Friday....

Dear Blogging Friends:

I decided today that I just need to take some time off from the Blog.  Therapy isn't easy, Joe isn't well and we have his TAVR procedure coming up.  I catch myself worrying about reading blogs and getting mine written and I just need to take a holiday from here.  I will check in as I can, here and there.  I will keep up on Facebook and will post there about how things are going.  If we aren't already connected there, you can find me here:  https://www.facebook.com/tdorsaneo

Everything is just fine.  The nurse came in and then the therapist.  Both said I am doing fine. The incision looks good and I am farther along with my range of motion than many. No worries, I just need to focus elsewhere for a while.  I'm sure you understand and I still appreciate your prayers, and any positive thoughts sent my way.  I'll be back around the first part of October if not before.

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!!

Thankful...

I am thankful to not be sleeping in that bed tonight!  I passed all the therapy tests so I could come home, but it is a challenge and it does hurt pretty bad.

I will see a nurse and therapist here at home today.

Please forgive me for not getting around to your Wednesday Medley blogs. I will try later today. 

I also don't have photos for Friday, except for the one above. 

My knee doesn't hurt when I am sitting or laying down. It hurts like the dickens to go from standing to sitting and even worse when trying to get up.  They kept saying to use my "good" leg and let it do the work.  My "good" leg ain't so good.  It is getting repaired in November.  So, there is the challenge.

I am home and thankful the surgery is behind me.  I will do all they tell me to do and will get through this first week, which I am told is the worst.

Thanks again for your prayers and good wishes!!

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!!

Wednesday Medley...

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar Website.

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY – August 28

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day on August 28th sets aside a day to remember the pet companions we’ve lost.

The death of a pet, whether furry, feathered, or an uncommon variety, is felt deeply. They become family and a familiar part of our lives. Mourning their death is different for everyone, and the observance provides a way to help heal the ache of loss.

The pain of loss is real. As each person travels through their grief, we remember the companionship and comfort they provided to us. Don’t forget that part of the relationship included care provided by you. The empty space left by the loss of a beloved pet is sometimes a difficult void to overcome.

Celebrate the home you provided and the joy your beloved pet brought you in return. When you are ready, you will know the time has arrived to find a new ‘critter’ to replace the emptiness felt. There are many animals yet to find a home. In time, you can be their new home.

HOW TO OBSERVE #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay

Take time to enjoy memories of your pet. Look through pictures. Consider a visit to an animal shelter if you feel ready. Volunteering time may help the adjustment.  Use #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay to share on social media.

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY HISTORY

Deborah Barnes founded Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day in honor of her cat, Mr. Jazz. Cats are fascinating and lovable, little friends to have around the home. We miss them when they leave us. Truthfully, it’s the same with any pet.

Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar Website.

Terri believes in the premise of the Rainbow Bridge. Rather than post five questions, she just wants the Meddlers to tell us about a special pet in your life who is no longer with you. Let's do this with love and hope rather than sadness and tears!!

GO:  I have had so many loving pets in my 67 years.  Happy was our first dog. These days I feel kind of sad about her because I don't think I loved her the way I should have. I can make it up to her on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge.  My first cat was Ringo and he walked that bridge long before he should have, thanks to a trap in the woods behind our house. None of my cats since have been allowed outside.  I had a Collie named Sarge.  My ex got custody of the dog because I couldn't keep him in an apartment.  I was told he got cancer and was euthanized.  Loving cats since then include Spunky, Poodunk, Amber, Inky, Maxie, Missy, Onyx, and Cookie who have all crossed that bridge too.  I will have so many fur-babies to see again one day!! 

Tell us about your week so far!  Well, I am writing this on Sunday to post on Wednesday. Hopefully, I will be home from the hospital and therapy will have begun.  If I am up for it, I will change this and write something different, but if not, I'll be back soon!

Thanks for coming by and sharing your pet stories with us!  If you answered on your blog, please link up below and visit some of the other Meddlers.

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

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Tuesday's Questions for the Wednesday Medley...

