March 31

Mark is doing clean-up duty tonight - Anne and Patrick are dining out and we are entertaining Liam and Connor.  It was a fun day............

Thinking of Mark's Mother who is having surgery as I write this for a strangulated hernia - prayers are certainly with her and will keep you updated.    FOUR weeks ago tonight (on her birthday) the accident happened.    I talked to Tom at therapy today about some health concerns I'm having (still a bit of vertigo and also vision in my left eye and a sore left knee).    He said  "you had a lot of trauma to your body and soon as you get home, it will be time to see the doctor and have thorough check-up and tests".  That appointment is set for April 13th.    He said it will be so important to continue the therapy, too, both professionally and at home.

Mark has been spending a chunk of time each day with the logistics of getting Catrina out of Florida and moved north.   Our plans to spend the summer (off and on) cruising on the Tennessee River have changed since the First Mate's recovery is ongoing.    Good friends are going to help with getting Catrina moved (2 separate trips) closer to home.

And now for our day...sunny and warm.   Anne and Patrick did laundry and took the boys to the park.

Anne with her boys enjoying Battery Park.   After naps, we went to the Apalachicola Estuary

Lots of neat fish, turtles and so much more to see here

Liam and Patrick walking on one of the nature trails

Here we all are at the end of the trail.

March 30

Good day here in Apalach with lots of sunshine and 70 degrees.    Grandpa started the day off making pancakes and sausage for all.     Anne and I got in some mom/daughter retail therapy downtown while Patrick took the boys to Battery Park to run those little legs off.    Mark ran some errands and then we all met for lunch at "That Place on 98".   Boys and Grandma took a nap and then the guys all enjoyed a dinghy ride.   Patrick grilled hamburgers for supper.    The therapy is coming along.....just other aches and pains that keep poppin' up in my neck, back and wherever!    Arrgghhhh!

Liam climbing his first tree

Connor enjoying the swings at Battery Park

After lunch we all headed to the Apalachicola Chocolate  Company (almost a daily ritual) for yummy treats.

Mr. George who makes all the delicious concoctions at the chocolate company.    He's such a nice man and has gotten to know all of us quite well!    Think we may be his best customers???

Liam and Connor acting "silly"

Grandma and the boys in their new "Apalachicola Crabber Hats"

The guys on their first dinghy ride

March 29

Hi.....cool, windy day here in Apalach.    I had good therapy session at 9:00 (they last 1 1/2 hours) followed by the heat stimulus and icing.   Ahhhhh.   This will be a short week as office is closed Good Friday.  We all went to the beach on St George Island.   Liam and Connor had a grand time in the sand....here are some highlights as we braved the wind & chill on the water!    We had some good pizza at BJ's and then back to the boat for naps (boys and Grandma) while Anne and Patrick wandered downtown and Mark did computer stuff.

Mark rigged up a pulley system on Catrina for me that is working well and Connor looks on.  The boys help me count and cheer me on!

The boys having "fun in the sun" on Catrina's upper station.    The guys talked to some shrimpers (shrimp boat captain) and learned all about catching shrimp.   Had some very fresh and delicious shrimp cocktail before dinner.  We grilled chicken for supper and then Anne, Connor and I played Rummikub.

March 28

We were to have a rainy day, but rain was intermittent and really did not put much of a damper on the day.  We did church, nap for the boys, some euchre for the adults then a couple of walks downtown and back filled out the day.    Just a nice easy going Sunday.

Connor is milking the cow.  Wooden cows are not as scary as the real thing.

Lots of interesting things to check out at the various city parks.

Boy are these shrimp boats big!
Had a delicious dinner at Caroline's

March 27

Beautiful day here in Apalach - finished tidying up Catrina, went for a walk and then tah dah........the grandsons are here, the grandsons are here!!!

Anne, Patrick, Connor and Liam

Mark and I took the boys for a walk and played in Veteran's Park across from the marina/hotel while

Anne and Patrick settled in.

