MEMORIES

March 28, 1982 - Rev. Finch held Bree as he walked up and down the aisles and talked for awhile after the ceremony. Bree was so good and charmed everyone.
Wow - George and I both had dark hair!
Big Brother, Eric, and Bree at home after the ceremony.

Let the little children come unto Me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Luke 18:16

This morning in church we had a christening ceremony for three babies. The babies were so adorable and you could feel the excitement in the air. The entire front of the church was filled with family members and the babies' godparents. It really brought back wonderful memories for us of when our children were christened. I've given the married children all their pictures, baby books, etc. so they can enjoy them with their children, but I still have Bree's. I pulled them out tonight. I had to take a picture of the old photos, so they're a little blurry. George and I got a kick out of seeing them though.

STILL PACKING

It was a beautiful Fall day...real cool in the morning, but sunny and very nice by lunch...so nice. George met the cable guy at the new house this morning. He took over a full load in his SUV so he could unload it while the guy worked. I came a little later in my car with a load. It's nice to start seeing our things in the new house.

Afterwards, we rode our bike for awhile all around the resort. It felt wonderful. A perfect day really. Lots of people out riding their bikes or walking or playing tennis or golf. I think everyone wanted to be outside today. Later I did some shopping trying to find some items we need.

Tonight, the gang was back at Barbara and Dick's for our Saturday night "pizza making" . YUMMY! The guys watched South Carolina vs Tennessee and all the girls played Mexican Train Dominios. Toot toot!

GETTING IT DONE

It's been a good day. We accomplished alot. George and I work well together getting things done. He's doing his part - things I don't want to do...like making sure all the utilities are handled, getting things together for the closing, meeting the cable guy, etc., etc. He's also running errands for me that I don't have time for...like picking up my prescription, groceries, etc. What a sweetie! I'm doing things he doesn't like and couldn't do anyway...like deciding what goes and what stays, packing up little items, doing laundry in between, etc., etc. We're a good team.

Frank, our builder, is such a nice guy. He's doing last minute check-up things so we probably won't find much when we do the "walk thru" with him. He's told us it's okay to start bringing things over even though we don't actually close until Tuesday. So we'll be making lots of trips by car taking over things we won't want to take by truck next week.

I managed to get my workout in this morning and I'm watching what I eat. I'm down 3-1/2 pounds so far!

Physical Therapy went well today. John is real pleased with my range of motion. My foot is pretty tired tonight and so am I. Off to bed! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I MUST HAVE A LEAK

Anyone who knows me, knows I run on pretty much one speed....high/fast. I go, go, go! Full speed. I hardly ever just sit down. That's the reason, I don't watch much TV (until recently with the broken leg and all). I can always find something to do. But.....lately my energy level is sooo low. I've tried to get back into the swing of things with Curves and working on getting things packed and ready to move, but I'm tired all the time. Part of it might be that I'm not sleeping good lately because of my foot. Part of it might be that I have lots going on in my head planning what I should be doing. Part of it might be the Physical Therapy three times a week. Yada Yada Yada. I guess my "giddy-up and go" has a leak. Lord, please help me rest and get caught up 'cause I've got lots to do!!

8 LONG WEEKS

Today makes 8 weeks since my surgery...8 long weeks. I've reflected back on those weeks today. It's been a hard 8 weeks going from being in the bed most of the time in the beginning, then using a walker and a wheelchair while wearing that big black velcro heavy boot, then using a cane and wearing a brace in my shoe, and now just dealing with the brace. Seven weeks of Physical Therapy three days a week. My family and friends have helped me get through it all and it's hard to put it down in words just how much everyone has helped. I get frustrated daily since I can't do everything I want to do and I think the time drags, but when I reflect back on where I was and where I am today, I feel very blessed.

STAYING BUSY

I'm pretty tired tonight. It was a busy day. I went to Curves and then met George at the new house to meet with the interior decorator. She seemed very nice...we'll see what ideas she has. (She's the one who helped the builder when the house was on The Parade of Homes.) We just walked around the house and talked about things we want to do. She plans to draw up some sketches of furniture placement and window treatments and pull up some pics of furniture, etc. we are going to need and we'll meet again next week after we're in the house and have our "stuff" there.

