New Years Eve

 Posted by Mark:

Our dinner at La Ola and the Gatlin show was very good.   Charlotte and Doug really enjoyed everything also.

The first half of the show was all songs with "Love" in the title.  The second half was all songs with "Dance" in the title.

Show ended at 10 p.m.   A late night for us.   😀

We both slept good once we got to bed.

This morning we went to church downtown.  Their crowds have still not come back to Pre-Covid.

We met Charlotte and Doug at Connor's Steak and Seafood for New Years Eve Lunch.  No reservations could be had for the evening.  Lunch was just fine with us. Unfortunately Beth and John still under the weather.

Pat, Mark, Charlotte, Doug

When we got home our neighbors to the south (Gary and Brenda) were just arriving from Missouri.  The park is almost full.

Zoom tonight with 7 of us.  Catching up on the health issues and everyone's holiday activities.

I'll finish with a photo we got from Judy - Maeve's other Grandma.   

Maeve is a Character!

Saturday - December 30

 Posted by Mark:

Pat and I both had a great night of sleep.  I've been asked about status of her fingers and my battery problem.

Fingers still numb and feel weird but more movement each week.  They are guessing between each health care provider you talk too.  Radial nerve?, Median Nerve?, carpel tunnel?......   All agree will take time.

My battery issue turned out to be loose connection in the battery box.

We went for groceries this morning.  They were not real busy.

Buddy and Jo Ann from across the street arrived today.  Had a good visit with them.

Doing the blog early today, as we are going out to eat with Charlotte and Doug tonight at a new place in Bell Tower Plaza that will include the Gatlin show.  Beth and John are both under the weather so they will not be joining us.

Friday - December 29

 Posted by Mark:

Since Pat did not have PT until 2:30 no rush to get around this morning.  I went to Hardees and brought home Biscuit and Gravy for me and a biscuit for Pat.  

Pat suggested I give you an update on the itching.  The Gabapentin has stopped most of of itching and when it does happen the Cortisone 10 takes care of it.   Gabapentin also has her sleeping all thru the night.

We went to McAlister's Deli for lunch then on to PT.   My plan was to get the car washed and stop at liquor store while she was in PT.  But traffic was horrible so I only got the car washed.  

Pat said Chad really worked her shoulder a lot today.  Raising her arm all the way up and then out quite a bit.  They keep giving her a good report.

I went for a walk this afternoon but too chilly for Pat.

Tonight she's watching the Call the Midwife Christmas special.

 

Thursday - December 28

 Posted by Mark:

Started the day with haircuts on the agenda.  I left Pat at Peter's coffee shop and got my haircut by Jose at 10.  Then Pat got hers with Jewel at 12.  She has been going to Jewel for years.

After her haircut we checked out the Sprouts Market in the same complex.  Brought a few things including dinner tonight.

Once we were home we went for a walk.  Made it all around the park.  Doing more each time we walk.  Today was chilly and rainy this morning, clear skies in afternoon but still chilly during our walk.

Wednesday - December 27

 Posted by Mark:

We finally fell into bed at 2:50 A.M. this morning.   The pilot said flights were delayed because too many planes coming in to Florida for Air Traffic in Jacksonville to handle.  Seems there is a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Yesterday we did all the laundry and clean up at Theresa's place.  Was a real pleasure having it available to us.  Around 4:30 we all left for Asheville to eat at PF Chang.  Michael, Brooke, Drew, Tessa, Davis, Blair, Pat and I.   They were short of staff so took longer than planned but while we ate they kept moving our flight time back.

Michael dropped us off at 8 p.m.  Asheville airport was a ZOO.  they only have 6 gates, but lots of planes in and out each day.  Most of the flights had 3-4 hour delays.

Landed in Punta Gorda at 1:30.  But key point was:   Almost Home.  

Today Pat had PT at 10.  They continue to be happy with her progress.  While she was working away, I went next door to Bob Evan's for breakfast.

For Lunch we went to Buckingham Farm.  I had a beet salad and Pat had Pulled pork tacos.

Luke and Maeve opened their ornaments today and sent us these nice pictures.

Luke with his basketball ornament.  He is on 5th grader team.

Maeve with her "crafts" to signify all the enjoyment she has with crafts.