Connor and Liam w/Vietnam veterans

Ahhhhh...the warm sunshine feels sooo good!   Think this Florida vacation is going to be sooo much

FUN!

We all had a great dinner at Papa Joe's Oyster Bar and back to Catrina for a movie (boys) and visiting! 

 

Grandpa and boys outide Papa Joe's.

Think we'll call it an early night!

March 26

Great weather today.  Pat had therapy at 12:30.  She also has to do exercises twice more during the day.  She is using the excuse that she has exercises to do to get out of doing the blog update. Sorry no pictures today.  I went to hardware store and rigged up a pulley system to use for her arm exericises similar to what she does at therapy, but she 'nixed' having exercise pictures on the blog.

She enjoys her therapy exercises (or maybe she enjoys the people).

Had a nice late lunch at the Owl cafe.  We remember eating there 2 years ago. Good spot. Then we did a grocery store run at the "Pig", local name for the Piggly Wiggly.  I also worked in a quick trip to the Ice Cream shop for an old fashioned Chocolate Soda.  Then tonite we had to hit the "Chocolate Man" to see what new concoction he made today.  It was Caramel Walnut candies.  They were great.

We also finalized moving things between the boat and the car to get ready for Anne, Patrick, Liam, and Connor tomorrow.  Will be fun to see them. You can expect many grandkid pictures in next few days.

Ryan called to let us know that he was off the Carrier and officially back in the States (at least for the next few months).  That made "Momma" happy.   Always good when Momma is happy.

March 25

Greetings on a very wet afternoon/evening here in Apalach!      Started our day with breakfast at Caroline's, old FL hotel/restaurant that's been a fixture here for 30+ years.    We were told the pancakes were the best....they were!!!!    And our waitress made my day when she kept calling me "Milady" (love this southern hospitality).  Made some major waves on Catrina getting stuff stowed away and general tidying up.    Mark has carried the "LOAD" for 3 weeks, so feels good to do little things here and there.    He did all the laundry today, too!!!!

This afternoon, my Captain was in need of an ice cream fix, so we went downtown  to the neat old-fashioned soda fountain featuring all the flavors of blue bell ice cream (love it)!   While enjoying our rocky road and moo-lennium (chocolate, caramel, almonds, walnuts and pecans) cones, the heavens opened up and in just a short time, it turned into a deluge with wind and street flooding.    We did get back to Catrina when it let up a bit, but started up again and just rained and rained, thunder and lightening for 2 1/2 hours.   Our weather radio went off twice about potential water spouts and to get off the gulf into a safe harbor.

About time for my 3rd therapy exercises of the day.........Tom told me to drink lots and lots and lots of water as this will help with the healing process.    Tomorrow's session is at 12:30.   It's Lent, so time for extra penance!!!   And now....................here's your favorite blogger

Pat wouldn't let me off the hook even for one nite.  Looks like I've got a challenge on my hands getting out of the 'blog job'.   People have been asking about my injuries.  For a while my left leg and knee were really sore, but I'm starting to feel much better.  I don't limp until it is the end of the day and my leg is tired.   Hopefully it is just a very bruised bone which is healing as expected.  Just tough to admit that we heal slower as we get older.

March 24

First order of business is:   Happy Birthday Brady, who is 4 today.  We talked to him on the phone today.  What a sweetie.  We gave him the shirt which he wanted to wear to school today, but dress code does not allow that.  He decided if he couldn't wear his "Brady" shirt then it wasn't his birthday.  They say the cutest things.

Brady modeling his shirt.

I did boat jobs this morning while Pat was at therapy.  She walked home and after lunch we went over to St. George Island.  It has some very nice beach areas.  Started out sunny and warm but got cloudy later on.  Came back to the boat and Pat did more exercises and is now napping.  I'm hoping to talk her in to describing her therapy exercises for you.  That seems like a good way to get her back in to 'blogging'.