George and I rode our bikes to the village for lunch and then back again. I had to scurry to get to Physical Therapy. Boy, things are getting tougher. It's working though. But, I'm definitely beat by the time I get home. I did spend awhile this afternoon planting a few more pansies in pots on the balcony and gathering more things for the move. We close next Tuesday. Unbelievable. Lots to do ahead. "Calgon Take Me Away". :-)

We stayed in tonight and watched Dancing With The Stars. Luckily, Jerry was the one they voted off this week. Next week should be interesting.

SHOPPING, BUT NOT SPENDING

I didn't sleep well last night...I felt achy all over, I guess from working out at Curves. It's been a long time since I've been able to go. It felt good when I was there, but wow my muscles reminded me last night.

Today I did some shopping with Jeanette and Barbara. Actually, they did the shopping and I just went along. The only thing I bought was a few more pansies for the balcony. I just didn't want to bring anything into the house that I would have to move to the new house next week. We had lunch at The Bay Cafe and sat at a table outside right by the water. It was a gorgeous day to sit outside and eat. It was a fun afternoon, but I still get so tired easily, especially when I'm on my foot for awhile. I came home and propped it up for awhile and I've iced it three times tonight. I'm pleased that it's not swelling much at all now.

We loved watching Dancing With The Stars tonight. The competition is getting tough. I still predict Mario will win though. But...Emmitt sure can dance. I love his spirit and how he smiles and seems to have fun every single time. We'll see.....

I did good with my eating today. Hopefully, cutting back on the calories and increasing my activities will start to show soon.

NOW I'M MAD

Okay, now I'm mad! I've done pretty good since I broke my leg. I've tried to stay upbeat and not complain too much about the pain or the scars or the change in my life and I think I've done pretty well. Until....I went shopping this morning for golf clothes since I hope to start playing soon (and tennis and get back to my walks, etc.). Well, I was in for a rude awakening when I tried on clothes. Surprise, surprise. I've gained some weight. All that not exercising and laying around and eating everything Mom, Sherry and Bet cooked. All that take-out food George has picked up since I couldn't cook. All that fun with my friends. All of the above has caught up with me. I've basically spent the last 8 weeks in comfy loose clothing and tennis shoes and haven't been wearing my normal clothes so I guess I didn't realize how tight things were getting.

Damn! I'm not a happy camper. I'm mad. Mad at the situation. Mad at myself for letting it happen. Mad at whoever was careless in the first place and caused my fall.

So now the "undoing" begins. I had salad for dinner tonight and I guess tomorrow will begin the serious business of getting back in shape and undoing the damage that the last 8 weeks have done to my body. Damn! And it won't be easy since the holidays are coming.

GETTING STARTED

This morning in church our sermon was about being still and listening to God. Being still and trusting God. Not worrying. I think this was written especially for me! The music was awesome, as usual. I love looking out the windows over the altar. Today during church, a fierce storm came through and then before our very eyes it turned beautiful...almost exactly what you see in this old photo I took awhile back. By the time we left church, it was perfect.

We rode our bikes again in our new neighborhood. The builder is letting us store them in the garage even though we don't close on it until October 31st. We're enjoying "visiting" our new home almost daily.

Tonight, George and I began cleaning out some closets and gathering some things to take to Goodwill. It's unreal how much junk we hold on to. One good thing about moving is you get to start over fresh. We've got alot of work ahead of us.

My foot and leg have been doing a little better this weekend. I've increased my activity and the swelling seems to be less. I'm still walking a little stiff. Part of it might be because of the brace I have to wear in my shoe, but not all since when I take the brace off at home, I'm still walking "funny". Last night and again for church this morning, I was able to put on a regular shoe. Yippee! Up until then, I've only been wearing tennis shoes. Comfy, but hard to dress up.

SATISFACTION

Jeanette with the knife, Me, and Barbara with the drill
Our pumpkins - mine was the "normal" smily face and George had the Notre Dame
Just The Girls: Top -Barbara, Me, Carol, Kim; bottom - Jeanette and Jo
George and I begin our pumpkins

Barbara and I taking out the slimmy stuff - Yuk!

I'm exhausted and my foot is sore, but I feel so satisfied tonight. What a good day we had! This morning George and I drove across the bridge and ordered our very first golf cart. It's gonna be so nice. It will be delivered on November lst. We're so excited. Afterward, we rode our bikes (a little longer than my physical theraphist said, but hey he doesn't have to know) and had lunch. I picked up some pansies and got them planted on my balcony this afternoon. Tonight Dick and Barbara had the gang over. Instead of making our own pizzas, we had pizzas delivered and we all carved pumpkins. What fun!