Finally late today we heard from my sister Joan that her Daughter Lisa has a baby boy very early this a.m.      Wyatt Joseph at 7 lbs. 15 oz.   All are doing well.

Tuesday - December 26

 Waiting at Asheville airport. Hoping to get out of here  by 11 PM to we get home after 1 AM. Much better update tomorrow. 

Christmas 2023

 Posted by: Mark

Merry Christmas.

We had a very good day with family, hope you did too.

We went to Michael's.  Philip and family came over around 1 p.m.  Scott, Leigh, Caroline, and Cooper came at 1:30. We got in 2 more family pictures.

Michael, Brady, Blair, Brooke, Davis, Drew

Pat, Mark

Annette, Luke, Maeve, Philip

Pat, Mark

It has been raining all day.  Anne and the boys left late afternoon for the Charlotte airport to fly back to Peoria.

Christmas Eve 2023

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had another good night.  We are on a roll!

We did church this morning via youtube with Fr Jonathon at Port Clinton.  Once again a humerous sermon.

At 10:30 we went over to Michael's. Had breakfast souffle and magic marshmellow cresent rolls. 

 I helped Michael with new storage shelves in his basement garage. 

Some of the group played euchre others watched NFL football.

We went to Christmas mass at 5 p.m. in Morganton.  Philip, Luke, Maeve, and Ryan were at church also.  They joined us for dinner tonight after church.  Annette is still under the weather.

We had a soup and slider dinner.  Soups were:  Potato made by Tessa, Drew's girlfriend, Vegetable Beef made by Judy, and Kielbasa and Potato made by Brooke along with Roast Beef or Ham sliders.

More eating and fun tomorrow.

Here are two of our family pictures.  Hope to get the rest tomorrow.

Pat, Ryan, Mark

Mark, Connor, Anne, Liam, Pat

Merry Christmas!

Friday/Saturday - December 22 - 23

 Posted by Mark:

Thursday night was another good night.  At bedtime she had a big time itching spell so she took 2 Gabapentin.   PA had told her to increase each night if needed.  Her itching spell did go away before she went to bed.  The pills made her sleep all night and not wake up until 8:30... 

I took our car to Punta Gorda airport to be there when we come back Dec. 26 very late at night.  Doug picked me up to get back to Cypress Trail.

Checked our mail after Doug dropped me off.  Saw this sign on way home.  Pat is a Neil Diamond fan.

We finished packing and closed Flo up.  Lydia picked us up at 2 pm and headed to Fort Myers airport.  The security line for American Airlines was very long, but the TSA line was very short.  Now they take your photo to see if it matches your ID.

Flight left on time and was uneventful to Charlotte.  

Anne, Liam, and Connor met us at the Budget Rental counter.  They were about 45 minutes behind us.

We got to Michael's just before 10 p.m.   Then we got to my sister Theresa's home about 10:30 with Anne to settle in.

Saturday:

Philip let us know that he whole family was under the weather.  We'll avoid them for awhile.

We had breakfast of english muffins provided by Brooke.

Pat exercised.  We went over to Michael and Brooke's around 10:30.  People coming and going all day. 

Euchre and various other activities were under way.

Bob and Judy arrived around 4 p.m.  Ryan came around 5 p.m.

Michael cooked turkey on the Green Egg.   Dinner was excellent.

Had a nice sunset.

Picture compliments of Ryan.  We are a bit dark, but sunset is nice.

Thursday - December 21

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had another great night.  No waking up all night.  I may start getting jealous!

She had PT scheduled at 10 so we hit Starbucks on the way.  While she was at PT I got a few items at Publix.   

Pat had another good PT session.  Some of the exercises brought the tears, but she knows "no pain, no gain".  She remembers some of this vividly from 13 years ago with the other shoulder.

After lunch we went downtown for Pat's manicure appointment. She really enjoyed her manicure.  I killed time at Peter's coffee and ice cream shop.  While I was there Liam called to let us know that he received his grades and made the Dean's list at the Univ. of Iowa.  Way to go Liam.

Tonight I met the new owners 2 lots down.  Had a nice chat, always fun to met new owners.

Tomorrow we fly up to Charlotte and meet up with Anne, Liam and Connor and head to Lake James. No updates to the blog as it will be a late night.