I took the engine batteries out and had them 'load tested'.  They are ok so I will not replace them. Now checking for loose connections, although now the engines start just fine. Wouldn't you know that one of the connections will require an 18 extension socket or someone with a very long and skinny arm. (Maybe I'll measure Pat's good arm while she sleeps....)  Don't think I'll be checking that connection for awhile. 

Hi all..................I'm baaaaaaaack!    Sure don't want to steal Mark's thunder and the fine job he's done with the blog, but just a quick update on what's going on with my therapy and recovery.     I'm really impressed with Tom Brocato and staff at The Apalachicola Rehab Center.     They are so friendly, encouraging, and supportive.   As I was doing the "climbing the walls" exercise today and almost in tears,  Miss Pam said a shoulder fracture is the worst break in the body with long, painful therapy taking a good 6-8 months to get full range of motion back.      I'm doing pulleys, shoulder shrugs, pendulum swings, etc.     After today's session, I had some heat sensor stimulus and then warm padding applied to shoulder followed by ice applied by Miss Martha Pearl with such loving care.   On the days I have therapy, I'm to do exercises on the boat 2 more times and when I don't have therapy (Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun), I'm to "try" 3x each day!   "No pain....no gain"!!!    Sooo glad this is not my right shoulder as that would be much more difficult dealing with the ordinary things I do right-handed!   Just before leaving the office today, Tom said I was a trouper and "hang in there" - that was a real boost to the morale!    There are still some nasty bruises and aches and pains, but time will heal.    It's supposed to rain tomorrow and that usually means more aggravation to the ole bods!

I have appointment for April 13th back home with my Dr. to evaluate my progress, set up a time with orthopedic Dr. and then more therapy.   Three weeks ago tonight this nightmare all began, but we are so thankful it wasn't worse!

THANKS to all of you for your wonderful e-mails, cards, visits, phone calls, gifts, and especially your prayers and get-well wishes!     It's been such a comfort hearing from you, and Mark and I are both so appreciative of all your support.     Mark has been a super caregiver and been doing a little bit of everything.    He's holding down the fort (boat) first rate - what a guy!!!   He's still hurting with his leg and hoping the healing will be complete and come soon!

And now...........the next 2 weeks we'll be enjoying Anne, Michael and families.    The best therapy is coming my way............... "Grandma time" and so looking forward to all the FUN with my 5 little guys!

Love and Hugs to all,

Pat

March 23

We had a very nice day, starting with a nice sunrise.

Warm and sunny.  I worked on boat jobs.  Pat got a manicure, then walked downtown to do some shopping.  I met her there for lunch at "That place on 98" She shopped a bit more and I went back to give the boat a good wash down.  Got to get all that salt off.

Our friends Bob and Liz had called Pat as they motored thru Aplach.  We called them back and made plans to meet them for dinner in Port St. Joe.  It is only 23 miles from here.  Of course we had to go early because Pat remembered a couple of shops she just had to make sure they were still in town.

After drink and snacks and gabbing on their boat "Second Wind" we went to a recommended spot - "Provisions".  We highly recommend it also.

March 22 - Start of major rehab

We called the local Physical Therapy Center early this morning.  They got Pat in at 1:45 for paperwork, evaluation, and a  session. About 3:45 they called and told me she was done.  Boy was she "Done in".  They really worked her arm.  She said it was a good session but painful.  At breakfast this morning the locals were really talking up Tom the therapist.

Pat is enjoying the local southern hospitality.  She is "Miss Pat" to everyone at the Therapy Center.  She will have 3 sessions a week and exercises she is to do every 2 hours, then ice pack on the shoulder after the exercises.

For me it seemed like the day flew by,  I got a couple of things done on the boat list, but I'd better keep 'truckin' if I'm to get done before kids show up this weekend.

As we sat here tonite two 'pirate' ships came by.  They stopped at the restaurant just up the creek.  Don't know where they are from. 

