in a Camry one at a time.) And some more soaker hoses. I hope the coming year will not be as hot, but it probably will be as dry. More on my hobby horse later. We are going to learn now to grow things with as little water as possible.
I think it will be interesting and fun.
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