Here is a medley of questions for the Wednesday Medley.  I always start with the National Day Calendar Day for ideas and base questions from there. No rules and there is no obligation. Link up if you want to.  I'm doing this to fill my Wednesday and if you are interested, then I invite you to join in and link up with other ‘Meddlers’!!  

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar Website.

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY – August 28

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day on August 28th sets aside a day to remember the pet companions we’ve lost.

The death of a pet, whether furry, feathered, or an uncommon variety, is felt deeply. They become family and a familiar part of our lives. Mourning their death is different for everyone, and the observance provides a way to help heal the ache of loss.

The pain of loss is real. As each person travels through their grief, we remember the companionship and comfort they provided to us. Don’t forget that part of the relationship included care provided by you. The empty space left by the loss of a beloved pet is sometimes a difficult void to overcome.

Celebrate the home you provided and the joy your beloved pet brought you in return. When you are ready, you will know the time has arrived to find a new ‘critter’ to replace the emptiness felt. There are many animals yet to find a home. In time, you can be their new home.

HOW TO OBSERVE #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay

Take time to enjoy memories of your pet. Look through pictures. Consider a visit to an animal shelter if you feel ready. Volunteering time may help the adjustment.  Use #RainbowBridgeRemembranceDay to share on social media.

RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY HISTORY

Deborah Barnes founded Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day in honor of her cat, Mr. Jazz. Cats are fascinating and lovable, little friends to have around the home. We miss them when they leave us. Truthfully, it’s the same with any pet.

Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar Website.

This is Terri typing... I am in the hospital today, getting my knee replacement!!  I wrote this last weekend to post today and I look forward to reading about your special pet(s).

Terri believes in the premise of the Rainbow Bridge. Rather than post five questions, she just wants the Meddlers to tell us about a special pet in your life who is no longer with you. Let's do this with love and hope rather than sadness and tears!!

GO:

At the end, you may also tell us about your week so far!

Thanks for prayers lifted!! I feel them surrounding me with love and good wishes. There will be stories to tell!!

Peace & hugs!!  God Bless!!

Weekend Recap on Monday...

I mentioned already that some medical equipment was delivered on Thursday that I will use when I get home from the hospital on Wednesday, so I won't go through that again.  Joe and I both got our hair cut on Thursday.

Friday was my pre-op at the doctor's office and then to Tampa General Hospital. I went through that experience in my Saturday post HERE.  It was an experience I hope to never have to go through again!  Four hours!!  I am just happy I got it all done ahead of surgery day.  Hopefully, it won't take so long when I go for the other knee in November!!  Joe and I were both exhausted when we finally got home.  One for the books, for sure!

Saturday was laundry day and I accomplished a couple of other projects I wanted to complete while I still could.  I mentioned on Facebook that we had to put Plan B into effect for my trip to and from the hospital.  Joe isn't able to go with me. He is having breathing problems (worse than usual) and neither of us thinks he should be driving.  The hospital can't guarantee that he will be able to stay in the room with me overnight so I found a ride to the hospital on Tuesday morning and our neighbor will bring Joe with her to pick me up on Wednesday.  I'm a little teary about being in the hospital alone and not having Joe with me when I wake up in recovery but it is what it is. God has this.  It is all in His timing and there is a reason for this. God has got this and I'm counting on Him to get us through it.

We went to Sunday school and church yesterday. I have lots of people praying for me there as well as all of you who have me on your prayer lists.  I feel the love and am really not anxious or afraid.

The rest of Sunday was relaxing.  Today, Monday, I am picking up Helen and Cheryl at 5:30 a.m. to take Cheryl to the Lakeland hospital.  She is getting a pacemaker.  I'll take Helen home once we know Cheryl is okay.  She has someone from their church picking her up tomorrow since I will be in Tampa.  Whew... logistics!!

I have to get a little bag packed with necessaries.  My phone is the most important thing so I can see Joe after I get to my room.  We are ready to video call.  Technology is great!.