Pat also had a good chat with Ryan.  He is in Bremerton, WA and leaves for San Diego tomorrow.  Philip is on the Tiger cruise with him.  We'll do it some other time, but lots of tears for Pat because we are missing that.  As Ryan says "Mom you could have it a lot worse, I'll have other cruises." 

Based on our first day here, I know we're going to enjoy "Apalach"!

March 21

Windy amd rainy here today.  We took Ron to Tallahassee to get a rental car for his trip back  to Lakeland.  We're sure glad he came with us.  We also went to church, West Marine, and Barnes and Noble.  On the way home we stopped at a nice little "old Florida" town call Sopchoppy which is home to the "Gruntin' Worm Festival".   Forgot we had the camera so no pictures.  The highlight of our day was a phone call from Ryan who is now docked on the Nimitz in Bremerton, WA.  Philp is with him and they will be cruising to San Diego beginning Tuesday morning.

Ron just before leaving Catrina this morning

We found the Physical Therapy office, so will be checking in there tomorrow morning and get Pat started here in Apalach (as the locals call it).

March 20 - Spring begins

What a difference a day makes.  Today was calm winds and seas 1 foot or less. Had a great crossing. Of course no day of boating is without it's challenges.  Port engine would hardly turn over this morning.  Pat always wonders about all the 'stuff' I bring along, but that stuff came thru.  I have a battery booster pack which was needed to give the battery a jump start.  Looks like it's time to replace some batteries.

Then the chartplotter stopped until we found the loose wire.  Everything comes in threes so when the depth guage quit I wasn't surprised.  Turned out it just need to be powered off and back on and was fine.

Other than that you could not have asked for a better day.  We drove a bit slower as Bob and Liz can not go as fast as we can.  We still did 15 mph in the calm waters (could have done 19-20).  Total trip was 129 miles.  Saw a number of dolphins doing some great jumps.  Ron also saw a huge turtle when he was outside walking around the boat.

Other good news, --  very few crab pots.   As I said what a difference a day makes. 

We are settled in at Apalachicola for the next 3 weeks.

Pat is feeling very good.  Enjoyed today much better than yesterday.  I keep asking her when the blog duties will move --- wish me luck on that one.

Happy Spring

Pat at the helm (ok, so she didn't touch the helm as the Autopilot was doing all the work)

Ron hard at work

We let Ron enjoy some fresh air and take a break now and then. Notice the calm seas.

Pat is back in the swing of picture taking and eating. (I just go along to be a good sport)  Love the Fresh Fried Oysters.

March 19 - Traveling again

First of all Happy Birthday to our grandson Davis who is 8 today. We talked to him last nite and had a great conversation.

Happy Birthday Davis!

Depending on who you ask, today was a good day or a 'not so good' day.  I thought it was good, but Pat wanted 'Flat' seas and that was not to be.  We left at first light - 7:10 and was out in the Gulf by 8:00.  Went about 4 miles but too rough for Pat so we turned around and went back inside to the Intracoastal.  That was calm for 30 miles to Tarpon Springs.  Things had calmed down and we were back out in the Gulf heading to Cedar Key, FL for 45 minutes before Pat realized we were in the Gulf. It was not as rough 2-3 footers on the Port bow, but not smooth either.

But she went back to sleep so Ron and I just kept on keeping our eyes on the "land mines" which are actually Crab Pots but you want to treat them as land mines because you don't want to tangle with them.  They seem to be everywhere.   After a while when we did not see any, we would get worried that we were missing them....  Love Crab, but hate the Pots.......

Made it to Cedar Key by 4 pm after 115 miles.  Met and rafted up at anchor with Bob and Liz, other PDQ 34 owners.  Had a good chat with them, that helped Pat's mood.  We will cross with them to Apalachicola tomorrow.  They have smaller engines so I'll have to hold back on the throttles.  Should have about 90 miles of open water across the Gulf than about 15-20 miles of more protected waters. 

For the non-boaters we averaged 13.5 miles per hour. Probably burned about 40 gallons of fuel.

Wish us luck tomorrow with the Gulf and the Crab Pots.

