It doesn't seem possible that we are already going to say goodbye to 2010 in just over 12 hours. So much has happened to us this year,and we have learned much.Not everything got accomplished,and some things that I personally was striving for (such as weight loss) fell to the wayside. However,the overall year was certainly more positive than negative. Here is a reflection on the year that was........
The biggest things that happened to us as a family was that Rick was finally medically retired from the military in April. It took three med boards and 5 years for this to happen. By November,he was 100% disabled through the VA,collecting his monthly pension and receiving Social Security Disability. In May,his knee problems were finally diagnosed by one of the best hospitals in the US,Dartmouth Hitchcock,which is also a training hospital for Dartmouth College,one of the Ivy League schools ( For those of you who are outside the US and may not know,Ivy League schools are schools that are the oldest in the nation,such as Harvard,Yale,Brown,Princeton).He was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Degenerative Arthritis,which was incurred from his days in Combat Airborne back in the 1980's,fighting what I call President Reagan's "secret little wars." Both knees were replaced with titanium.He spent three weeks in rehab,and has made a quick recovery-his surgeon is very pleased. Those three things are most certainly the biggest things that have happened to us this year.
At the beginning of the year,we sat down and discussed what we wanted to do,why we wanted to do it,and how. For the first time,we started seeds indoors. That was a learning experience.Lights,grow trays,heating pads, timers....the one big thing I learned was that I should not take peppers off the heating pads once they sprout. Our basement is cool,and it stunted the growth of the peppers,but I put them back on heat and they did wind up growing.We learned about Square Foot Gardening,and made boxes,made a compost shifter,and shifted lots of compost. We bought a compost tumbler,and my sister gave us a compost bin. We put a small bucket in the kitchen for composting kitchen scraps (who knew that paper towels were compostable? I didn't!). Rick and I built our turkey cage and got Narragansett turkeys from one of our friends. We built a chicken house and got chickens. I discovered that chickens and turkeys love weeds pulled from the garden. We did our first canning this year,and though my veggie weight tally wasn't complete,I do know we grew 28lbs of cukes! We set up rain barrels from juice barrels that Brother Dale gave us. That helped keep the poultry watered since our dug well was low. We planted blueberries,blackberries strawberries,and raspberries. We started a kitchen garden-mint,rosemary,oregano,thyme,and basil (Rick and Brother B tell me I need to plant and dry more oregano next year).Our Concord Grapes took off last year and we bought a trellis,which is already too small-I think we will make an arbor this coming Spring. We got edible apples from out Jonathan apple tree this year! It was planted before Rick went to Iraq. We used our neighbors wood chips to make a walkway to the house and we also used them in between the raised beds. Our other neighbor let us use a mix of their dirt and wood chips to extend our driveway. We made our own maple syrup,as little as there was.I made lye soap,continued making laundry detergent,and attempted to make dish soap,but because I didn't like the results I went back to store bought,but went to Planet,and stopped using Ajax. I stopped buying Clorox wipes and started making my own cleaners-bleach and water for disinfectant and white vinegar and water for glass cleaner. I began making my own brown sugar ( sooooo much better than store bought!). I make our own bread and baked goods.I started teaching myself how to knit.
We made a few investments: a new (used) four wheel drive truck,an artesian well (which will never run dry),a new snow blower,and a new wood splitter. We purchased tree length wood,which should keep us in heat for a few years. Rick bought me a Cuisinart stand mixer,with food processor and meat grinder attachments.
We took a lovely trip to Malone,NY,and got to explore the world of Almanzo Wilder,the husband of one of my all time (if not THE all time) favorite authors,Laura Ingalls Wilder. It was so much fun,and was really something to stroll among the grounds and in the house that I have read about so many times in Farmer Boy.
Personally,though I haven't succeeded at weight loss,or conquered my procrastination issues,I have done much soul searching this year. I feel as a person I have grown and have a more sense of self,though I still have much more growing to do. I am more comfortable in my own skin and in what I believe. I don't get into religion and politics on this site,because that has nothing to do with what we are trying to achieve here.However, these two issues have been some of what has been rolling around my head this last year. Suffice it to say I don't like extremism in religion or in politics,and I don't like it when people try to use fear or paranoia to try and gather followers or votes. Sadly,there is much of that out there right now. I think it's scary.
We have a list already in the works for this coming year:
-Double the size of the garden
-New metal roof on the house and garage
-New deck
-Weatherproof the mud room so we have a place we can keep coats,etc since we dont' have a coat closet.
-Remodel the bathroom
-Remodel the kitchen
-Paint the house and garage
-Clean out the attic
-New windows in the basement
-Make a cold frame with the old sliding glass doors
-Have a cold weather garden this year
-Maybe get goats!
I am sure the list will be added to,and though I know not all will get accomplished,that is what we would like to see happen.
Thank you all for following our lives here in our little cottage.I am very grateful that you all have followed us on our continuing journey.
From all of us here at The Little Yellow Farm to all of you throughout the world,have a wonderful New Years! I hope your joys are many,your sorrows few.
See you next year!!!!! :)
Showing posts with label Dartmouth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dartmouth. Show all posts
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Our Surgery Day at Dartmouth
When Rick and I arrived at Dartmouth at 5:35 Am on Monday,the hospital was like a ghost town,and it made us want to whisper as we walked towards the registration area.There were three patients ahead of us,and two others showed up right after we arrived. After five minutes it was our turn. The receptionist went over Rick's info,and me a beeper.That way if I was in the cafeteria when the surgery was done they could beep me.They also gave me a PIN number that I could refer to on a computer screen,which was Rick's personal PIN number. The screen told me when he was going into surgery,in surgery,and out.
After Rick and I waited for five minutes,they brought us into pre-op. We had just gotten settled in ,and Dr Bernini came in. He asked Rick if he was excited,and Rick told him he was. "Are you ready for your life to change?" Dr Bernini asked. "Yes!!!!" Rick said. He then told us that the joints they were going to use were new,by Johnson and Johnson. The area that works as the joint rotates,so there is a longer life to the joint (they do have to be replaced after 20-30 years). The nurse took Rick's temperature and blood pressure,which were normal. When she went to put in the IV,blood spurted out onto the floor and her New Balance sneaker. "I didn't see that much blood in Iraq," Rick joked. The nurse laughed and said,"Now,just stop it!" We met one of the anesthesiologists,and he asked Rick about his stroke and the side effects. Then one of the members of the nerve block team came in,and explained that they would be putting nerve blocks into his legs so the top and sides of his legs would be basically numbed up. The nurse than asked me leave so they could administer the block,and I went back into the waiting room. Once that was done,they brought me back in,and there were 8 doctors and nurses standing there. "Wow,you have quite the team assembled here for you,"I told Rick,then I gave him a hug and I kiss,told him I loved him and that I would see him later.They wheeled Rick down to the OR at 7:25,surrounded by doctors and nurses,and as I walked away I looked back,and felt like crying.
