How can I be 68 years old already? My Granny was 67 when I got married, and she was ancient! My mom only had 2 years left to live at my current age. I don’t feel that old!
It has been a great “birthday week!” Last Saturday, Ricky’s family came and spent the day. We made homemade ice cream, blew bubbles, played, visited, and I spent most of the day holding sweet Shelbi. Such a delight!
Monday was my LAST therapy session. I’m not “cured”, but I can effectively work at home to continue my recovery. My OT did a final evaluation, which showed significant improvement in every area. My grip strength had risen from 17 lbs (early in my treatment) to 36 lbs. (I can do 52 lbs with my right hand.) We think a lot of my finger stiffness and soreness is from arthritis. I guess the inflammation from everything that has happened made what arthritis I had worse. (I didn’t really notice much, if any, problems before surgery) I have sensation in all fingers now, although it is still far from normal in my index finger and thumb. (I have a lot of hypersensitivity.) My therapist did say I've progressed to the point to where I don't have to worry about seriously hurting myself. Before I couldn't have felt it if I had cut or burned myself. I'm still very careful but gaining confidence. I’m getting to where I can do most anything now…even turn a doorknob…sometimes. My fine motor skills are still pretty limited, but progress is being made!
After my therapy session, we drove to Paris to spend the night. Stephen’s family were gone on vacation, so we didn’t get to visit with them. Instead, we went to watch a movie, “Young Washington”. There were only about 6 of us in the whole theatre, which is the way I like it! We enjoyed the movie, then stopped at DQ for a treat on our way back to our room.
The next morning we drove to Texarkana to visit with Dennis’ cousins: Jimmy & Sandy and Terry & Sandra. Sandy served us all lunch, and we had a great time catching up with all of them!
The next leg of our journey took us to our “cabin” on Lake Catherine. It was so nice. It sat at the end of a dead-end road, overlooking the Ouachita River…so quiet and peaceful and beautiful. The weather was overcast (a little rainy) and cool…great for sitting out on our balcony. We spent Wednesday pretty much just relaxing. We did a little shopping in Hot Springs. The main place I wanted to go was a pottery place that has been owned by the same family for 80 years. I love pottery! It was a mini museum, store, and working pottery shop. I kept looking for “just the right piece” and was about to give up, when I noticed a special collection in a glass cabinet. It was all crystalline pottery. I’d never heard of or seen anything like it. It was so pretty and unique! I fell in love with a lidded vase, but it was way too expensive. Dennis insisted on buying it for my birthday. I love it!
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| sunset |
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| morning mist |
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| birthday vase |
Thursday we spent the day with Warren and Linda. It was the first time we’ve had a chance to visit with them in a couple of years. We so enjoyed our time together! I love their new house. Not only is it perfectly suited for their current needs, but it is so light and pretty. That evening we met up with Ben and Laura’s family and Rebekah and Daniel’s family for dinner. It was nice to finally meet Daniel and their 2 sweet little boys. It was a great day!
Yesterday’s drive home went smoothly. We thoroughly enjoyed our little vacation, but as always, it felt good to be home. This afternoon we’re going to Ricky & Amber’s for my birthday dinner. Ricky is grilling us steaks. YUM! I’m also looking forward to some more snuggle time with Shelbi. They say that evenings are when she is most awake, so I’m hoping to actually get to see her eyes! Ha!
Take care and stay cool!
Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