Liz and Bob

March 18 - preparing to depart

The forecast looks good for Friday and Saturday on the gulf so we will give it a try tomorrow morning.  Today was spent in preparation.  A boating neighbor helped me take Catrina about 4 miles away to fill the fuel tanks.  At one time I asked him to look in on Pat down below as I was driving from the upper station.  He reported that she was still on the phone. Think she talked the whole 4 miles so the trip did not have a negative impact on her!!

A Physical Therapist came this afternoon to review exercises she should now be doing.  We will continue therapy in Apalachicola (or that is the plan for now).

Pat's brother Ron will go with us.  Brothers and Sisters-in-law Ron, Bob, Vicki, and Linda along with a good friend of Vicki's came to eat on St. Pete Beach.  Ron will spend the night with us and we hope to be going at first light.   Our destination depends on weather, waves, and Pat.  Could be Clearwater (20 miles),  Anclote Key (40 miles) or Cedar Key (90 Miles).

If we don't post tomorrow night you will know we were on our way and some of these destinations may not have internet access.  We should be back in access range for sure by Sunday.  If we are without Internet for 2 days I'll have to increase Pat's pain medicine or she will be going thru withdrawal!

Bob, Linda, Ron, Vicki, and Helen after a very good meal at the

 Oyster Shucker.

March 17 - Happy St. Patrick's Day

Pat had a good night sleeping on the boat.  She appreciated not having all the interruptions that you have at the hospital.

We both had check-ups with the doctor today. Pat got staples out and all looks good.  The took extra xrays of my leg.  Nothing shows up, just will be a long healing process.  If it does not improve he suggested an MRI when we get home.

Home Care came to the boat today to check out Pat and her surroundings.  They had no concerns. She is getting around the boat quite well.  The real test will come when we start moving.  The weather looks good for Friday and Saturday so we currently plan to give it a try then. If Friday goes well, we will cross the gulf on Saturday.  Pat's brother Ron will come to help us on the trip. 

The gulf weather and waves have been like the rest of Florida this winter - one or two good days followed by a week of not so good.  We want calm waters and low winds. Current forecast is for good days Friday and Saturday, then not again until next Friday and Saturday.

Had a nice lunch at Philthy Phil's on St. Pete Beach.  Great corned beef. Lots of people, music, etc.  Pat says  "that was good therapy."

I got groceries and did laundry, filling the rest of the day.   Tomorrow we'll tidy up the boat, get ready for Ron and hopefully "moving on"!

March 16 - On the boat again

Big day. Pat is on the boat!! Actually was pretty uneventful, but that is easy to say after you've done the challenge.  A few highlights of the day:

A tearful good bye to Nancy, but then when does Pat not have tears at a goodbye...

The nurse kept her in the wheelchair until we crossed busy Pasadena Street at the crosswalk.  They did a fresh coat of paint last night on the crosswalk.  I told Pat it was just for her!  For the nurse this was a first "someone leaving the hospital to go to a boat".  I told her we were glad to put some variety in her job.

Ready to get on board, while modeling one of the blouses I bought her.I moved dock lines around so the boat was right next to the dock to make it a very easy step onboard. If you see the power pole that is directly over Pat's head, it is located at hospital's property corner, that's how close we are.

Pat settled in with her computer close by. Suspect this will become one of her favorite spots.

As I write this she is trying out her potential #2 favorite spot - the bed for a nap.  She hasn't made a sound for 30+ minutes so I think the bed is passing the test also.  We added some large pillows to keep her propped up a bit. No I'm not brave enough to post a picture of her taking a nap.  Have to be married 50+ years to pull that off.

Our celebration tonight will be pizza and maybe a glass of wine. Life ain't so bad at all. 

March 15 - Last full day of rehab

Today was the last full day of rehab.  Pat is to be able to go to the boat tomorrow after lunch.  I had a lesson with her today on hints for doing things around the home. We also got in another walk outside after lunch.  A bit cooler than yesterday.