Wednesday - December 20

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a great night. 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  No itching, no bathroom breaks, just sleep...Boy did that do great things for her mood today. Her social calendar coordination skills jumped in to high gear.  New Years and Valentines reservations made.  Believe me, when patient has great night and day, the caregiver has a great day too.

I woke up to an electrical issue on Flo.  Had a low house battery alert.  We are always plugged into power so house batteries should always be fully charged.  Hooked up a battery charger to get them back up.  Diagnosing root cause was ongoing off and on all day.   I know a number to things "it is not", but haven't gotten it narrowed down to "it is this".

Had a fun lunch at Farmers Market with John, Beth, Doug, and Charlotte  

From the left: Charlotte, Pat, Mark, Doug, John, Beth

The restaurant was packed when we got there and when we left around 1 pm there were over a dozen people still wanting a table.

After lunch more electrical troubleshooting for me.

Jim and Lydia dropped off dinner.  Lydia's homemade egg rolls and Mongolian beef with white rice.  It sure hit the spot. 

Here's hoping for another great night.

Tuesday - December 19

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a very good night. Minimal itching before 10 pm, then all was good.

After leisurely breakfast we took off on a very sunny cool day.  Went to Coconut Point mall to exchange the shoes I had purchased for next size up.  Then we took a nice easy walk around the huge mall. Pat was very happy to be walking around listening to Christmas music on a gorgeous day. Wanted to have lunch at an Italian restaurant that was highly recommended on Trip Advisor.  Unfortunately not open today for lunch.

Decide to go to Cheesecake factory.   For many reasons, a bad experience.  The best worst example was the 1 hour wait for our food.  Wonder how many times the waiter said "sorry, it will be out shortly...."

Then headed north to Barnes and Noble for brief visit.  From there we headed to her appointment with the PA Michael Young.

Got right in on time.  Pat explained that the itching was still coming at times, but it has moved on down her arm instead of her neck.  Michael said that Dr. Mehalik and he had discussed her case yesterday between their surgeries.

He suggested she try Aleve. Since it is moving down the arm it may be more neurological so for that he ordered Gabapentin.  Bottom line trying to attack it from two fronts.  They don't think she is reacting to the metal they put in as she has the same type of metal in her other shoulder.  The mystery continues.

We finally got home about 4 pm.

I went back out at 5:45 to fight the traffic and pick up the Aleve and Gabapentin at Walmart.

We will see what tonight brings.

Monday - December 18

 Posted by Mark:

I'm sure you are getting tired of Pat's "itchys".  She sure is, but last night was one of her worst.  Starting at 2 a.m.   I helped with the cortisone 10 but it only helped for a bit.  When it did go away she still did not get back to sleep, then it would return for a while and so it went for the rest of the night.  Seems like every time we find something that works, it only does so for a day or so......

Have another appointment with Michael the PA for tomorrow afternoon.

Therapy this morning.  The shoulder is doing great.  Chad gave her more exercises today.

Stopped at Target for Starbucks fix and other stuff.

Brief nap this afternoon.

Walked a bit in the park twice.  Cool and windy today.

Picked up our mail.   Lots of Christmas cards.  Enjoying them all.

Our friends Pat and Brenda gave us a gift certificate to Rib City (nice break for the care giver...).  Had rib dinner tonight.  It was Great.

Let's hope for a better night tonight.   

Sunday - December 17

 Posted by Mark:

Started off with pretty good night of sleep.  One spell with itching but the Cortisone 10 put a stop to it.

Made eggs and toast for breakfast.  Cool morning, needed a hot breakfast.

Was a Very Windy day and rain most of the night and early morning.  Watched mass via live stream from Port Clinton, OH.  As always, enjoyed Fr. Jonathan.

I did a take out run from Steak and Shake.  That hit the spot.

Jamie and Dennis from around the corner stopped by to catch up.  

Had a chicken broccoli casserole for dinner that Lydia had made earlier and we froze.

Will have zoom tonight with family soon.

Will leave you with a beautiful sunset photo a friend sent Michael from Lake James tonight.