I went downstairs and got a coffee and muffin.The coffee didn't help.I probably slept a total of an hour the night before,and we had to get up at 4:00 AM. I tried reading in the waiting room but my eyes were getting heavier and heavier,so I tried to take a nap,which was difficult. I was somewhere between semi sleep and awareness,when suddenly my beeper went off at 9:25. The surgery started at 8:04 according to the computer that I had checked when I came back from my muffin and coffee. I woke up and Dr Bernini was standing in front of me. "The surgery went well. He had a lot of fluid in his knees. His knees were worse than we thought,based on the xrays.Remember we thought he had moderate arthritis? It was more advanced-he had areas on his knees that were bone on bone. But he is doing well.We were able to use replacements that were the same size for both knees,so that is good. He will be in recovery for a while,then you can see him." "Thank you so much for everything you have done,Dr," I said gratefully. Rick had been saying for two years that if felt like his knees were bone on bone. He knew it all along!
Finally,at 12:15,they beeped me again,and I was able to go into recovery to see him.Normally it only takes 1-2 hours,but because of the meds he is already on,plus the anesthesia, he slept longer. Recovery is one big room,with many surgical patients. Rick's legs were put into a machine which straightens and bends his legs ever so slightly. He had two jugs,very similar to blue Igloo water dispensers, on either side of him. Ice water flows from them down a tube to a cuff around his knees ,in which the water flows into to keep the swelling down. I was very happy to see him,to say the least. As soon I was by his side,Dr Bernini came in to see how he was doing.He asked him to wiggle his toes,which he did. Rick said he felt good,and his pain level was a 6 or 7 out of 10.The back of his knees hurt,and his feet ached. I was allowed 15 minute visit,then had to go back to the waiting room. About an hour later, I was beeped again,and he was in his room. Happily,it was a private room. I visited for an hour,and he was getting tired,so I left,though I hated doing so.
Tuesday his pain level increased,because the pain block went away. Yesterday, my Mom and I visited him,and he had his first therapy session,which last an hour.He was able to bend his knee to a 50-55 degree angle,and with help on each side and a walker,got off the bed and walked 10 small steps to the chair.My poor Mom,who doesn't have strong stomach,had to leave because she couldn't take the pain Rick was in doing the exercises. She felt sick to her stomach. After the exercises,they gave Rick pain meds,and Mom and I went to lunch.When we came back,Rick was asleep,and when I tried to rouse him,he was not that coherent. I did understand that while we were at lunch,they came in and told him he might be leaving Dartmouth Thurs (today) and go to a rehab in Hampton. They can do exercises with him three times a day in rehab,so even though we are anxious to get him home,this is what is best. Hampton is about 45 minutes from us,which is great. They had put him on a list for a rehab in Manchester,which is 1 hour and 15 minutes away,so we are pleased that he will be going to Hampton. Poor thing,he is in soooo much pain,but thankfully,each day it will be less and less.
I should call him to see if he knows what is going on. Thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes!
After Rick and I waited for five minutes,they brought us into pre-op. We had just gotten settled in ,and Dr Bernini came in. He asked Rick if he was excited,and Rick told him he was. "Are you ready for your life to change?" Dr Bernini asked. "Yes!!!!" Rick said. He then told us that the joints they were going to use were new,by Johnson and Johnson. The area that works as the joint rotates,so there is a longer life to the joint (they do have to be replaced after 20-30 years). The nurse took Rick's temperature and blood pressure,which were normal. When she went to put in the IV,blood spurted out onto the floor and her New Balance sneaker. "I didn't see that much blood in Iraq," Rick joked. The nurse laughed and said,"Now,just stop it!" We met one of the anesthesiologists,and he asked Rick about his stroke and the side effects. Then one of the members of the nerve block team came in,and explained that they would be putting nerve blocks into his legs so the top and sides of his legs would be basically numbed up. The nurse than asked me leave so they could administer the block,and I went back into the waiting room. Once that was done,they brought me back in,and there were 8 doctors and nurses standing there. "Wow,you have quite the team assembled here for you,"I told Rick,then I gave him a hug and I kiss,told him I loved him and that I would see him later.They wheeled Rick down to the OR at 7:25,surrounded by doctors and nurses,and as I walked away I looked back,and felt like crying.
I went downstairs and got a coffee and muffin.The coffee didn't help.I probably slept a total of an hour the night before,and we had to get up at 4:00 AM. I tried reading in the waiting room but my eyes were getting heavier and heavier,so I tried to take a nap,which was difficult. I was somewhere between semi sleep and awareness,when suddenly my beeper went off at 9:25. The surgery started at 8:04 according to the computer that I had checked when I came back from my muffin and coffee. I woke up and Dr Bernini was standing in front of me. "The surgery went well. He had a lot of fluid in his knees. His knees were worse than we thought,based on the xrays.Remember we thought he had moderate arthritis? It was more advanced-he had areas on his knees that were bone on bone. But he is doing well.We were able to use replacements that were the same size for both knees,so that is good. He will be in recovery for a while,then you can see him." "Thank you so much for everything you have done,Dr," I said gratefully. Rick had been saying for two years that if felt like his knees were bone on bone. He knew it all along!
Finally,at 12:15,they beeped me again,and I was able to go into recovery to see him.Normally it only takes 1-2 hours,but because of the meds he is already on,plus the anesthesia, he slept longer. Recovery is one big room,with many surgical patients. Rick's legs were put into a machine which straightens and bends his legs ever so slightly. He had two jugs,very similar to blue Igloo water dispensers, on either side of him. Ice water flows from them down a tube to a cuff around his knees ,in which the water flows into to keep the swelling down. I was very happy to see him,to say the least. As soon I was by his side,Dr Bernini came in to see how he was doing.He asked him to wiggle his toes,which he did. Rick said he felt good,and his pain level was a 6 or 7 out of 10.The back of his knees hurt,and his feet ached. I was allowed 15 minute visit,then had to go back to the waiting room. About an hour later, I was beeped again,and he was in his room. Happily,it was a private room. I visited for an hour,and he was getting tired,so I left,though I hated doing so.
