June 30

Dear Family and Friends,
Good to be back on the blog and first thing on the agenda is a big THANK YOU for all the e-mails, e-cards, prayers and good wishes both for our anniversary and my surgery!    The food brought in was much appreciated, too!   We are so blessed!

Had a good visit with physician's assistant today after therapy.    Got the bulky bandages off and feels so much lighter.   I have 2 incisions and several stitches.    The shoulder is really sore and stiff, so now...it's all about therapy, therapy and more therapy!    I'll be taking my pulleys with me whenever I'm away from home and have several other exercises to do at home (some of this is like starting over from what I did after the first surgery - pendulums, squeezing towel, elbow bends, etc.)!   Lots of icing and pain meds, too (at least for a few more days)!
  
Yesterday, our grand dogs went to "Doggie Heaven" and we feel so for Michael, Brooke and the boys.    Back in 1998, Ryan and I went to visit Michael and picked out Bailey.  Brooke already had Katie and then after they married, the "girls" became best friends.    They both lived a good long life, but had several health issues and as their vet said "it was time"...Our hearts go out to them as they were "family" for all these years and to lose both at the same time has to be especially hard!   Looking at this picture makes me cry!

Bailey and Katie

It was such a pretty day - turned off the air and opened the windows.    Mark and I went downtown to listen to the lunchtime concert (every Wednesday) and today, Patrick was the performer and as usual, he did an excellent job singing Elton John, Phil Collins, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel and many more!   Nice crowd in the park and good time was had by all!

Anne and the boys were there, too, and here's a few cute goofy pics...

Liam with the cute wig

Connor's turn to be cute!

Patrick entertaining us!

June 29

Pat promises to be back blogging tomorrow.

Hopefully you found the pictures of her "screw" that I added to yesterday's blog entry later in the day.  She had a pretty good night of sleeping thanks to the Vicodin.  Therapy this morning was painful but she came out smiling so I count that as a good thing. 

Did a number of small naps today, but has started to make a few phone calls so that means she is coming around.

Some long time friends, Roger and Carol brought over dinner tonight.  We enjoyed that, kept me from cooking - always a good thing.

Sorry, no pictures tonight.

June 28 - surgery day and 41st Anniversary

Just a quick update to let you know that Pat came thru the surgery fine.  The surgery was more involved than originally thought because there was a screw in the pin holding in the screw that they wanted to remove, thus the need to remove two screws.   I'll add a picture later of the main screw that came out,  we can't believe how large it was.

The manipulation of her arm has mixed results.  She now was full up and down motion of the arm, but forward and aft rotation was not as good.  The surgeon said if he pulled any harder he would have broken the bone again, so therapy will have to solve the rotation part.  Of course Pat feels none of that right now as the arm was 'blocked' so she has no feeling in it what so ever.

She is resting at home, and I'll be nursemaid for today (isn't that what the marriage vows are all about...). Diet is not to include any heavy foods, so the cookout of steaks planned for tonight will be postponed.

First therapy session is tomorrow morning at 8:30.   The "block" on her arm may or may not have warn off by then.

More later.

Status as of 5:25 pm. 

Pat is resting, feeling has started to come back in her fingers and some pain so she took two Vicodin, so that puts her back to sleep.  She is also on Toradol for pain and anti-inflamation. 

Now for the real facts:   The screw that came out is over 1.5 inches long and almost 1/2 inches wide.

Looks like my idea to use a pocket knife and screwdriver would not have worked very well.  Good thing we let the professionals handle it!

Makes me wonder what all the other hardware in her shoulder and arm really looks like.

June 27

Rainy Sunday morning and unfortunately, the heavens opened up as we were walking from the boat to the parking lot!   Even with umbrellas, we got WET!!!  

The boys playing drums on the steps.   These two budding musicians who take after their Daddy have such vivid imaginations and can pick up a spatula, spoon, whatever and pretend they are playing the guitar or just start strummin' away playing "drums"!