Saturday - December 16

 Posted by Mark:

Last evening Pat had lots of itching at bedtime, even after we were very consistent about staying on Benadryl ever 4 hours.  I was going to wake her to stay on every 4 hours but she was frustrated and said 'don't bother' as I'm getting itching anyway.   Turns out after the bad spell and she finally got to sleep it did not bother her the rest of the night.

Decided to try Cortisone 10 which is great for us on bug bites and itching.   Turns out it has been very helpful.  She just waits until it starts, puts it on and itching goes away.

Unfortunately since she is not dealing with the itching, she if focusing on the numb fingers.  No progress there.  Her mood fit the day:  very gloomy, cloudy and rainy.  Just watch the Weather channel, all they can talk about is Florida weather.   Supposed to get the worst tonight.

Other than shower for Pat and 2 loads of laundry not much else to say.

On family news, Brady called last night to let us know that he has been accepted at NC State where Davis goes, and University of Notre Dame.   He still has to hear from a number of schools.

Friday - December 15

 Posted by Mark:

Last night for Pat -  "more of the same ole itches'"  Since I knew she had a bad night again, I let her sleep in.   Unfortunately I forgot that we had a breakfast date with friends Connie and Steve.  When Pat woke up she said we're to be there in 20 minutes (it is a 30 minute drive).   I called Connie and they were gracious enough to move it back.  We got there right on our agreed to "2nd timeslot".

Great time catching up.  Connie is still in therapy for her ankle and now Steve has started therapy for neck shoulder and arm pain.  Getting old is not for the faint of heart.  We met at Sweet Bean Café one of our favorites. 

It was very nicely decorated for Christmas.

After breakfast we drove down to Coconut Point mall to get me a new pair of On Cloud shoes.  Birthday gift from our kids.

Easy afternoon which of course includes a nap. 

Because of Pat's itching issues I'm trying to really stay on top of the Benadryl schedule. If I can get her to agree I'll even wake her up every 4 hours to take the pills rather than wait for itching to start.  We'll see if that is better.

Wish us luck!

Thursday - December 14

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had 2 Very Itchy Spells last night.  One early at bedtime and one at 4 a.m.  Drove her crazy.  

Called doctor's office in the morning and they said she could see the PA Michael Young at 1:10.

First therapy with Jeff at 10:30.   I took her up to therapy then left to shop at Publix.  Mid morning, traffic not real bad, but still took 10 minutes to return the 1 mile and 3 traffic lights...

She had a good therapy session, he added even more exercises.

GHome with the groceries, quick lunch then on our way to Doctor's office.  

Michael looked her over and was 'puzzled'.  Since she has a rash away from the incision they don't think it is due to the Glue - Durmabond.   He consulted with Dr. Mehalik and they decided to have him remove the clear tape that is over the inscision and clean everything with Alcohol.   

Once the tape was clear, the incision looked very good.   Pat said it felt good to have the area cleaned off.  He put steri strips over the entire incision.  Wants them to be on at least thru next Monday or 3 weeks after surgery.  

Continue on the Prednisone and Benedryl.   If it persists call them, otherwise give them a call with status in a week.

After that we drove downtown, learned how to pay for parking with the new system and had dessert and drinks at Peter's.  Had a nice visit with Marika.

Tiramasu cake with some alcohol.

Then on home for an easy evening.

Thinking about Doris, her family and all of my siblings at Rich's visitation today and funeral tomorrow.

 

Wednesday - December 13

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a NO ITCH night.  Only up once and then right back to sleep.  Looks the the Prednisone has kicked in.  Hoping for the same tonight.

I went to Hardee's for my biscuit and gravy take out while Pat was exercising.  Later on we headed to Christof's for lunch with John, Beth, Doug, Charlotte.   Had a great time, but was really noisy inside.  Too chilly for us to sit outside.

Home for a nap, then I took a walk while Pat made some phone calls.  Checked the mail and had a gift package from Barb in Illinois.  A number of goodies including her homemade caramels.  They truly melt in your mouth. 

Was a good night for soup so that's what we had.   Even I can heat up soup.   Does that count as a home cooked meal?  😏

Tuesday - December 12

 Posted by Mark:

Happy Birthday to Anne and Michael.   I can vividly remember all the details of that day 53 years ago.  Started the day thinking we were going to have a baby and ended up the day with twins.