Tuesday his pain level increased,because the pain block went away. Yesterday, my Mom and I visited him,and he had his first therapy session,which last an hour.He was able to bend his knee to a 50-55 degree angle,and with help on each side and a walker,got off the bed and walked 10 small steps to the chair.My poor Mom,who doesn't have strong stomach,had to leave because she couldn't take the pain Rick was in doing the exercises. She felt sick to her stomach. After the exercises,they gave Rick pain meds,and Mom and I went to lunch.When we came back,Rick was asleep,and when I tried to rouse him,he was not that coherent. I did understand that while we were at lunch,they came in and told him he might be leaving Dartmouth Thurs (today) and go to a rehab in Hampton. They can do exercises with him three times a day in rehab,so even though we are anxious to get him home,this is what is best. Hampton is about 45 minutes from us,which is great. They had put him on a list for a rehab in Manchester,which is 1 hour and 15 minutes away,so we are pleased that he will be going to Hampton. Poor thing,he is in soooo much pain,but thankfully,each day it will be less and less.
I should call him to see if he knows what is going on. Thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Quick Update
Good morning!
Just a quick little update on Rick,since I have lots to do today.Rick's surgery went really well. His knees were worse than they thought,based on the xrays. Dr Bernini said that in some areas,there was nothing,it was bone on bone.Rick had been saying it felt like that for the last couple of years. The surgery took 1 1/2 hours, with one Dr one each leg,and a team of 8 in the operating room.He should be up and starting to walk with a walker today,and beginning his exercises.His hospital stay should be 3-5 days,and we are hoping he won't have to go to a rehab facility for a few days afterward. He (and we!) want him to come home. I can care for him here.
Thanks again for all your prayers and good wishes. There is a long road ahead,but we are happy that we can go down it!
My Mom and I are going to visit him tomorrow.Today I am playing catch up with the house,and Zach has a chorus concert tonight.
Have a great day!
Just a quick little update on Rick,since I have lots to do today.Rick's surgery went really well. His knees were worse than they thought,based on the xrays. Dr Bernini said that in some areas,there was nothing,it was bone on bone.Rick had been saying it felt like that for the last couple of years. The surgery took 1 1/2 hours, with one Dr one each leg,and a team of 8 in the operating room.He should be up and starting to walk with a walker today,and beginning his exercises.His hospital stay should be 3-5 days,and we are hoping he won't have to go to a rehab facility for a few days afterward. He (and we!) want him to come home. I can care for him here.
Thanks again for all your prayers and good wishes. There is a long road ahead,but we are happy that we can go down it!
My Mom and I are going to visit him tomorrow.Today I am playing catch up with the house,and Zach has a chorus concert tonight.
Have a great day!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Tomorrow Is The Day
Well,after 2 years of waiting,praying,and hoping,tomorrow is the day.
My wonderful husband is about to get his life back.
At this time tomorrow morning, he will be in surgery having his knees replaced.
I cannot begin to tell you what this means. Once he is healed,he will be able to walk without pain. He will not need morphine anymore. He will not need crutches at all. He will be able to hike,run,ride a bike,and be back to his active self.
Right now he is cooking French Toast for breakfast. He took over the cooking duties a while ago,because he said that was something he could actually do,since he couldn't do very much anymore. He won't be cooking for awhile,so I better get my cooking skills back to where they were! :)
We will be leaving for our motel in Lebanon around 1-2:00 PM. Once we check in,we are going to go down the road to Hanover,which is the town that Dartmouth College is in.Dartmouth is one of the Ivy League schools here in the States,meaning it's one of the oldest colleges in the country. Rick's distant cousin, Daniel Webster,attended Dartmouth College.He was a famous lawyer and statesman in NH.Once we explore the town,we will get a bite to eat,then head back to the motel.
Rick needs to wash his knees with antibacterial soap,wear clean pajamas,and take Coumadin tonight.(Coumadin is a blood thinner to ward off clots-he will have to take it for four weeks after the surgery).He then has to use the soap again in the morning,and scrub any dirt he might have from under his nails. He also cannot wear any jewelry.
We have to be at the hospital for 5:45 AM.They will give him a pain block that will extend down the front of his legs and the sides.It will be good for 24 hours after surgery. However,there will be no block on the back of knees,so that will be very painful.He will be put out completely. He was going to ask for that,anyway.He was concerned that if they only gave him a spinal,and he was in and out of consciousness,that his PTSD might kick in,and if he was only semi lucid,he wouldn't know where he was or what they were doing to him.He didn't want to have a negative reaction.
There is a computer near the waiting room that gives you updates on the patient. I will be given a PIN number,and when I type it in it will tell me his progress. The surgery is about 2-3 hours long. I will be armed with a Diana Gabaldon book from her Outlander series.One eye will be on the book,the other on the clock!
We are nervous,as anyone would be with surgery,but excited as well. We do know it's going to be a while before Rick will be able to get around without a walker.The hospital will have him up and trying to walk the day after surgery.He will not be allowed to come home until he can get to the bathroom,climb stairs,and be able to walk (with a walker) by himself. We are not sure if he will have to go to a Rehab facility for a few days after or not.That is up to the VA,and I think it all depends on how well he does with his mobility and exercises.
I might not post for a few days,but will send updates as soon as I can.
Have a great day,everyone!
My wonderful husband is about to get his life back.
At this time tomorrow morning, he will be in surgery having his knees replaced.
I cannot begin to tell you what this means. Once he is healed,he will be able to walk without pain. He will not need morphine anymore. He will not need crutches at all. He will be able to hike,run,ride a bike,and be back to his active self.
Right now he is cooking French Toast for breakfast. He took over the cooking duties a while ago,because he said that was something he could actually do,since he couldn't do very much anymore. He won't be cooking for awhile,so I better get my cooking skills back to where they were! :)
We will be leaving for our motel in Lebanon around 1-2:00 PM. Once we check in,we are going to go down the road to Hanover,which is the town that Dartmouth College is in.Dartmouth is one of the Ivy League schools here in the States,meaning it's one of the oldest colleges in the country. Rick's distant cousin, Daniel Webster,attended Dartmouth College.He was a famous lawyer and statesman in NH.Once we explore the town,we will get a bite to eat,then head back to the motel.