  Off to 9:30 Mass at St. Patrick's and then for a little snack at McDonalds.   Sun came out and it was a nice, hot afternoon.   The boys and Grandma took naps and then Grandpa and the boys went for a dinghy ride.

Great day on the water - Connor wanted to know if they could go out on the "ocean"?

It was a really fun weekend with these two....and now home and gearing up for surgery tomorrow at 10:00.   Maybe Mark will do the blog?

Thanks so much for all your prayers and good luck thoughts!

June 25-26

Friday was warm and sunny......Mark and I got a few groceries and other piddlies and then Liam and Connor arrived.    They are spending the weekend with us and will be a nice diversion from thinking about Monday.    Anne is involved with the Relay for Life (her tean, the Mixed Nuts raised almost $10,000)!

After a long nap, we loaded up the boys in Daisy and away we went to our friends, Roger and Barb and stored Daisy in their machine shed.  

Connor is ready to roll on Daisy

We went with Barb and Roger to Green Gables for supper.    Their daughter, Nikki and granddaughter, Aubree, met us for delicious cheeseburgers and other goodies.  

Connor, Aubree and Liam with all the chips at Green Gables

Roger, Connor, Liam and Barb outside Green Gables

After stuffing ourselves and lots of visiting, Mark and I took the boys to the Relay for Life site to see Mommy and the thousands there walking - it was sooo impressive with all the people, luminaries (for the survivors or in memory of a loved one) and overall enthusiasm - each wanting to do their small part in the fight against cancer!

Saturday brought HOT, sunny weather after another early morning thunderstorm!

Here are the little Cubbie fans waiting for their blueberry waffles!

  We took the boys to the Farmer's Market and bought some delicious pastries, including banana/blueberry bread, a cinnamon bread braid, etc.

 Grandpa and boys walking around checking out all the goodies

Watching the lady do her "magic" with balloons!

We went to a wonderful gathering at Jane and Don's (Jane is daugher of our neighbors/friends, Norma and Darrel).   Each year they host this fabulous picnic at their home - this was the 5th annual, but our first time and oh my............what an incredible spread of all kinds of delicious food and scrumptuous desserts!    Enjoyed visiting with other neighbors and left with full, happy tummies!

Off to the boat with the boys - so hot and we hit the pool soon as we arrived (Grandpa went to Catrina and got the air going)!    The boys really enjoyed the water...

Acting silly with their new goggles!

Waiting with Grandpa for our food at Crawdads

Liam enjoying his "Kiddie Cocktail" and wearing Grandpa's Tilly hat

Nite Nite after a very big day!

June 24

Nice sunny day without so much humidity/heat!    I had my EKG test at 9 at the TCOM (The Center for Outpatient Medicine) and once again so amazed at this large facility and all the testing, outpatient surgery (and overnight comfort care and suites).    This orthopedic/therapy is big-time stuff and that's where I'll be Monday for the surgery.  I find out tomorrow what time I'm to be there.

Mark came home from the boat early afternoon and I got a haircut and then we went for a walk.   Nice to turn off the air and open the windows (had another 1.3" of rain last night).

Went to dinner at Station 220 with Paul and Margaret.   Lots to catch up on as we had not seen them since January in Florida - especially enjoyed comparing notes on Italy where they vacationed (and loved) this past spring.

Margaret and Paul

June 23

Tah Dah.............finally a day free of rain!    Just HOT, breezy sunshine (94 with a heat index of 105).    Mark left at 7 for Ottawa with his job list for Catrina, along with a good washing and waxing.   I went to 8:15 Mass and then met Claire and Kathy for breakfast at The Coffee Hound.

Some guys came to clean out our gutters and then I went to lunch wtih Exchange Club, came home and walked - hot, hot, hot!    After a quick supper (last night's yummy Italian leftovers), I went to Connor's T-ball game - so fun to watch those little people do their exercises - jumping jacks, touching their toes, etc.   Cute, cute!    Then to Liam's game and as we were sitting there, the skies grew really UGLY and nasty looking.    Before the coaches saw lightning, Patrick said "we're outta here".   It was very dark, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped.    So thankful we all got home before the heavens opened up - my oh my..............forget what I said about no rain today - ha!    Just had a deluge that produced a big lake in our backyard and still coming down - severe storms for a few more hours and flash flood watch!