She will either have home health care or out-patient rehab after this.  We'll know more after we talk to the doctor on Weds. and also after we see how she does on the boat.  I'll have her running those throttles in no time......  Well maybe a bit more time than that. I keep pointing out to her that driving this boat is much easier than the sailboat, and she used to drive the sailboat into the slip all the time while I handled all the lines.  I haven't convinced her of that, but this will be the incentive for her to stay at the helm and let me do all the work with the lines and fenders. Got to have those little goals.... 


Wish us luck on the boat tomorrow night.  There are lots of motels on the beach with vacancies if she mutinies on me.

Have to include a picture of Pat's roommate and her husband. 

Fred and Nancy

March 14

When the sun is shining and the temperatures warming, how can you not feel good.  We had some visiters today, long time friends Patty and Doug who now live in The Villages, FL.  We all got in some good gabbing time outside along with the sunshine.

No therapy sessions today.  I rode my bike to church, then stopped at Beall's to get different size blouses for Pat.  She was pleased with my selection (or she was at least wise enough to say so or I might never shop again).

Tomorrow it is back to the therapy routine.

Patty, Pat (no that is not a blouse I bought), and Doug

March 13

We had a very nice day outside.  Pat had shortened therapy this afternoon so she and I got to walk outside for quite a bit.  I'm still not walking very fast and neither is she so we made a good team.  She only had to remind me once that I was getting ahead of her.  She REALLY enjoys getting some fresh air.

Glen and Paula did stop by last night.

Paula brought cookies. They are a hit with Pat.  So far I've only gotten 1/2 of one cookie.

Glen with your new favorite Blog Author!

Pat and Linda the Saturday Occupational Therapist.

You new favorite Blog author is now also a shopper (God only knows what new skills I do next).  I bought Pat a couple of new button down blouses.  She decided that she can go with a smaller size so tomorrow I get to shop even more.   I'd better earn lots of atta boys for this.

We have decided to cancel our participation on Ryan's Tiger Cruise.  We are disappointed but we have new priorities.  Oh well, there should be future opportunities to join a Tiger Cruise.  Wonder if the Navy would let me drive the boat??  Main disappointment is waiting the extra couple of weeks to see Ryan.

All in all another good day.  No therapy on Sunday so maybe more walks outside.  Stay tuned.

March 12

Pat's day started off with a big high for her - she got a shampoo by Alisa.  Amazing how little things really help the mood. 

While things were going very well inside, neither Pat nor Mark ventured out as it rained all day.  Todays activities were extra strenous so her body is aching tonight.

She got a roommate today (Nancy).  8 new people moved into rehab unit today. It is definitely more active around here tonight.

She really enjoys the emails. She now reads them herself, but not yet ready to type responses. She also wants to thank everyone for the prayers - She says they are helping.  The dizziness comes and goes but is getting less frequent.

Some have asked about the accident -  the lady that hit us did stop.  The policeman who gave her a ticket did say you would not meet a nicer lady.  She was very shook up about it.

Friends from Fort Myers Glen and Paula called earlier this evening to let us know they will be in the area and may stop to see us later tonight.

March 11

Status according to Pat:   It was a Very good day. Much walking, step climbing up and down, and various other therapy. She even got in a little "retail" therapy thanks to Arnel.  They went past the hospital gift shop and she got to browse as long as she wanted.  Let's see--- that means she only missed shopping for 8 days!

A nice treat this evening was a visit from her brothers and sisters-in-law,  Linda, Vicki, Ron, and Bob from Lakeland, FL.

Rehab - March 10

Rehab today included a number of things but the most fun was:  Walked outside, enjoyed the warm sunshine, stopped to sit on a bench and relax with a water view. Pat really enjoyed that part of the day. On the way back she walked up 23 steps.

Rehab doctor and the therapists met over lunch to determine their evaluations together.  At this time they are targeting a release date of next Tuesday March 16th just in time for St. Patricks Day.  On the 17th she has an appointment to follow up with surgeon to get stitches removed. 