Rick needs to wash his knees with antibacterial soap,wear clean pajamas,and take Coumadin tonight.(Coumadin is a blood thinner to ward off clots-he will have to take it for four weeks after the surgery).He then has to use the soap again in the morning,and scrub any dirt he might have from under his nails. He also cannot wear any jewelry.
We have to be at the hospital for 5:45 AM.They will give him a pain block that will extend down the front of his legs and the sides.It will be good for 24 hours after surgery. However,there will be no block on the back of knees,so that will be very painful.He will be put out completely. He was going to ask for that,anyway.He was concerned that if they only gave him a spinal,and he was in and out of consciousness,that his PTSD might kick in,and if he was only semi lucid,he wouldn't know where he was or what they were doing to him.He didn't want to have a negative reaction.
There is a computer near the waiting room that gives you updates on the patient. I will be given a PIN number,and when I type it in it will tell me his progress. The surgery is about 2-3 hours long. I will be armed with a Diana Gabaldon book from her Outlander series.One eye will be on the book,the other on the clock!
We are nervous,as anyone would be with surgery,but excited as well. We do know it's going to be a while before Rick will be able to get around without a walker.The hospital will have him up and trying to walk the day after surgery.He will not be allowed to come home until he can get to the bathroom,climb stairs,and be able to walk (with a walker) by himself. We are not sure if he will have to go to a Rehab facility for a few days after or not.That is up to the VA,and I think it all depends on how well he does with his mobility and exercises.
I might not post for a few days,but will send updates as soon as I can.
Have a great day,everyone!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Trying To Catch A Break
As I sit here there are thundershowers coming and going,and it is raining. We wanted to get the fencing done on the coop this weekend,since Rick will be in the hospital starting on Monday.Our NH news channel,WMUR,did say that it was suppose to clear by noontime,at least for a while,so we will have to take advantage of what we can. Anything that doesn't get done I can enlist my brother in law,Brother B,to help,no problem.
This week not a lot got accomplished outside. We had two days of doctor appointments,and whenever we were home it seemed like we either had to run errands or if would rain. My poor garden needs weeding,and I need to plant my herbs,peppers,and cantaloupe.
Tuesday our town is having it's bi annual household bulk pick up,so my sister Linda is bringing up some of the stuff that she no longer can use or is unusable. My Mom is coming up with her to see Rick before his surgery,and they should be here about 10:00 AM. After they leave I am going to My Dear Friend Michelle's house to have tea,chat a bit,and pick up Zach. He spent the night over there,as his Best Friend is Michelle's son,Ethan.It is always very strange when he spends the night somewhere,the house is quiet and takes on a whole different dynamic.
The chicks are getting BIG and I am anxious to move them into their permanent home.
Yesterday Rick and I went to the VA for his pre surgery physical,and he wound up having to go to the dental clinic for an exam. Apparently,surgeries are not done if there is any infections in the mouth,as it can travel into the body. No one informed us of this,and his physical was scheduled for 1:00. But the problem was,whoever was taking care of making sure all his appts were done never scheduled his dental exam. So we were stressing that they wouldn't be able to get us in,and because of how things tend to work for us sometimes,we had it in our minds that his surgery was going to either be cancelled or moved. We were not happy campers. We had to wait until Fee Basis approved the dental appt,then see when they could get us in.Happily,the clinic was not busy,so the wait was more for the approval. Rick does have two impacted wisdom teeth,and the Dr said he really needs to stop chewing tobacco ( a nasty habit he is trying to quit and has actually cut way down on).Other than that,he was fine,his paperwork was faxed to Dartmouth,and he is all set. We left shortly after 4:00 PM and got home at 5:45 PM,still stressed and tired from being stressed.
Dartmouth left a message on the answering machine,telling Rick he needs to be at the hospital for 5:45 AM on Monday,which meds he should take,were we should park,what area we need to go to,etc. Rick is starting to get more anxious. I can't say I blame him. He has been waiting for this for 2 years...and now it's finally here.
Well, I am off to get ready for the day. Have a great one where ever you may be!
This week not a lot got accomplished outside. We had two days of doctor appointments,and whenever we were home it seemed like we either had to run errands or if would rain. My poor garden needs weeding,and I need to plant my herbs,peppers,and cantaloupe.
Tuesday our town is having it's bi annual household bulk pick up,so my sister Linda is bringing up some of the stuff that she no longer can use or is unusable. My Mom is coming up with her to see Rick before his surgery,and they should be here about 10:00 AM. After they leave I am going to My Dear Friend Michelle's house to have tea,chat a bit,and pick up Zach. He spent the night over there,as his Best Friend is Michelle's son,Ethan.It is always very strange when he spends the night somewhere,the house is quiet and takes on a whole different dynamic.
The chicks are getting BIG and I am anxious to move them into their permanent home.
Yesterday Rick and I went to the VA for his pre surgery physical,and he wound up having to go to the dental clinic for an exam. Apparently,surgeries are not done if there is any infections in the mouth,as it can travel into the body. No one informed us of this,and his physical was scheduled for 1:00. But the problem was,whoever was taking care of making sure all his appts were done never scheduled his dental exam. So we were stressing that they wouldn't be able to get us in,and because of how things tend to work for us sometimes,we had it in our minds that his surgery was going to either be cancelled or moved. We were not happy campers. We had to wait until Fee Basis approved the dental appt,then see when they could get us in.Happily,the clinic was not busy,so the wait was more for the approval. Rick does have two impacted wisdom teeth,and the Dr said he really needs to stop chewing tobacco ( a nasty habit he is trying to quit and has actually cut way down on).Other than that,he was fine,his paperwork was faxed to Dartmouth,and he is all set. We left shortly after 4:00 PM and got home at 5:45 PM,still stressed and tired from being stressed.
Dartmouth left a message on the answering machine,telling Rick he needs to be at the hospital for 5:45 AM on Monday,which meds he should take,were we should park,what area we need to go to,etc. Rick is starting to get more anxious. I can't say I blame him. He has been waiting for this for 2 years...and now it's finally here.
Well, I am off to get ready for the day. Have a great one where ever you may be!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Holy Smoke!...Or Holy Pollen!!!!!