I'm going for an EKG at 9 tomorrow and will find out Friday afternoon what time surgery is on Monday.  

 Our family is on the move again...........Michael in Barcelona, Philip just home from Costa Rica and then Mark, in Ottawa.   Life IS Good and so much to be thankful for!  

June 22

Mark and I went to the orthopedic doctor this morning and after getting a fresh set of x-rays, it was decided that the screw should come out (getting too close to the surface and causing pain) and at the same time, Dr. Novotny will do the manipulation.    So....two biggies that I was so hoping to avoid, but...

The manipulation will be done first, followed by taking the screw out.   Dr. said he would get all the notes from Dr. Smith (Florida surgeon) so he knows what kind of screw he's dealing with and what kind of screwdriver to have on hand.....not sure if he was kidding, but he smiled as he said that - obviously makes sense to have the correct tools close at hand!   This will be outpatient and we're hoping for next Monday (our 41st wedding anniversary) as then they will do 2 straight weeks of therapy.  The negatives about these procedures are that the bone could break (OMG) again or it could affect the rotator cuff.   But not going to think along those lines and keep positive thoughts that all will go well.    The good news with manipulation is that it should free up the shoulder (get all the freezing and scar tissue outta there) and then speed up the healing process.

 In the meantime, all therapy is halted and I'm only to do minimally here at home what doesn't hurt!!!

Mark and I organized some things in the basement (still a ways to go with that) - and then the rain came.   Dumped out another inch from during the night and today.   We went for a short walk as it's very hot, sunny and steamy.    Enjoying a good story on my Nook and catching up on e-mails.

Kay and Bruce

Tonight we went to dinner at Beningo's (great Italian) with friends, Bruce and Kay.    Came back to our house for good visit and Kay's absolutely delicious fruit pizza pie.  I'm in Exchange club with Bruce and he and Mark go way back with SF.   Kay and I have been friends since we were little girls and she is a fellow Sublettian - they are moving to AZ.....happy for them, but will be so hard to say good-bye.

June 21

Dark and scary clouds this morning and then a big thunderstorm AGAIN...........we got our things together and with a just a few lingering sprinkles, closed up Catrina and were on our way with plenty of sunshine and humidity.    Got home at 11, unpacked and I got a few groceries and then met Claire for lunch at Destihl.

I had 3:00 therapy with Diane, but one look at my shoulder and the bulging area where large screw is....she conferred with Jim and they immediately called the orthopedic doctor who was not in today, but talked to someone and..............I'm to come in tomorrow at 8:30 for x-rays and go very easy with any exercises I do at home.   If it's painful don't do it!!!    I think I mentioned this last week that something was going on, but???   So....I was to see doctor on Friday and now moved up 3 days and see what's what with the screw and also manipulation?

And then Anne has been having some dizzy spells, too and long story short, after doctor visits and a hearing test today, she was told she has the BPPV (rocks/crystals loose)!   I YIGH YIGH!!!!!    She was given a treatment and tonight is wearing a neck collar and sleeping in a recliner.     She'll be going for an MRI next week and more doctor visits!    So, our family is dealing with rocks in the head, loose screw, etc., etc.  This is just soo bizarre.    More details coming tomorrow!!!

Tonight, my Monday Night Friends had a salad supper at SF Park - sooo many yummy salads topped off with awesome desserts from Fresh Market.    Here's our group (missing 3 + the photographer)

Brenda, Marsha, Jody, Ruth, Tamara, Sue and Nadine

June 20

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads!   Hope you've had a great day!   We went to 10:00 Mass at St. Francis of Assisi here in Ottawa and then to my brother Ron and Vicki's home for a very enjoyable day of visiting and good eating.