Anne

Michael

Pat slept for 5 good hours , then a tough spell with the "itchies".  The day continued to be a "Debbie Downer" day for her.  She was sleepy most of the day.  To top it off she had some new exercises from yesterday and she may have overdone the arm stretching.  It really hurt this afternoon.

I did a Hardee's run for breakfast.  Light lunch and left overs for Dinner.

She is enjoying all the Christmas cards coming in.  For us it may have to be a New Years Letter.

Monday - December 11

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had tough night with severe itching at times. 

Around noon Doris let us know that her husband Rich of 47 years passed away after a long bout with Alzheimer's .  He will be missed by all.  Details of his life are: Funeral Home Obituary

Rich is the first spouse of any of my siblings to pass away.   He took me to my one and only Pro Football game at Soldier Field in fall of 1984 for Bears game.  That season they won the Super Bowl.  Rich was a huge Bears fan, and the family felt that he hung on long enough for a Bears win over the Lions on Sunday.

Early this afternoon Pat had her appointment with Jeff the Physical Therapist.  She is now scheduled for therapy 2 times a week for 12 weeks.  He also increased her exercises to 3 times a day every day at home.

Pat said it was Deja Vu back 13 years she walked into the therapy room and saw all of the equipment.

After therapy we had a stop at Steak n Shake right next door for shakes, etc.  Probably not a good thing that it is 'right next door'.

We call the doctor's staff about the itching.   He called in a prescription for a steroid.   

Walmart texted at 4 p.m. that it was ready.   4 pm in Fort Myers at one of the busiest intersections in the city is Bad News, but off I went.  It is only 6 miles away, but 45 minutes later I was back home with the meds.....  Sure hope they help.

Caught up with Michael a bit this evening, then dinner of leftovers.

Sunday - December 10

 Posted by Mark: 

A very 'itchy' uncomfortable night for Pat.   Benedryl works during the day pretty good, but doesn't seem to stop the itch at night.

This morning we did live stream of Mass from Port Clinton, OH.  We really like Fr. Johathan's sermons.  We had also heard him Friday for December 8 mass.

Did a small load of laundry.  Pat was pretty drowsy all day from the Benedryl. 

I did take out from Cracker Barrel for lunch.

Tonight's meal was leftovers.

At 7 Jim and Lydia picked me up to ride along to the airport and return their car back to Cypress Trail.  Their flight to St. Louis was delayed from 5 pm to 9:30 pm.

Did zoom when I got home.   Caught up on each of the family activities.

All in all a pretty quiet day.  Tomorrow Pat goes to her first Out Patient Therapy session.

Saturday - December 9

 Posted by Mark:

Pat was bothered by the itching last night.  Benadryl seems to handle it just fine during the day, but night time seems to be worse.

This morning we met our Sister-in-law Beth (Tom's wife), two of her friends along with Jim and Lydia at European American Bakery for breakfast.  She has been down here with them for a few days of girlfriend fun.  It was great to see her and meet her friends Anne and Laura.

Clockwise from the left: Mark, Pat, Beth, Jim, Lydia, Anne, Laura

After breakfast we picked up a prescription, then to Lowes to buy two pots of white impatiens.

This afternoon included a nap, (don't they always). Pat was also busy texting with her friends. The fingers don't always work, but she hangs in there.

I have been meaning to mention that all of our kids and I surprised Pat with a weekend trip over Christmas so all the family can be together.  Anne and the boys will fly from Peoria to Charlotte, and Pat and I will fly from Fort Myers to Charlotte on Friday night December 22.  She is more than a little excited to have a family Christmas with all of us together.

Tis the season!

Friday - December 8

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a good night.  The Benadryl is really helping with the itching.

She had her last session with David the Physical Therapist from Home Heath Care.  I followed up with Lee Health about Outpatient Therapy.  It will be very close to us.  Pat has an appointment for 12:30 Monday.

At noon we met John, Beth, Charlette, and Doug for lunch at The Lodge.  Was great catching up with them.  Unfortunately we are showing our age, when it came time to sit down over half of us needed to sit certain places due to:  Bad Right shoulder, left ear no hearing, bad back, etc. etc...    

Back home for nap, laundry and exercise one more time.

 No walking today, better get back to it tomorrow.

Michael is texting game  updates for Brady's game against Draughn High School in Valdese, NC.

  

Thursday - December 7

 Posted by Mark (with lots of input from Pat)

I am tired and ready to describe today in 100 words or less.  Pat says No Way!  Since I know how to stay married for 54 years, here we go:

Pat had a good night sleep.  At some point her incision started itching like crazy.  However in the morning she was fine.

Pat exercised then we went downtown.  First stop was Peter's coffee shop.  Great to be back.

Then I went for a haircut and Pat went for a Pedicure by Alisa.  Pat was "in heaven"

After that stopped at Mason's and got a lobster roll to share at home.

After Lunch we headed to Ortho appointment with the PA Michael Young. Davis the tech took some "painful' X-Rays.  Then we met with Michael.  He said the X-Rays looked great.  Everything is "as it should be".   However he said the incision looks like she has an allergic reaction to the Dermabond which is the glue used to seal the wound.   He asked if she has been having itchy spells.  Talk about perfect timing after her spell last night.   He recommend she try Benadryl for awhile.

She asked about her fingers.  He thinks it is caused by swelling in her upper arm that is pushing on the Radial nerve which goes down the inside of her arm controlling the 3 fingers.  He thinks as she uses the sling less and less it will improve.  She can remove the big 'pillow' that is attached to her sling.   When she is at home and protected she can leave the sling off.  

He wrote orders to continue outpatient therapy.   Hope we hear from them soon.

After the appointment we stopped by the hair salon where Jewel is back to work to set up more appointments for Pat.  It was only 1 block away.  Jewel was working today and she had a brief emotional visit with Pat.  She lost her home during Hurricane IAN and she wasn't back to work for a full year.  While they were gabbing I got Pat's haircuts set up thru April.

On the way we hit some traffic congestion, par for the course in Fort Myers.  Stopped at Walmart for some prescriptions and a few groceries.

At home we heated up the Lasagna from Elisha. 

Now settled in for a Hallmark movie.

Wednesday - December 6

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a good night sleep 👍

Ybe was here for therapy at 9:00.   Her last time.  David will be here on Friday.

Of course Pat needed a picture:

She did the same arm movement as Monday, so we'll see how sleeping tonight goes...

At 10:30 Nephew Matt, Elisha, Jemma, and Theo stopped by on there way to Key West.  They are in Lakeland with Matt's parents (Ron and Vicki) for a month.  We had a great visit.  We last saw them in January 2020.

Jemma made cookies for us and Elisha brought enough lasagna for 3 meals.

After we had lunch and nap, we took a walk. going further each day.  Hopefully tomorrow we make a full lap!  1 mile.

Lydia and Jim brought over chicken quesadillas for dinner.  They were excellent.

Tonight a Hallmark movie.

 

Tuesday - December 5

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a bad spell last night around Midnight.  We think the shoulder was sore from the workout Ybe did.  Especially her moving the arm to new locations.   We know it needs to be done, but doesn't mean it won't hurt...

We were up early to get Pat's exercises done and be out the door by 9 a.m.  I had a dentist appointment for a filling at 10 down near the beach.  I got Pat settled in at a nice coffee shop near by.

After my appointment we decided to drive the beach all the way to Bonita Beach road.  All the debris is gone, there are many empty lots and other building in bad shape.   Does not look much different than in the spring.

Since my mouth was numb all I wanted was a milk shake for lunch, so we stopped at Culvers in Gulf Coast Center.   I had my shake and Pat had a Patty Melt and cheese curds.   She had leftovers.

Right after we got home, I got a text that my Brother-in-law Rich, only has a few days to live according to the hospice nurse.  He is suffering from Alzheimer's.   They are in our prayers.

We went for a walk tonight.  Ran into Jim and talked about Rich and Doris.  It was great weather for a walk.

Tonight's dinner was leftovers.  Lydia is bringing dinner tomorrow night.

Monday - December 4

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a good nights sleep.  That always starts the day off right.  Ybe the Physical Therapist was here about 9:30.  While she was here I ran to CVS, Post office and gas station.  I got back just as she was leaving.   She told me Pat had a very good session.  Pat really likes her.  She did some exercises that only she can do with Pat.  She was moving the arm in directions that Pat did not think would be possible. I would not even consider moving her arm that way.  Makes me cringe, but Pat says she was so gentile the pain wasn't bad at all.

Did a full load of laundry.  Trying to stay ahead of it.

Nap for Pat in afternoon.  Then we walked over to Jim and Lydia's.  I helped Jim trace down the wiring of his ceiling fan.  Pat gabbed with Lydia.   That gave her a good rest, then we walked to Club house for ice and then back to Flo.

Pat exercised again.   Seems like the day is Pills, Ice shoulder, Exercise then Repeat.....

Dinner tonight was sandwich and potato salad for Pat and TV dinner for me.

Pat will exercise earlier tomorrow because I have a 10 a.m. dentist appointment and she'll ride along and spend time at a coffee shop we like.

Pat heard from our Annapolis friends Charlotte and Doug that they made it to Fort Myers this afternoon.  They will be here thru March.

Sunday - December 3

 Posted by Mark:

Pat had a 'so-so- night. 

This morning activities included:  All of the exercises, shower, and live stream mass from Port Clinton with Father Jonathan.  

The physical therapist texted this afternoon that she will see Pat between 9:30 -10:00 tomorrow.

Pat was ready to get outside so we went for a small walk.  Hoping to do a bit longer each day.

I grilled Italian Sausage for supper.

Had a good visit with Philip and then with Pat's Aunt Marian.

We had tickets to SWFL Deck the Halls Christmas symphony.   Since Pat was not up to it, we gave Jim and Lydia our tickets.  Hoping they had a great time.

Steve and Peggy have been long time Bloomington friends.  Peggy texted Pat last night that Steve was in a bad accident.  We have them in our prayers.

Hoping Pat gets a great night of sleep tonight.

Saturday - December 2

 Posted by Mark:

Lots of things to share today.

Pat had a good night. We had a busy day.  

Pat did her many exercises right after breakfast.  She went from 1 exercise to a whole bunch!

Pat's sister-in-law Vicki called to say that Matt, Elisha, Jemma, and Theo from Australia are going to Key West from Lakeland next Weds.   They would like to stop by if Pat is up to it Wednesday morning.  Pat is all for that.

Brooke had an early Christmas gift delivered yesterday.  A new pair of Brooks shoes.  They came with a pair of shoe laces that allow the shoes to be slip on.   I installed the laces after breakfast and they work great for Pat.

John and Beth brought our lunch.   Two types of Chicken salad grapes croissants and potato salad from Whole Foods, desserts from Mario's, chocolates from Norman Love, and Flowers from Publix.  We  visited for just a bit.  they gave us a condensed version of their recent trip to Portugal.

John had shoulder surgery a few years ago, so he was very aware of the need not to wear Pat out.   She really enjoyed the visit even though it was brief.

Lunch was excellent and many leftovers.

After lunch Lydia stopped by to visit a bit with Pat.

Nap time for Pat and Blair did Facetime with me showing me her new Christmas tree in her room.

Around 3:30 we went for a drive to get Pat "out of the house".   Drove around Babcock ranch to see all of the new construction that has happen since March.   Then Mark had a long shopping list at Publix.  Pat hung out in the car.  While I was shopping our friends Buddy and JoAnn were texting Pat from Antarctica.   Technology is amazing.

Connor sent us his official announcement about his signing a letter of intent for Danville Junior College.  He is excited.

Friday - December 1

 Posted by Mark:

Happy Birthday to our oldest grandson, Drew.   We had a very good chat with him tonight.

Pat had a good night of sleep.  After she was up at 3 a.m. she had trouble getting back to sleep but not do to pain.  The usual "solve all the worlds problems" because too much napping the day before.

Unfortunately she work up with her 3 fingers on right hand still numb.   That part is really bugging her.

Her Physical Therapist came 10:50.   Pat now has a total of 6 exercises she is to do twice a day.  She will have 3 days of Exercising with the "Pros" and the other 4 days of the week exercising by herself on Flo.

Amazon delivered a surprise for Pat that I ordered.  Gotta have a little Christmas on Lot 102.

After Therapy Pat was ready for some Takeout food.   We ordered a pickup from Cracker Barrel.  Shrimp dinner for her and chicken fried chicken for me.   It really hit the spot.

Annette sent a picture of Luke and Maeve having fun after school.