Here I am with our Chocolate Lab,Sasha, on Friday with the beginnings of our chicken coop. I had to hang on to Sasha's collar,because every time Rick tried to take our photo,she would walk away! My pink hat is always on my head when I am working outside,whether I am gardening,building,or doing other yard work. I thought that since working outside would be dirty and sweaty,I wanted something in a pretty color that would be fun to wear.Our coop is on the southwestern side of the garage. You can see the window facing the northwest. The other window,which you can't see in this photo,is a small frosted one that faces the southeast.
Saturday,I woke up with a horrible headache,and I had no Excedrin Migraine ( damn! I know I forgot something at the grocery store today!!)so I took some ibuprofen. Well, let's just say I took six of them during the course of the day and I didn't get rid of my headache until that night.
I did get my tomatoes planted,and I put out the cantaloupe and the peppers to harden them off. After I watered,I grabbed my "Outlander" book and sat in the screen house and read for the rest of the day,with some breaks.I watched Rick's brother Brian (who had the day off from work) and our neighbor Kelly working on the coop.
Zach wanted to help,so Rick helped him put some screws into the studs while they put up the walls. You can see the frosted glass window in this photo.The human door will be in the front on the left,and you can see the chicken door down by Zach's legs. I am standing in the garden area.During the day,we kept seeing this fog like cloud that was blowing through the yard. Pollen has been terrible this year.We have never seen so much pollen,it was blowing through the yard in clouds.Everything is yellow.Thank goodness today (Tuesday) we had some rain,so that will keep it down.
Then,yesterday as Zach and I were leaving to march in the Rochester Memorial Day Parade,we noticed that it was really hazy outside,but it wasn't hot enough to be hazy,and it looked different than it does on a hazy day. We smelled something...like something was burning. Of course! The wind currents had brought some of the smoke down from the fires in Quebec. Rick tried to putter around outside and make the door for the coop,but the air quality was poor,so he had to come back inside. The smoke seems to be gone now,and the smell as well.
Tomorrow is a full,full day. We have two Dr appts at the Manchester VA,one at 9:00 AM,then one at 10:00 AM,then one at Dartmouth at 1:00 PM.All are mandatory for surgery. Very busy indeed! But all for a good cause! :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Summertime In May
Once again,our little Granite State is HOT! Today it's going to hit 90 degrees,with some areas of the state inching towards 95. Needless to say,we are not working outside today. I did get my gardens nicely watered this AM after Zach got on the bus,while it was still somewhat cool. I doused them well. Our Jumbo Cornish Game Hens are doing A-OK in the turkey cage,and our smaller chicks are getting the food they need.
My peas are coming up,and I noticed this AM that my lettuce is starting to make an appearance,as well as one carrot stem. The Walla Walla onions are doing well,the pumpkin vines are growing,and the cukes seem to have taken to their new home. The strawberry plant leaves are a beautiful rich green color,and I do see some leaves coming out on our blueberry bushes. So things seem to be moving along nicely so far.
Rick was going to work on the chicken coop this AM,but after he checked the chicks,he wound up on the phone with the VA trying to make sure that his pre-surgery physical was going through . Dartmouth requires the Dr to OK Rick for the surgery,otherwise they will not do it. Apparently,Dartmouth has been playing phone tag with the VA for a couple of weeks trying to set this physical up with Rick's primary Dr.Friday we went down to the Somersworth VA Outpatient Center where Rick sees his primary to talk to them about it,and they informed us that the VA does not allow primary Dr's to clear anyone for surgery. Rick's Dr did make a referral to another Dr who is a cardiologist who does pre-surgery physicals,and Rick called today to see how that was going. After a few back and forth calls,and the VA calling Dartmouth,he finally got good news. He has an appt on June 4 with a Dr. His surgery is June 7! Talk about cutting it close!
I came back home from grocery shopping at 10:30,and Rick had finished the dishes and his phone calls. It was already broiling out,and he was dripping with sweat just from helping me bring the bags into the house. So I told him,no working outside today.We'll see if he listens to me. He worked really hard yesterday,all by himself. He wasn't feeling very well in the AM,and we had to cancel his appt with his PTSD counselor,Ken. Later in the morning he felt better,so while I brought Zach down to his physical for Boy Scout camp,Rick had started on the coop. He got the floor,the framing for one wall,and a window put in. He pushed himself,as usual.The coop is 7' x 8',and is tall enough so Rick,who is 6 ft tall,can walk in to it.
This morning as I was watering my lavender, I noticed a tiny garter snake,laying right on top of it! I have never seen a snake laying on top of lavender before. I don't like snakes. Actually, I don't like when I come across them unexpectedly. If I see them from a distance, I have no problem checking them out. I am thankful that here in NH poisonous snakes are rare. There are some timber rattlers up in the mountains,but not many,and one might find a stray copperhead or water moccasin,but that is very very rare. We have milk snakes,garter snakes,black snakes,rat snakes. This little garter snake was actually cute. He was just hanging out,watching me water,and then when I got to where he was laying,he slowly slid down to the ground,and slithered off along the foundation of the house.I find myself observing more of the world around me as I putter in the yard. Butterflies,bees,birds,snakes-they are all a source of interest for me. I will stop what I am doing and just watch them. I find it relaxing. They don't have schedules to keep,they just do what they do. This is their home,too,and I enjoy sharing this little piece of earth with them.
My peas are coming up,and I noticed this AM that my lettuce is starting to make an appearance,as well as one carrot stem. The Walla Walla onions are doing well,the pumpkin vines are growing,and the cukes seem to have taken to their new home. The strawberry plant leaves are a beautiful rich green color,and I do see some leaves coming out on our blueberry bushes. So things seem to be moving along nicely so far.
Rick was going to work on the chicken coop this AM,but after he checked the chicks,he wound up on the phone with the VA trying to make sure that his pre-surgery physical was going through . Dartmouth requires the Dr to OK Rick for the surgery,otherwise they will not do it. Apparently,Dartmouth has been playing phone tag with the VA for a couple of weeks trying to set this physical up with Rick's primary Dr.Friday we went down to the Somersworth VA Outpatient Center where Rick sees his primary to talk to them about it,and they informed us that the VA does not allow primary Dr's to clear anyone for surgery. Rick's Dr did make a referral to another Dr who is a cardiologist who does pre-surgery physicals,and Rick called today to see how that was going. After a few back and forth calls,and the VA calling Dartmouth,he finally got good news. He has an appt on June 4 with a Dr. His surgery is June 7! Talk about cutting it close!
I came back home from grocery shopping at 10:30,and Rick had finished the dishes and his phone calls. It was already broiling out,and he was dripping with sweat just from helping me bring the bags into the house. So I told him,no working outside today.We'll see if he listens to me. He worked really hard yesterday,all by himself. He wasn't feeling very well in the AM,and we had to cancel his appt with his PTSD counselor,Ken. Later in the morning he felt better,so while I brought Zach down to his physical for Boy Scout camp,Rick had started on the coop. He got the floor,the framing for one wall,and a window put in. He pushed himself,as usual.The coop is 7' x 8',and is tall enough so Rick,who is 6 ft tall,can walk in to it.
This morning as I was watering my lavender, I noticed a tiny garter snake,laying right on top of it! I have never seen a snake laying on top of lavender before. I don't like snakes. Actually, I don't like when I come across them unexpectedly. If I see them from a distance, I have no problem checking them out. I am thankful that here in NH poisonous snakes are rare. There are some timber rattlers up in the mountains,but not many,and one might find a stray copperhead or water moccasin,but that is very very rare. We have milk snakes,garter snakes,black snakes,rat snakes. This little garter snake was actually cute. He was just hanging out,watching me water,and then when I got to where he was laying,he slowly slid down to the ground,and slithered off along the foundation of the house.I find myself observing more of the world around me as I putter in the yard. Butterflies,bees,birds,snakes-they are all a source of interest for me. I will stop what I am doing and just watch them. I find it relaxing. They don't have schedules to keep,they just do what they do. This is their home,too,and I enjoy sharing this little piece of earth with them.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Clearing Out
Good morning! The sun is starting to break through the overcast sky as I type this. It was quite foggy this morning,but it has burned off nicely and it is suppose to be a great day.
Our trip to Dartmouth went well,with only once glitch. Our 3:00 appt was held up due to an emergency that Dr Bernini had,and we didn't see him until 5:15. The other appt,which thankfully was first, went quickly. EKG,blood work,urine test,and a chest X Ray. We also got Rick's Coumadin prescription filled,and booked a room at a local hotel for the night before the surgery. We left home at 9:45 AM,and didn't' get back until just about 8:00 PM. It was a long day.
Yesterday we finished clearing out the area where our chicken coop is going to be built.It is amazing how much can accumulate. Wood pallets,a snowmobile,more misc wood from remodeling,etc. We ripped out a horrible little shrub that I have hated since we moved in back in 2003. Now we have this lovely cleared out spot....with the rest of the stuff in piles in the yard. Rick is going to chop up the bad pallets for kindling,and we will keep the rest to stack our fire wood on. The snowmobile is going to get put into the tree line with a tarp over it. The rest will get burned. I also planted my cukes,put out my herbs and tomatoes to harden off,and planted more peas. My first planting have just started to show! They do grow fast. I also planted more lettuce.
Today there will be more work in the coop area,and I do want to plant my corn,zucchini,summer squash,and beans. I have Sunflower seeds I need to plant,I just need to figure out where I want them. We have juice barrels that we need to cut the top off of,clean out,and put in the spigots for rain water.
We are going to put our Cornish hens in the turkey cage. They have gotten HUGE and are eating the other chicks out of house and home. Since we have no turkeys yet (hopefully we will find out the status of them tomorrow) it will be a good temporary home until the coop is built.
Out black flies are pretty much taking a back seat to the mosquitoes now. They are getting nasty. My brother in law,Brian,also known as Brother B went hunting this morning with our neighbor Kelly,and when he came back he reported the mosquitoes are thick. It's also humid,so that doesn't help. It seems we go from one bug to another with no break.
Our trip to Dartmouth went well,with only once glitch. Our 3:00 appt was held up due to an emergency that Dr Bernini had,and we didn't see him until 5:15. The other appt,which thankfully was first, went quickly. EKG,blood work,urine test,and a chest X Ray. We also got Rick's Coumadin prescription filled,and booked a room at a local hotel for the night before the surgery. We left home at 9:45 AM,and didn't' get back until just about 8:00 PM. It was a long day.
Yesterday we finished clearing out the area where our chicken coop is going to be built.It is amazing how much can accumulate. Wood pallets,a snowmobile,more misc wood from remodeling,etc. We ripped out a horrible little shrub that I have hated since we moved in back in 2003. Now we have this lovely cleared out spot....with the rest of the stuff in piles in the yard. Rick is going to chop up the bad pallets for kindling,and we will keep the rest to stack our fire wood on. The snowmobile is going to get put into the tree line with a tarp over it. The rest will get burned. I also planted my cukes,put out my herbs and tomatoes to harden off,and planted more peas. My first planting have just started to show! They do grow fast. I also planted more lettuce.
Today there will be more work in the coop area,and I do want to plant my corn,zucchini,summer squash,and beans. I have Sunflower seeds I need to plant,I just need to figure out where I want them. We have juice barrels that we need to cut the top off of,clean out,and put in the spigots for rain water.
We are going to put our Cornish hens in the turkey cage. They have gotten HUGE and are eating the other chicks out of house and home. Since we have no turkeys yet (hopefully we will find out the status of them tomorrow) it will be a good temporary home until the coop is built.
Out black flies are pretty much taking a back seat to the mosquitoes now. They are getting nasty. My brother in law,Brian,also known as Brother B went hunting this morning with our neighbor Kelly,and when he came back he reported the mosquitoes are thick. It's also humid,so that doesn't help. It seems we go from one bug to another with no break.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Westward Bound
Today we are going for our second set of pre surgery appts at Dartmouth Hitchcock. The chilly,rainy weather has been replaced by a lovely day,which will be nice for traveling. I do admit that I wish Rick could drive sometimes so I could relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. I love to look at old homes,the mountains,etc.,but it is rather difficult do when you have to keep your eyes on the road.
We are leaving a bit early today. We plan on stopping somewhere for lunch first,since our first appt. is at 1:40. We have eaten in the food court,but they have mostly sandwiches,and other things that Rick can't eat because of his gluten allergy. They do offer salads,but Rick is not a huge salad eater and rarely feels like having one. At least at a restaurant he could order chicken or a steak or something of the like. After that,we are going to book a room in a hotel for the night before the surgery. Rick needs to be there for 5:30 AM,and neither one of us really feel like getting up in the middle of the night to drive 2 hours and 20 minutes. The local hotels offer discounts for patients who are having surgeries done,so we will take advantage of that opportunity.
We also need to have his prescription for Coumadin filled. He has to take the blood thinner right before the surgery and four weeks after to prevent any blood clots from forming in his legs. It's standard procedure.
Our first appt is Pre Admission Testing,whatever that involves. Our second appt is with Rick's head surgeon,Dr.Bernini. Rick has written down questions that he has,which was very smart of him. We still haven't heard the results of the stress test he had a couple weeks ago-we assume that no news is good news. We will certainly find out for sure from Dr.Bernini.
If today's visit to Dartmouth is anything like the last couple of visits,it should be a very pleasant day.
We are leaving a bit early today. We plan on stopping somewhere for lunch first,since our first appt. is at 1:40. We have eaten in the food court,but they have mostly sandwiches,and other things that Rick can't eat because of his gluten allergy. They do offer salads,but Rick is not a huge salad eater and rarely feels like having one. At least at a restaurant he could order chicken or a steak or something of the like. After that,we are going to book a room in a hotel for the night before the surgery. Rick needs to be there for 5:30 AM,and neither one of us really feel like getting up in the middle of the night to drive 2 hours and 20 minutes. The local hotels offer discounts for patients who are having surgeries done,so we will take advantage of that opportunity.
We also need to have his prescription for Coumadin filled. He has to take the blood thinner right before the surgery and four weeks after to prevent any blood clots from forming in his legs. It's standard procedure.
Our first appt is Pre Admission Testing,whatever that involves. Our second appt is with Rick's head surgeon,Dr.Bernini. Rick has written down questions that he has,which was very smart of him. We still haven't heard the results of the stress test he had a couple weeks ago-we assume that no news is good news. We will certainly find out for sure from Dr.Bernini.
If today's visit to Dartmouth is anything like the last couple of visits,it should be a very pleasant day.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Echocardiogram and Joint Replacement Class
Like I mentioned in my last post,Friday Rick and I went to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon,NH for the first of his pre-operative appointments.
We left at about 8:15,and arrived at 10:10,just shy of an hour before Rick's 11:00 AM appointment. We wanted to get there a bit early for a couple of reasons: 1) parking is an issue. There are at least four entrances to the hospital,and when they mail you the appointment date and time,they also tell you which lot to park in (the lot depends on where in the hospital your appt. is,to save walking all over). Ours was by the Main Entrance,and we usually find one in the back row. 2)We want to make sure we have time to find where we are going,since we have only been in the hospital once,and this place is BIG! They do have an information desk right there in the Main Lobby,if there is a problem.
We had no problem finding where our first appointment was. His first appt was an Echo cardiogram. This is standard procedure at Dartmouth before any surgery,to make sure the patient will be able to tolerate surgery. With Rick,it was not only trying to see if he could tolerate it,but if he could tolerate having both knees done at the same time.
The staff at Dartmouth are the nicest,most helpful people in any hospital we have ever been in (and with Rick's medical history,we have been in quite a few over the years). When we checked in,the receptionist thanked Rick for his service,which I thought was nice. It was still 15 minutes before our appt when the receptionist came over and informed us that the nurse who was doing the test was running a bit behind because the Dr had an emergency,so it might be an extra 10 minutes. No problem. Then a few minutes later the nurse (whose name,sadly,I can't remember) came out and apologized for the delay,she only had to clean and redo the room and we would be
all set.( We wound up getting into the room at 11:04-to me,that's not late at all...we have had appts where we didn't get in until over 30 minutes past our appt!)
When she came out to get us,I stood up to go in with Rick,as I usually do,and she said,'We normally don't let spouses come in,but if you would be more comfortable having your wife there,that is no problem whatsoever." Rick said that he would,so we both went in. The nurse told me while Rick was out of the room for a moment that they usually don't let extra people in the rooms during testing because most of the time,resident students come in to observe ( Dartmouth Medical School is in the same building)and that other Drs come in and out,and there isn't much room. But she had read Rick's file,and since he has PTSD and TBI,she figured he would be more comfortable with me there.( She was dead on. Rick gets very uneasy in new places,plus he has a hard time remembering what he is told,so I am his advocate. Even if she had said I couldn't go in,I would've insisted and would have done so,anyway.Legally I have that right.)
Rick laid down on the table,and removed his shirt. The put some electrodes on his chest,and hooked him up to a couple of monitors. Because he can't run on a tread mill,which is how they normally conduct this type of stress test,he had to have an IV in which they inject a medicine to get his heart pumping fast. Before they inject anything,they take pictures of his heart,with an ultrasound. I was sitting behind the gentleman who was taking the pictures,and I must say it was really cool to see Rick's valves,chambers,etc and how the blood flow goes in and out. Even though it felt like it was just the four of us,in the next room there were cardiologists watching their TV screens which were showing them what Rick's heart was doing.They wanted to see certain angles,because 1) Rick had heart surgery in 2008 after his stroke. A hole was found and they fixed it and 2)Rick has a 30% block in his left bundle branch of his heart.
At any rate,once they took the photos,they then injected him with the medicine,and his heart started beating faster,which was also cool to watch. It wasn't beating fast enough,so they wound up giving him more medicine. His heart rate had to beat 147 beats a minute,the same as if he had done the treadmill.He had to tell them if he felt pain,if it was hard to breathe,etc. Happily,he had no bad effects. The whole thing took about an hour. We should get the results at the beginning of the week,but we got nothing but positive comments,including from the Dr who popped in,a Dr Forrest.He is the one who will read the results and send them to Dr Bernini,Rick's surgeon. I wish I could remember the nurse's name,she was wonderful,and I thanked her for her kindness when we left.
Our next appt was at 2:00,so we had time to truck down to the Food Court and eat a leisurely lunch. It was nice not to have to rush. I had no idea where "AF" was,which was where our "Total Joint Therapist" appt was,so we asked at the information desk. Right down the hallway on the left with the rest of the Auditoriums. Auditorium? So this was a class? We really had no idea what the appt was about until she said that. We thought it was a one on one appt with a therapist. So this was the class we had to attend. Auditorium F,here we come.