Anne, Grandpa, Liam and Connor

Our niece, Jennifer and Grandpa

Mark, Anne and the boys

Dad with his kids

Bob, Pat and Ron

Mark and I are back on Catrina and on home tomorrow,,,

June 19

Hot, sunny Saturday, but everything is so fresh after all the rain!    I made omelets for breakfast and then we took a short boat ride - plenty of debris floating in the river, so didn't venture too far.

Passed this barge while on the river

  Went to the pool and did a lot of reading - I am really enjoying my NOOK and just finished my first book and ordered the next.   This will be addictive!!!   Met some nice folks at the pool and on our dock - several are from the Chicago suburbs.   Really like the homes around here, too, that I talked about last night (new development).   Each is a different design and in soft yellow or brick red, Williamsburg blue, dark gray, etc.   Very charming with large porches overlooking the river.

We took a drive this afternoon and had a wonderful dinner at Tracy's Row House - neat old row house that has been restored into a charming restaurant!    Definitely will go back there...

Ryan told us that he will be flying over Busch Stadium in St. Louis with another Navy pilot (two F/18 Super Hornets) immediately after the National Anthem on Saturday, July 3rd.   The Cardinals will be playing the Milwaukee Brewers.   Mark and I will be there to watch Ryan's 10 seconds of fame!!!

June 18

Wow.....so much rain AGAIN today!   Started off hot and sunny and after my therapy with Lee, we left for Ottawa and settled in on Catrina.

Checked out the new pool and around 3:30, storms rolled in with strong winds and lots of rain.    Then it cleared up and was a beautiful evening..   Mark grilled brats and after supper, we went for a long walk.   There are some very nice homes and condos here as part of the Heritage Harbor Marina development with lots more to be built!

And now.............really storming again - thunder, lightning and heavy, heavy rain!!!!    Nite nite!  

June 17

Beautiful sunny hot day!    I had a mammogram this morning, then got some groceries.    Mark and I met good friends, Paul, Kathy, Fred and Jeanne for lunch at Swinger's and what fun catching up.    Fred and Jeanne now live in FL, but are spending the summer here on their RV.

Fred, Jeanne, Kathy and Paul

Mark and I went for a bike ride, I pulled some weeds, but mostly enjoyed the air conditioning!

I'm back from a walk this evening - whew.....still so humid out!

June 16

What a treat to see all the sunshine today!     I had therapy with Jim (been having occasional sharp pains in the shoulder and not sure if it's the big screw or scar tissue or what the heck is going on?)   Guess I'll find out in 10 days when more x-rays are taken???   

Met Claire for breakfast outdoors at Panera and 1 hour of yakkin' away....

Claire

Got the laundry caught up and then off to lunch with  Exchange Club.   Mark has been washing/waxing Daisy and she's lookin' real good - one more coat of wax tomorrow!!!   We went for a bike ride - my first since the accident and I was a bit leery, but Jim (therapist) said no reason not to, so.....felt good and hope to get back in a daily routine of riding!

We enjoyed Connor and Liam's T-Ball games - what fun watching those little ones run and exercise and try to hit/catch the ball!

Batter up, Connor

In between games, Daddy played with the boys at McGraw Park

Liam is warming up before practice

June 15

Mark and I went to Mass (for Mom) and then to Aleta Jane's for breakfast.    Stopped at Barnes and Noble and I bought a Nook (electronic book reader) thanks to the generosity of our kids and all the gift cards they've given us!    Lunch with Carol at Destihl (delicious) and fun chatting and comparing notes as we both attended weddings this past Saturday (Carol was on Reddington Beach in Florida).

Pat and Carol

Rained again this afternoon....big day of eating out topped off with dinner at The Ozark House with Ed and Donna Rae.   Another excellent dinner shared with good friends!   OINK OINK!!!

Donna Rae and Ed

June 14

HAPPY FLAG DAY!  

 We proudly fly our flag every day and especially proud to have 2 of the flags that flew with Ryan on combat missions over Afghanistan.