I have the Wednesday Medley ready to go.  Did that ahead of time.  I will hopefully be back "live" on Thursday for Rebecca Jo's Thankful Thursday!  Maybe a "blip" on Wednesday.

Oh, I almost forgot that I want to brag on my sister, Patti!!  She sent this picture to me over the weekend of an award she received.  Patti has been an elementary school teacher for 40 years (+/-). She is teaching the grandchildren of some of her first pupils!! She really is a great teacher and I am so proud that they finally recognized her this way!!

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!!

Sunday Stealing....

Thanks to Bev Sykes for today's questions!  You can join in HERE.

Love Me Some Questions

Hi! I'm your host Bev Sykes of the blog "Funny the World". . Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. (Past hosts include: Our first - Judd Corizan, Mr. L, Kwizgiver and

Bud)  Cheers to all of us thieves!

These are from Love Me Some Surveys.

1. Has anyone ever made fun of your taste in music?  Not to my face.

2. Is anyone’s birthday coming up?  Joe's birthday is coming up!!  Sept. 5th!

3. Do you remember who you liked in grade eight?  I had a huge crush on a star football player (#34) who was a Junior (?) that year.  He didn't know I existed. Young love! LOL 

4. When was the last time you burned any part of your body?  It's been a while, but I am good at getting burned when taking something out of the oven.

5. If I gave you ten dollars, what would you spend it on?  Something good to eat!!

6. What are you most excited about right now?  Getting Joe's heart valve replaced so he feels better!  Not the best timing for us, but it is all in God's timing and we trust Him.

7. Does/did either of your parents serve in the military?  Dad was in Army basic training when WWII ended.

8. Are you somewhat of a perfectionist?  Kinda, sorta, but not OCD!!

9. Do you like sour candy?  Yes, I actually do!

10. Are all-nighters something you have grown used to?  No. I haven't done one of those in years and years.  

11. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving?  No. Only when the sun is low enough to shine in my eyes and the visor doesn't work.  

12. Do you wear your shoes around the house?  I don't go barefoot often. If I'm not going out, I am usually in my dance shoes that Darlene (DIL) gave to me.  They are stretched out and falling apart but I love them.  Gorilla glue keeps saving them for me!

13. What clothes are you most comfortable in?  Stretchy slacks or capris and a t-shirt.

14. Are you good at painting nails?  Not bad but I don't do it often if you are talking about fingernails and toenails, that is.

15. Smoothies or slushies?  Neither. I can't tell you the last time I had either one.  Just not on my radar.

Thanks for your visit!  Peace & hugs.  God bless!!

Saturday 9..

No One's Here to Sleep

Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme. 

 
Saturday 9: No One's Here to Sleep (2013)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is the theme of How to Get Away with Murder, the legal drama that premiered in 2014 and airs on Thursday nights. Are you a fan?  I have never seen it.

2) The song's refrain says, "I'll never catch up with you." Behind the wheel, do you carefully observe the speed limit? Or do you have a lead foot, making it hard for anyone to catch up with you?  I am pretty careful about speed limits but I do push it on the highway by 5mph or so. Blessed to have cruise control in our car.

3) How to Get Away with Murder is about Annalise Keating, a law professor at a top Philadelphia university. She has a reputation for being tough, demanding and able to turn her students into successful defense attorneys. Tell us about a teacher who helped prepare you for life after graduation.  Gosh, isn't that what all teachers do?  I had some great teachers and even better parents.

4) The students she feels show the most promise -- and are recruited to help her solve murders -- are known as The Keating Four. Did you ever sense that you were your teacher's favorite?  No, I don't think I was ever a teacher's favorite.

5) Viola Davis was just nominated for an Emmy for playing Professor Keating. Ms. Davis was born on a farm in SC. Have you spent more of your life in a rural, suburban or urban setting?  I would call Lakeland "urban". We aren't a big city, but Lakeland IS a city.  I have lived here longer than in any other place.

6) Next to Annalise Keating, Viola Davis is best known for her Oscar-nominated role as Aibileen in the movie, The Help. Have you seen it?  Yes, I have seen the movie and I read the book.  Both excellent.