There was quite a few people in it,mostly folks in their 60's or so.Some people were having hip replacement,some single knee,and some were planned for bilateral knee,like Rick. The lady who began the class was a nurse for 30 years,worked in the field,and was a joint replacement patient herself. She explained about what to expect before,during,and after the surgery,and right up to the first appointment 4-6 weeks after the surgery. She told everyone that their lives were about to change-a life without pain,and when she said that,Rick and I looked at each other and gave each other a high five. Poor Rick,his daily meds were kicking in,so I had to keep poking him to wake him up throughout the session.( If he is not doing something and just sitting,he will fall asleep after he takes his noontime meds.)
The second speaker was a Physical Therapist,who spoke about what they were going to do to get them up and moving at the hospital. He discussed climbing stairs,using a walker,getting in and of bed,and exercises. The third speaker was an Occupational Therapist,who showed what the patients would need at home-a raised toilet seat,a seat for the shower,etc. The whole class was about 2 1/2 hours,with a 15 minute break. We also received a binder with all kinds of information,and a DVD.
We left at about 4:20 and got home around 6:30. Though the day was long,it was a good day. It is making the surgery more of a reality,and Rick and I are getting more and more excited about it. We know he will be in excellent hands.
We left at about 8:15,and arrived at 10:10,just shy of an hour before Rick's 11:00 AM appointment. We wanted to get there a bit early for a couple of reasons: 1) parking is an issue. There are at least four entrances to the hospital,and when they mail you the appointment date and time,they also tell you which lot to park in (the lot depends on where in the hospital your appt. is,to save walking all over). Ours was by the Main Entrance,and we usually find one in the back row. 2)We want to make sure we have time to find where we are going,since we have only been in the hospital once,and this place is BIG! They do have an information desk right there in the Main Lobby,if there is a problem.
We had no problem finding where our first appointment was. His first appt was an Echo cardiogram. This is standard procedure at Dartmouth before any surgery,to make sure the patient will be able to tolerate surgery. With Rick,it was not only trying to see if he could tolerate it,but if he could tolerate having both knees done at the same time.
The staff at Dartmouth are the nicest,most helpful people in any hospital we have ever been in (and with Rick's medical history,we have been in quite a few over the years). When we checked in,the receptionist thanked Rick for his service,which I thought was nice. It was still 15 minutes before our appt when the receptionist came over and informed us that the nurse who was doing the test was running a bit behind because the Dr had an emergency,so it might be an extra 10 minutes. No problem. Then a few minutes later the nurse (whose name,sadly,I can't remember) came out and apologized for the delay,she only had to clean and redo the room and we would be
all set.( We wound up getting into the room at 11:04-to me,that's not late at all...we have had appts where we didn't get in until over 30 minutes past our appt!)
When she came out to get us,I stood up to go in with Rick,as I usually do,and she said,'We normally don't let spouses come in,but if you would be more comfortable having your wife there,that is no problem whatsoever." Rick said that he would,so we both went in. The nurse told me while Rick was out of the room for a moment that they usually don't let extra people in the rooms during testing because most of the time,resident students come in to observe ( Dartmouth Medical School is in the same building)and that other Drs come in and out,and there isn't much room. But she had read Rick's file,and since he has PTSD and TBI,she figured he would be more comfortable with me there.( She was dead on. Rick gets very uneasy in new places,plus he has a hard time remembering what he is told,so I am his advocate. Even if she had said I couldn't go in,I would've insisted and would have done so,anyway.Legally I have that right.)
Rick laid down on the table,and removed his shirt. The put some electrodes on his chest,and hooked him up to a couple of monitors. Because he can't run on a tread mill,which is how they normally conduct this type of stress test,he had to have an IV in which they inject a medicine to get his heart pumping fast. Before they inject anything,they take pictures of his heart,with an ultrasound. I was sitting behind the gentleman who was taking the pictures,and I must say it was really cool to see Rick's valves,chambers,etc and how the blood flow goes in and out. Even though it felt like it was just the four of us,in the next room there were cardiologists watching their TV screens which were showing them what Rick's heart was doing.They wanted to see certain angles,because 1) Rick had heart surgery in 2008 after his stroke. A hole was found and they fixed it and 2)Rick has a 30% block in his left bundle branch of his heart.
At any rate,once they took the photos,they then injected him with the medicine,and his heart started beating faster,which was also cool to watch. It wasn't beating fast enough,so they wound up giving him more medicine. His heart rate had to beat 147 beats a minute,the same as if he had done the treadmill.He had to tell them if he felt pain,if it was hard to breathe,etc. Happily,he had no bad effects. The whole thing took about an hour. We should get the results at the beginning of the week,but we got nothing but positive comments,including from the Dr who popped in,a Dr Forrest.He is the one who will read the results and send them to Dr Bernini,Rick's surgeon. I wish I could remember the nurse's name,she was wonderful,and I thanked her for her kindness when we left.
Our next appt was at 2:00,so we had time to truck down to the Food Court and eat a leisurely lunch. It was nice not to have to rush. I had no idea where "AF" was,which was where our "Total Joint Therapist" appt was,so we asked at the information desk. Right down the hallway on the left with the rest of the Auditoriums. Auditorium? So this was a class? We really had no idea what the appt was about until she said that. We thought it was a one on one appt with a therapist. So this was the class we had to attend. Auditorium F,here we come.
There was quite a few people in it,mostly folks in their 60's or so.Some people were having hip replacement,some single knee,and some were planned for bilateral knee,like Rick. The lady who began the class was a nurse for 30 years,worked in the field,and was a joint replacement patient herself. She explained about what to expect before,during,and after the surgery,and right up to the first appointment 4-6 weeks after the surgery. She told everyone that their lives were about to change-a life without pain,and when she said that,Rick and I looked at each other and gave each other a high five. Poor Rick,his daily meds were kicking in,so I had to keep poking him to wake him up throughout the session.( If he is not doing something and just sitting,he will fall asleep after he takes his noontime meds.)
The second speaker was a Physical Therapist,who spoke about what they were going to do to get them up and moving at the hospital. He discussed climbing stairs,using a walker,getting in and of bed,and exercises. The third speaker was an Occupational Therapist,who showed what the patients would need at home-a raised toilet seat,a seat for the shower,etc. The whole class was about 2 1/2 hours,with a 15 minute break. We also received a binder with all kinds of information,and a DVD.
We left at about 4:20 and got home around 6:30. Though the day was long,it was a good day. It is making the surgery more of a reality,and Rick and I are getting more and more excited about it. We know he will be in excellent hands.
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