We had breakfast with the neighbors this morning then therapy at 11:00 (Jim) and later, my annual check-up and talked to the doctor about the dizzy/woozy issues going on.    He said it's related to the crystals/rocks (apparently some have come loose again - or particles).   He did a simple exercise in the office and explained what I can do at home if and when this happens again (not that uncommon to occur but usually not this frequently).   If things don't improve, I'll go back to see Charlotte at the Balance and Dizziness Center.

Rain, Rain, sooo much rain!!!    And more predicted for tonight and tomorrow!    Met the Monday Night Friends for supper at SF Park - only 5 of us, but good time as always with lots of chatter!

Candy and I went for a long walk, dodging mud and water - really humid out!

June 11-13

Busy weekend and now we're home and time to catch up on this blog....

Friday started with therapy (Jim) and more use of "fluidity" (my new favorite word)!!!   I had hair appointment and then helped Exchange Club decorate tables at the Parke Hotel for large fund raiser this evening.    Mark and I were off in Daisy and stopped to visit Dad and then settled in at the campgrounds.    We spent a delightful evening at his sister, Nancy & Mark's home celebrating 4 graduations (lots of family, and good eating, drinking, card playing and visiting)!   

Justin (college); Lisa (nursing school) and Adam (high school) - we missed Nicole (college) who couldn't make the party!   Congratulations to all...

Saturday morning woke up to dark, threatening skies and then heavy rain, thunder and lightening!   Yikes....there were reports of 60 mph winds and I saw 3 downed trees (just snapped off at base of trunk)!    I visited my Aunt Dorothy (Dad's sister) and picked up some good burgers, brats and pork chops at my hometown meat market.   

Off to the wedding of our niece, Molly.............beautiful Mass and very nice reception! 

  Another fun family time.

Mark with his sister, Sue (Mother of the Bride)

The Bride's 3 sisters, Katy, Hannah and Cory

Pretty table decorations with yummy "Molly & Ryan" cookies

Molly and Ryan

Sunday, we went to visit Dad at the nursing home and then back in time for 11:30 Mass.   Had planned to go to the boat and stay overnight, but I wasn't feeling really good (having some dizziness and woozy issues) plus the weather wasn't too promising, so....came on home.    And around 2:15, another torrential rainstorm blasted us.   Mark dumped another inch out (that's what we got yesterday, too).    Not sure what's going on with my head (it's not like the vertigo (rocks/crystals), but have doctor appt. tomorrow afternoon to see what's what?

June 10

Mark and I took the boys to SF Park for fun in the pool.............they had a ball, especially Liam who is such a fish!   Connor took some breaks and cuddled under the towels with Grandma

We met our friends, Pat and Brenda and their quadruplet grandchildren for lunch at the park ....what fun!

Liam and Connor; Maggie, Lauren, Reese and Gavin

Mark put the boys down for a nap (2.5 hour) and I got a manicure/pedicure.   Sure was a busy, fun week with the boys, but Patrick is off tomorrow, so they've gone on home - quiet here tonight!

June 9

Whew.....what a big day we had starting with Liam and Connor eating blueberry waffles with Grandpa and I  went to therapy with Jim (who also noticed more "fluidity" in the shoulder - yeah)!!!    Then off to the zoo and what fun we had - here are some nice memories:

The guys at the zoo entrance

Zoo lady showing the boys a large South American cockroach

Petting the goats

Riding the carousel - Connor on a chicken and Liam riding a dinosaur

Liam....the rock climber

Hangin' from the ropes

While I was at lunch with my Exchange Club, the guys went out for lunch and then we were off to Ottawa and the boat.   What a gorgeous warm, sunny day!    The boys napped along the way and we had a nice relaxing afternoon.  

Fun up on the bridge

Had a snack at Crawdad's (marina restaurant) and were so excited that they are building a new pool which will be finished in a week!    Went for a walk down by the river

Going to check and see how it feels?

And then finally time to go home...

Connor with his thumb and blankie soon fell sound asleep!   We stopped for ice cream and delivered the little ones around 7:50 to Mommy and Daddy!   More fun planned tomorrow!