7) In 2014, the year How to Get Away with Murder premiered, we lost two famous comedians: Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. Who was the last person to make you laugh out loud? (This means actually, literally laughing out loud, not just keystroking LOL.)  Joe can usually make me laugh out loud (for real) several times a week. 

8) The 2014 Olympics were held in Sochi. Have you ever been to Russia? If not, is it a dream destination of yours?  I have never been to Russia and there are many places I would rather visit than there.

9) Random question: The sign on the railing says, "Wet Paint." Do you touch the railing to see if it's really wet?  I do not touch the wet paint. 

Thanks to Crazy Sam for this week's questions!  You can visit Saturday 9 HERE to join in.

Your visit is appreciated today!! 

Bless Joe for spending ALL DAY with me in Tampa yesterday.  Nearly three hours at the doctor's office, a 30-minute ride through downtown Tampa to the hospital where we spent another four hours. Since I had never been a patient there, it took FOREVER to get my patient history (meds, surgeries, etc.) into their system.  Then I had Xrays, blood draws, a meeting with the coordinator for my home therapy and finally a meeting with the anesthesiologist.  He told me they would be doing a spinal block and would just have me in a "twilight" sleep. I have to trust their expertise and trust that God is putting the right team in place for me.

Joe is not doing well right now.  We decided today that he will not come to the hospital with me for my surgery.  He can't drive in his condition and there is no guarantee that he would be able to stay in my room all night. SO, my friend Heather is going to take me to the hospital and drop me off. I have to be there at 8:00 a.m.  Surgery is currently scheduled for 10:45.  Our neighbor and friend, Sharon, will come to pick me up on Wednesday.  Joe will come with her.  We have it all covered and I'll be 'out of it' most of the time anyway and now won't have to worry about Joe.  He will be okay at home by himself for one night.  It's all good.  Pray for us, please!!

Peace & hugs!!  God bless!!

Friday Photos...

I do have a few new photos to share this week since we did go to the farm (Joe's client) on Wednesday.  I am sharing some different shots (hopefully) from my usual.  No cattle this week!

I haven't seen Vanna and Majesty in a few weeks.  They are in the

 pasture next to Doc and Pistol, now, so they got some

carrots too.  

No close-ups of Doc and Pistol, but here they are in

the pasture after they got their carrots.

I didn't see Arya this trip but did see Kobe, Reece, Roho, and this beautiful boy, Tex.

" 

One of the "kids" was visiting from California with her hubby and three kids.  It was nice to finally

meet them!  They headed out in one of the ATVs to see if they could find some animals.

When they returned they said they saw cattle and a few deer.

This flower was blooming by the patio where I usually sit. Not sure what it is. I don't know

flowers from weeds, but had to take a picture!

This is one of the workers at the farm who feeds and cares for the animals.  She had just

given Barbie a bath and was combing out her mane.  Barbie is around 30 years old.  She is

an old gal who is gentle and is the horse all the kids learned to ride on.  She doesn't have

to give rides anymore and is just living out her years.  She got a carrot too.

Mallow got some apple from me.  She says "Pretty Bird" and also calls Kobe.

The two baby parrots are learning and both came to the perch to get their apple pieces.

Karma is mean and will bite, unlike the newbies above.  He did get his apple slice though.

Joe and I were hungry after we left the farm and stopped at our favorite Palace Pizza.  Joe had two slices and I had a lunch portion of spaghetti and meat sauce. Yum!!  While we were

eating, the owner (in the glasses) and the other employees all sat down for their meal of

what looked like pasta with Alfredo sauce. I wanted some of that when I saw it!!  Next time!

Yesterday, some medical equipment was delivered to our house by Kevin.  I got an "ice machine" and some cuffs for my calves that blow up and massage to keep the blood moving after surgery.  The ice machine is really cool (no pun intended).  It flows cooled water through a knee brace for 50 minutes at a time so we don't have to deal with messy ice bags all the time.  He showed me how it works and I wanted to just keep it on my knee for a while. It felt great!