MOVIE NIGHT

A big day for me. I went back to Curves for the first time since my surgery. I only stayed for about 25 minutes and I didn't do it all or certainly not at my normal speed, but it felt wonderful to be back. Afterwards, I met George in Sandestin and we rode our bikes for the first time too. John, my Physical Therapist, told me I could ride it for 15 minutes only. Fifteen minutes seemed like it wouldn't be worth getting the bikes out of the garage, but we did it and it felt good. I didn't cheat either, which for me was hard. I didn't want to stop, but I was afraid to push it. We had lunch together and then I hurried for my Physcial Therapy appointment. John is really working me out now and I can feel it. I hate to complain though since I can tell each day is a little bit better. I'm hoping Dr. Fox will be impressed when I see him in two weeks. By the time I got home, I knew I was done for the day. We stayed in tonight, grilled some good ole hotdogs and watched Over The Hedge...so cute. I picked it up today for the grandkids, but George and I like the cartoons too. Kinda nice to snuggle up on the couch, ice down my leg, and watch a good movie.

DILATED AND DANGEROUS

I went to my eye doctor today for my annual full eye exam. Part of that was getting my eyes dilated. Wow. Amazing. My eyes are really blue and very sensitive anyway, but whoa nellie...I couldn't see squat when I walked out of her office. Luckily, George and I had it planned so he would pick me up and we would go to lunch until I could, you know, "see" again. It's takes my eyes longer than the average Joe for sure. I should have just curled up in the backseat of my car and taken a much needed nap. Anyway, we had lunch (while I wore my sunglasses the whole time and George led me around...between my eyes and my leg we were a sight...no pun intended) and then rode over to the new house to think about furniture placement, etc. until my eyes settled down and then I could get back in my car and go home. That was my exciting adventure for the day. My foot/leg is still pretty sore. I'm taking some extra strength Tylenol and it seems to help some, thank goodness. Looking forward to Grey's Anatomy tonight. For someone who doesn't like TV, I'm racking up some time watching it lately. hmmmmm???

I AIN'T WHAT I USED TO BE

Not proper English, I know...but so true. I ain't what I used to be. I have two small (almost invisible) scars on my left side from the lumpectomy and the lymph node surgery and I'm still a little numb under the left arm. I have two scars (one long and almost invisible and one shorter but visible) on my right foot and now my ankle is swollen and might always be. Yep, not what I used to be.

But, in some strange way, I'm better. I've learned so much about myself and my faith. I've learned I'm stronger than I thought I would be. I've learned that my husband is even more loving and giving than I thought he could be. I've learned how blessed I am...I'm surrounded by a wonderful and loving family and the best friends a girl could have. I've learned to appreciate the little things and not take a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g for granted. Every day is special and every day is a gift.

My life isn't perfect, but I'm better than I used to be.

BYE BYE JERRY

Okay, for sure tonight has to have been Jerry's last night on Dancing With The Stars. The other dancers are incredible. I think Jerry needs to be the one to go tomorrow night. I still say Mario will be the winner.

ANOTHER YUCKY DAY

I wish I could say things were better today. Not! It's still rainy and gray and yucky. To top it off, our power was out most of the morning. And, my foot/leg is still hurting. Like deep bone pain. Like a throbbing toothache. The "pity party" continues.

IT MUST BE RAINING

My x-rays: 2 long screws on one side and a plate and 7 screws on the other side.


I knew when I opened my eyes this morning that it must be raining...and it is. I feel gloomy and my foot hurts. I'm having an unplanned "pity party". No guests allowed...no drinks, no food, no balloons. I'm so tired of hobbling around, wearing a brace, using a cane. I know I should be glad the wheelchair is gone and the blasted walker. I am. I know, with time, the cane will be gone too. But today it isn't and I'm frustrated. My ankle is still swollen and it hurts. Like a toothache. I have physical therapy today and I'm thankful for that since it always feels much better right after I leave. There's so much I want to do...like play tennis, like do my daily walk, like exercise or play golf or dance. I want to go see my grandchildren. I'd love to take a trip and see the fall leaves. But, for now, I'm stuck and it sucks. I hate "pity parties"!

RENEWED

It's been a busy 10 days or so with Mom, "Other Mother" and Sherry's visit and then Theresa, Kristin and Kelsey's visit. (They left this afternoon.) It's been busy, but oh so much fun! I have to admit though that I've been feeling pretty tired. I don't think I have my full strength back and the lack of exercise doesn't help. I'm still tired tonight, but I feel renewed. Going to church each Sunday does something to my heart which somehow renews me...body, mind and soul. Thank you God for this gift.

George had a golf match this morning, so he didn't go today, but Jennifer went with me and we rode together with Carol.

Today we sang a beautiful song that Bill Evett and Don Kupski wrote. They are super talented and we're blessed to have them in our church.

VESPERS

I pray that there will come a day
When I can cast my fears away
When I finally get it right
Emerge from darkness into light

Save me - give me shelter from the storm
Save me - help my faith be reborn
Save me - I'm adrift upon the sea
Save me - I pray to Jesus let it be

It's times like this I feel alone
I lack the strength to carry on
And just when I think I'm through
I feel His presence - I'm renewed

I pray that there will come a time
When we believers join to find
The promised heaven - we'll unite
Within God's presence - glory bright

PIZZA MAKERS - THAT'S US!

Dick twirls his pizza dough way up in the air!
George and I with Bob and Jennifer
Barbara, Carol, Jeanette, Me and Jennifer
One of the yummy deep dish pizzas we made. We're getting better and better at this!

Today was Theresa's birthday so I took her out for breakfast to Another Broken Egg. Just the two of us. It was nice having her here to celebrate it with me. I was so glad today was beautiful since she loves the beach and wanted to spend the whole day there. Just wish I could have gone with her.

Tonight Dick and Barbara had the whole gang over for another "make your own pizza" party. We ALWAYS have fun. Our pizzas are pretty darn good too. It's way too much food though since we have appetizers, pizzas and desserts.

FRIDAY THE 13TH

Kristin (left) and Kelsey (right) saw the back of this wooden guy and decided to act silly.


Theresa, Kristin and Kelsey spent the day on the beach. Thank goodness it was gorgeous today. I spent all morning out and about running errands. It was really the first day since my surgery that I got out for awhile by myself (heaven!) and did a little shopping. I even went for a pedicure. I was exhausted by the time I got home and my foot was pretty sore. I propped it up for awhile and iced it before we took the girls out to McGuire's for hamburgers. They loved the place. They were fascinated with all the dollar bills hanging everywhere. Afterwards, we drove them over to see the new house and then stopped by Johnny Rockets for milkshakes. It was a good day...no bad luck on this Friday the 13th.

BYE BYE GIRLS

This morning, Theresa and I met Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" for bagels before they had to leave town. (Kristin and her friend, Kelsey, slept in.) It's always sad to see "the girls" leave. We have so much fun when they're here.

Afterwards, Theresa went back to pick up Krisitn and Kelsey and they headed to the beach. My foot/leg is doing better, but there is no way I can go to the beach. I hate it since this is the best time of the year! Instead, I did chores around the house and then went to physical therapy. John put me on the treadmill for awhile and increased my time on the stationary bike. It's getting a little harder and my foot is sore now afterwards. I'm sooo anxious to get back to my normal life. I'm happy to have both feet on the ground, but it's just not right yet.

Tonight, we took Theresa, Kristin and Kelsey out for pizza. For dessert, we stopped by Dippin Dots...Kristin's favorite!

THE CRAZY NIGHT SHIRT LADIES

"Other Mother" models her night shirt...it said "Take Me. Take Me To The Beach"...she modeled it with a beach hat and beach bag.
The Crazy Night Shirt Ladies
Mom models her night shirt...it said "Listen Honey - Don't Mind Me, I'm Just The Queen"...so we made her a crown and septor.
Sherry models her night shirt...it said "Listen Honey - It's My Favorite Color -Merlot"...she modeled hers propped on a bar stool and holding a glass of wine.


My friend, Jeanette, gave "the girls" night shirts for their birthdays...Mom's is in August, Sherry's is in September and "Other Mother's" is in October. They decided to model them so I could take photos to show Jeanette. They were so funny.

A BIRTHDAY FOR "OTHER MOTHER"

Lunch at The Back Porch...the grilled grouper sandwiches are soooo good.
"Other Mother" enjoying her cheesecake.
Breakfast of Champions at Krispy Kreme.

Since "Other Mother's" birthday is Saturday and she won't be here then, we decided to celebrate her birthday today. We started out with breakfast at Krispy Kreme! Yum! We had lunch at The Back Porch. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we had seats right by the window looking out at the ocean. Perfect for "Other Mother" who adores it. My sister, Theresa, and our granddaughter, Kristin, and her friend Kelsey arrived in time to meet us all for dinner at Jim and Nick's Barbecue. Afterwards, we came back to "Color Me Happy" for cheesecake.

TOO TIRED

Yesterday did me in. My leg/foot was sore today and I've been too tired to do anything. I just hung in there all day since the girls are here. All I wanted to do was nap, but I got thru the day. Off to bed now.

A SOUTHERN NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Mom, Me, Sherry and "Other Mother" prepared a southern meal for my yankee friends and George. There were 13 of us.

Menu: Pork Roast and gravy, mac and cheese, creamed corn, peas, turnip greens, sweet potatoes, new potatoes, slaw, relish tray of 3 kinds of onions and tomatoes, traditional southern cornbread and sweet corn muffins, sweet iced tea with lemon, pecan pie, vinegar pie and pumpkin pie. Oh My!

We put a "hurtin" on everyone.

OUR SUNDAY

Today Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" joined George and I for church. I think they really enjoyed themselves. The music was especially awesome. Afterwards, George left us and headed to the golf course. Lucky him. Carol joined the four of us girls for lunch. We laughed and laughed telling funny stories. After lunch we headed back to Seaside to see the sidewalk art...here's just a few of them. We stayed in tonight for games and dinner - chicken, rice, coleslaw, corn on the cobb, sweet tea and brownie pie topped with ice cream for dessert.

MY PRETEND BIRTHDAY

Since Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" weren't here for my "real" birthday, they designated today as my "pretend" birthday. We went out for breakfast at Another Broken Egg. The waitress saw them giving me birthday cards, so she brought me a birthday dessert (after breakfast). A banana fosters bread puddling with whipped cream. Oh my! We were all stuffed from the hugh breakfasts we had, but it didn't stop us. It was hugh and I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E!!

Afterwards, George and I took them over to the new house. The builder stopped by and gave them the grand tour. He's so proud of the house and seemed happy we're they ones who bought it. We're still so excited.

Tonight they took me to The Back Porch for a snow crab leg dinner. Yummy! We played lots of Mexican Train today too. These girls make every day fun.

OUR DREAM CAME TRUE

Negotiations are over...we got THE house. We're so excited! We'll close next month.

I FEEL LIKE "HOUSE"

I love the TV show "House". I never wanted to look like Dr. House though. With my cane and my funny new walking style, I think I do. I can even understand his cranky mood too. Not fun. Hopefully, mine will be short lived. My foot is really sore today, especially the arch. Maybe Physical Therapy this afternoon will help.

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

If you heard fireworks this afternoon about 1:30, they were mine. One of my prayers was answered today. Today was my personal Independence Day. I went to see Dr. Fox and he took off a part of my big ole black moon boot and it has now become my walking boot (the part he removed kept it at 90 degrees until today). Yippee! So....I was pretty excited. He told me to wear the boot and use a cane for another week. Then I'm to only use a gel brace inside my shoe. (It's the one I slept in for the first week after surgery and also what I use when I drive.) It's pretty flimsy in my opinion. I might have to buy larger size tennis shoes so the brace will fit inside my shoe, which means I'll have to tie the other one pretty tight to keep it on. I remember that's what my Mom did when she crushed her ankle a few years ago. I'm supposed to use the gel brace in my shoe until I see him in one month. I was so excited when I left his office. I went right away to buy a cane. Walking with the boot and the cane isn't as easy as I thought it would be. And it's kinda scary. And my foot is a little sore tonight. I go to Physical Therapy tomorrow. Dr. Fox wrote a new prescription for therapy, so now things will get a little tougher. I'm sure John will work with me on the correct way to walk in this darn boot and I'm sure every day will get easier. I asked Dr. Fox realistically when I would be able to play tennis again. He said give him another 6 weeks. I was surprised. Only 6 weeks?? He said that doesn't mean I will be playing my normal game in 6 weeks, but I can get out there and hit. He then said "When I see you in four weeks, if you tell me you've already been hitting some balls, I won't be surprised and I won't be mad". Guess he know me pretty well. George asks when I could ride my bike. He said for me to give it another couple of weeks. When I can stand on my "bad" leg only and hold up the good leg, I can ride. It won't be anytime soon, I can tell you that. All in all, I'm doing very well though.

I stopped by Dr. "B"'s office to see the girls since Dr. Fox is in the same building. It was great getting to see Mattison, Cindi and Angie.

Mom, Sherry and Other Mother arrived this afternoon. So glad they're here. We played Phase Ten and had dinner together, but I called it an early night. I'm pretty tired.

We're still in negotiations on the house we're hoping to buy. It's frustrating. Real Estate is nothing but games. Hate it! Still praying though.

PRAYERS AND CROSSED FINGERS

A good day. I did chores around the house this morning, met Jeanette and Barbara for lunch, went to PT this afternoon and tonight we went for pizza with Bob and Jennifer and even had ice cream afterwards. I'll be sooooooooo glad when I can get in the kitchen again. Maybe tomorrow??? Hope so. Eating out so much isn't fun. I'm shocked I haven't gained weight. I guess holding up my lovely heavy boot and using the walker has helped.

I'm sending up prayers and crossing my fingers tonight. Tomorrow is a BIG day. We're very close to final negotiations on the dream house we're wanting AND I go see Dr. Fox. I'm sure hoping to get a walking boot. I want so badly to have both feet on the ground!

JOURNALING

My blog is my journal...my way of remembering my life. I'm truly blessed with the best husband, children, grandchildren...really my whole family...great friends...and I live in a place we call "Paradise". BUT...my life isn't perfect (although it is most of the time), but I wouldn't change it for anything.

There was an article in the paper about a local girl who was killed by a drunk driver. Only 20. So sad. Her father was telling stories about his daughter. He told about giving her a journal when she graduated from high school. He wrote this to her on the front page of the journal:

Keep a journal, not so much to help you remember what you did that day, but to help you learn from it. Our present lives and our future are shaped by what we did and didn't do today.

Psalm 90:12 says "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

The older I get, the faster the days go by. Life is short.

Wow...I couldn't have said it better! It's nice to look back at my journal to remind myself of the fun I've had... and even the bad stuff...I learn from it all.

HAPPY, BUT EXHAUSTED

Jennifer, Me, George, Jeanette, Garrett, Dick, Barbara, Carol, Bob

A full day:

I spent the morning doing chores around the house. I swear it takes me 15 minute to just make the bed. I used the wheelchair...roll to one side, lock the brakes, stand on one foot, pull up as much as I can, sit back down, unlock the brakes, roll to the other side, pull up the other side then repeat...back and forth...whew! Everything I do takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r. But, hey, I get it done.

Golf all afternoon! Our tee time was 11:36. A repeat of last Tuesday. A beautiful day. Barbara, Jeanette and Carol played and I drove one of the carts and watched. Barbara brought a jug (gallon size) of coconut rum/crystal lite lemonade...so refreshing. Lots of pretzels and peanuts. It was lots of fun. It's times like this though when I feel angry about my fall...I want to play!!

Tonight, we all went to Tradewinds (our favorite Italian place across the bridge) for family style. Bob and Jennifer joined us. The nine of us had a ball. So much fun. Lots of kidding and laughing.

We are blessed!

We taped Dancing With The Stars and we watched it once we got home. Amazing! I'm so jealous of the fabulous dancers. I still think Mario will win...he's awesome.

DON'T QUIT

Physical Therapy is going well. John, my PT, says I'm doing well...but he's told me several times now that my foot modeling days are over. The scars aren't too bad and the swelling has decreased and I'm working hard to get things back to "normal".

Today I saw this poem framed and hung on the wall at PT. It's a good thing to read and for me to remember now and to keep in mind all the time:

DON'T QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse,
that you must not quit.

I'm not a quitter!

A GOOD DAY

A good day. Bob and Jennifer spent most of the day with us. We picked them up, went out for breakfast, took them to church with us (they loved it), then lunch at Fabrice (our favorite French cafe) and then took them by to see the house we're hoping to buy. We put a contract on it yesterday afternoon and have given them until 5PM on Tuesday to answer. Fingers crossed!

I'm still tired. Can't seem to catch up on my rest. I tried to nap this afternoon but couldn't.

I'm getting excited and a little nervous about going to the doctor on Thursday. In one way, I can't wait. I soooo want him to put me in a walking cast. But, in a way, I'm a bit nervous about "trying out" my leg. Sure hope it's healed enough. I'm ready to give up the walker and be able to move around more easily.