Some have asked how I am doing.  I still have some pain in the leg especially when I walk. However riding the bike doesn't have the pain.  I also have an appointment on March 17th with Ortho doctor if my knee and leg have not improved by then.

I added a new song to the Blog, thanks to Sister-in-law Lydia -  Reach by Gloria Estafan.  Thought it was appropriate.  Philip suggested that "living on a boat but hit by a car" seems like it should be a Jimmy Buffet song.  The subject of "Florida by boat, but hit by a car" is quite the conversation starter around here.

Pat really appreciates all the emails.  She is now reading them herself. She hopes to begin responding (one handed) to them soon. Thanks also for the many prayers, well wishes and concerns.

Pat is ready for me to post some pictures (sorry none of her).  The first is of her therapists.  She took the picture (one handed), guess that means the 'shutter bug' is back in business.

Arnel (Physical Therapist) and Alisa (Occupational Therapist)

A new addition to the room yesterday.

Our collection from this weekend.

Rehab - March 9

First day of rehab.  They told Pat it would be mainly evaluations.  Turns out that means they work you and see where it hurts. Not really, but her body seems to think that is the way it is.  Her arm and shoulder don't hurt as much but the rest of her body muscles are complaining about going back to "work". 

She put on regular clothes this morning, that felt good.  (Vicki and Linda provided some oversized shirts.)  Great idea!  She was able to put her socks and shoes on by herself.

She still gets the vertigo, they are monitoring her closely.

Her appetite is good, especially the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. (you can't eat just one). The food has been good.

My day consisted of laundry, haircut, and boat clean up. 

She is really enjoying the emails as I share them with her.

Onward to Rehab - March 8

Pat slept in a bit, but mainly because she stayed awake to watch the Oscars.  I on the other hand turned in early. 

Today was a good day.  We walked a number of times and did exercises dropping the arm after each meal. She gets very tired after being up and around but if feels good to her to stand and walk.

She has some vertigo.  They did a cat scan but all was negative. Doctor says this is not unusual after the body has been through trauma.

Decision was made to move her to the Rehab facility here at the hospital.  She got moved over there at 4:00 so the long therapy sessions will start tomorrow.  The sessions will include teaching her how to do things with one hand as well as physical therapy sessions on the arm and shoulder.

All in all a very good day.

Recovery - Day Two

Pat said she had a good night sleep.  I slept on the boat and had a good night also.  I came over early before going to church.   She has started the "I can't wait to get out of here", which I told her was a good first step. 

She gets light headed after doing any real movement but the doctor says that is normal as her body is coming off the pain medication. She is doing lots of cat naps, but ate a good lunch.

Tomorrow we find out what will happen Rehab-wise as they don't want to release her until that is finalized and nothing happens on Sundays.

If you want to send her a card you can do so at:

Pat - On the PDQ
C/O Pasadena Marina
1740 Harbor Place South
S. Pasadena, FL 33707

She wasn't up for any pictures today.

Recovery - Day one

Surgery went well.  Pat slept reasonably well and suprisingly I did too in the recliner beside her bed.  Michael and Philip left this morning.  They were a tremendous support and got some good laughs out of Pat before they left.

She had a good day but with lots of naps as the pain medication did it's thing.  No one gets real definite, but it appears we will be here until Monday when everyone can decide what the best option is for her.  When we tell people we are "on a boat" it causes them to do a double take and think a bit further about our options.  We are also getting lots of offers from friends on options which we appreciate.  Right now for Pat, the thought of going anywhere does not sound good.  That's to be expected on day one.

I was able to persuade her to talk to her Dad after I called him.  Got a picture of her in action on the phone with "Samuel" a bear that came with some flowers.  Philip 'named' him and made sure he had a sling on his arm just like Mom.

We thank you for all the notes, prayers, and offers of help.  It means a lot to both of us.

More tomorrow - moving on to Day 2 of recovery.