So, while most of you are reading this I will be in Tampa for my pre-op stuff.  We start out at the doctor's office for a clinic there and then we go to the hospital (Tampa General) for whatever else they need. It is all becoming very real now!! 

Thanks for peeking in today!  Peace & hugs!!

God bless!!

Thankful Thursday with Rebecca Jo...

Rebecca Jo hosts a wonderful link-up on Thursdays!! Join in HERE at Knit By God's Hand and share your blessings!!  Thanks for hosting us, Rebecca Jo!

I paid close attention, today, to the beauty of God's handiwork that is all around us, all the time if we just stop and pay attention.

It is such a blessing to rest in the loving care of our Lord and Savior and not be anxious for anything because He is in control.

Philippians 4:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Thanks for your visit today!!  Peace & hugs!

God bless!!

Flying High with the Wednesday Medley...

Everything below this line is from the National Day Calendar Website.

NATIONAL RIDE THE WIND DAY 

Enjoy the last days of summer and the warm summer breezes on August 23 as you celebrate the annual National Ride the Wind Day.

National Ride The Wind Day commemorates the anniversary of the first human-powered flight to win the Kremer prize.

It was on August 23rd of 1977 that the Gossamer Condor 2,  flew the first figure-eight course specified by the Royal Aeronautical Society, at Minter Field in Shafter, California.  Slowly cruising at only 11 mph, it traveled a distance of 2,172 meters.

The Gossamer Condor 2 was built by Dr. Paul B MacCready and piloted by amateur cyclist and hang-glider pilot Bryan Allen.

The Gossamer Condor 2 aircraft is preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

We all know that cooler air is right around the corner so take advantage of these nice days and get outside as much as possible. Test out those human-powered aircraft and make some history. summer breezes allow us to fly human-powered. In the event you lack a human-powered aircraft, flying a kite is always a good back plan.

Everything above this line is from the National Day Calendar.

1.  Tell us about the first airplane ride you took and do you like to fly?  My first plane ride was actually in a single-engine plane with my brother.  My first commercial flight was to Boulder, CO, for a business trip (in class all day and no site-seeing). I don't mind flying. What I hate is the whole airport thing with security and waiting and flights bumped and luggage getting lost...

2.  Have you ever gone hang gliding and was it on the beach with boat power, or from a mountain with only the wind and your body?  No to both of those, or parasailing, and I never will.  Joe has been parasailing and the kids/grands/nieces/nephews have done it. I am happy to watch and take pictures!  It does look like fun, though!  There was a hang-glider at Cypress Gardens (years ago) who made it look so easy after being released from the boat. Beautiful to watch.

3.  Have you ever gone kite flying and with whom?  I have flown kites before but don't remember with whom.  It was years and years ago.

4.  Experimental aircraft is quite popular as a hobby where Terri lives.  Have you or anyone you know ever constructed a flying machine and did you ride in it?  I don't know anyone who has done that nor have I ridden in one.  Lakeland has an annual Sun & Fun Fly-in and there are lots of experimental aircraft on display and being flown there.

5.  Another big hobby around Lakeland is Radio Controlled Airplanes.  Have you ever seen them flying or tried your hand at it?  Our auto mechanic builds and flies RC airplanes. They are bigger than I thought and they are noisy!

6.  Please tell us something about your week.  The house is clean, I have laundered throw rugs and put them away (not good for using a walker, "they" say in the paperwork) and I also laundered our quilted bedspread.  "They" also said in the paperwork that the bedding should be clean.  Makes sense. We have LOTS of cat hair on every surface, and especially on our bed. (Of course, it will have cat hair on it again by next week.)  My last visit to the farm for a few weeks is today (sad), we get haircuts tomorrow and pre-op is Friday.  Joe's surgery on the 12th has been confirmed and we talked to Joey (son) and he is confirmed to be here too.   All set for that!  That's our week...

Thanks for your visit today!  If you joined in today, please link-up below and join the other Meddlers!!

Peace & hugs!  God bless!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter