Living In Cane-Nan Now

This is an earlier morning than usual. I woke up a little after 5:00 wide awake.  It was another good sleep night and those seem to be more frequent as the days go by and for this I give thanks. Like many of y'all we stayed up and watched the Super Bowl. I'm glad Peyton will be able to leave football on his own terms.

We enjoyed a relaxing Sunday. Roy went to church and I went to webcast church. We also did a little rearranging of things that will be going back to the mountains with me. All the spring decorations went back into the closet and now we are rethinking what will go back in their place. Houston is doing a good job at keeping me cool, in fact I have been downright cold. Those closest to me are probably stunned at that statement. I figure on those days when I struggle at being warm my body is just fighting to get me well.

I think this is my last week of three PT sessions. Next week I begin two times and then graduating to out patient.Drew and I did some hard work today during PT. He increased things with the resistance band and we did a lot of practical things like learning how to get in and out of the truck on the driver's side. We did a lot of cane work today too, so I am calling myself Cane-Nan, although I don't like to be called Nan and I have been singing to myself The Happy Goodman song, Living in Cane-Nan now. Drew is working with me to change the way I walk because the most damage I could do to myself right now is to fall, again. Just like with so many things that we do without thinking, I don't always bring my foot all the way to make a step and because my sense of balance can be off, I can trip up with the cane. I do NOT want to fall again. Haven't fallen since January 18th.  Once I don't have to use the cane, I will have to remember to do these things and work on balance in a very safe manner. Drew is also starting to get me ready for stairs and he gave me a few things to do as I prepare to launch back into independence in the coming months.

Roy and I are so overtaken with gratitude for the kindness we are experiencing. The dinners, the cards, texts, the calls and visits keep me so encouraged and helps Roy so much. I am glad that I can do more each week and he doesn't have to be on caregiver duty round the clock like he did several weeks ago. This whole experience continues to open my eyes and my heart. In the mountain church I attend people there are so generous with love and care. I have watched them as they care for friends and church members by a visit or cookies or whatever the Lord puts in their heart to do. Being there is much more than the check the box attitude that can be seen in much larger churches. Of course in larger churches it almost can't be helped even with great infrastructure for small groups and Sunday School. God help you if you are in a group where someone who has control over decisions concerning ministry doesn't like you cause you will be hung out to dry. You have to ask the Lord to send ravens or angels or someone if you're in dire straights and believe me He will and does.  I am so thankful for Community Bible Study friends who have stepped in and filled the gap and of course close friends from First. A card I got last week from a friend who would be considered one of our closest neighbors in NC has volunteered to come over when I get back and help me with my chores until I am steady and ready. That blows me away because I know without help there are just going to be somethings I will have to modify to take care of things. Right now Buddy is getting the best care from Bill and he sends me videos or pics of Buddy almost everyday letting me know that she is doing well. OK, they fight over what to watch on TV but every cat wants to be in control. Buddy has met her match with this heavily decorated Navy man. He is putting discipline into her life.

Well, I better go to my set of PT exercises. I might do a little solo trip tomorrow and test out my newly acquired skills. The Dr has encouraged me to do a little driving everyday to gain back confidence.

Field Trip Saturday

There was just that one big flash of lightning and the sound of thunder a little before 5:00 am. Since my phone is next to me on the nightstand, Roy asked for me to look at the radar. The rain would be doing the Cinco Ranch split, with the worst of it north of us and a few yellows on radar to the south of us...we were in the green. So Saturday morning went along as planned. Roy got ready for Bible study and then came back with a couple of donuts for me as a Saturday morning surprise. Yum! There aren't any Shipley's in NC.

We had the joyous experience of Lisa P and CourtneyS coming over yesterday afternoon. CourtneyS came bearing gifts of black eyed peas with sausage, greens, grits and a delicious chocolate pound cake for dessert. It was a meal worthy of breaking a hip for...We all sat around enjoying our lunch and conversation. Since CourtneyS has never seen The Bad Seed, we decided to watch so that she would know the references that Lisa P and I make more times than not about one of our favorite movies. It is so interesting on many levels but just the sheer campiness of it being filmed just like the stage play is so worth it. Roy retreated to the study when we started watching it because he is not a fan. What fun and of course CourtneyS pick right up on so many things and even made us discover some things we had never noticed before. The afternoon went by too quickly but I enjoyed the time tremendously! We took a few pictures to commemorate CourtneyS seeing The Bad Seed. No longer will she say, are y'all quoting from that movie?!

Roy and I spent a lazy evening at home with both of us nodding off while watching TV. Has it come to this?
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It is now a beautiful Sunday morning. Roy has gone to church and I am enjoying the quiet and solitude of the morning. I slept very well last night because it was a full Saturday and I welcomed finishing up my book and going to bed around 10:30.

When I saw the Doctor this week he told me I could start working with a cane a little each day and to try and do a little neighborhood driving this weekend. Oh those are the words I longed to hear. So, after Roy went to Bible study and ran a couple of errands, he and I took off to the store for me to pick out a cane. I found a lovely blue one. We continued on with our day by going to Tony's Mexican Restaurant for lunch. I love Tony's! Our favorite waiter Jesse was our server. He brought out some complimentary queso and jalapenos. The lunch rush calmed down a bit and he was able to come by and visit with us. I told him of my attempts at making chili gravy and he laughed at my futile attempts so far. Before we left he brought me a container of chili gravy which we promptly froze when we returned home. Roy needed a little rest before the next portion of the day and honestly, I needed the rest as well.

I began calling this next portion of the day a field trip and I wasn't too sure I would go through with doing it. But, I thought, driving...big deal, it will be just like getting back on a bicycle, except this particular "bike" was more like getting on a too tall boy's bike. Getting into the passenger side of the truck hasn't been a biggie but the driver side and a right side hip replacement make it a bit dicey. I am not supposed to put my full weight on my leg yet. So after a few attempts I finally got behind the wheel and then I realized Peggy had been the last person to drive the truck, so the seat was still set for her. No wonder my legs didn't want to fit underneath the steering wheel. I drove us down to the Exxon station to fill up SequishShaun and then a little drive through Pine Mill Ranch to Spring Green. I drove over to the Academy store, cane in hand and we went inside. In hindsight, Academy on a weekend was not a smart choice. So many people, in such a big hurry and with little consideration for an older type lady walking with a cane. Roy had to act like a fullback and clear the way for me. By the time we got out of Academy and back to the truck, I was spent...exhausted but we both agreed I needed to get behind the wheel and complete my field trip work. It took some maneuvering but I made it. My right leg was so tired and for a brief second I thought I couldn't straighten out my foot, but it was just the way I was sitting. Happy to report I backed the truck into the driveway and then went into the house and sat down for a bit of a rest.

The intel from the field trip, I have made a lot of progress yet I still have a long way to go. There isn't any way I could drive back to NC right now and I'm not released to do that anyway. I see what work needs to be done and I will concentrate even more on my PT work I do on my own. The good thing is Roy is ready for me to drive and I am ready for me to drive. Right now I feel like I could do limited drive through things. It takes me too long to get into and out of the truck to feel safe.

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and I was able to finish my book The Swans of Fifth Avenue, a fictional account of true non-fiction events. It is outside of my usual reading but since it involved Truman Capote and he is considered a southern writer I was kind of in my genre. It was an interesting read about a style of life I have never ever coveted or wanted and really the 1970's just about destroyed the style of ladies who lunched and wanted to be seen at the finest places in NYC. Several times in the story the hard work of staying attractive for the present husband and for husbands to come showed how they married for money and for what it could bring them, thus they starved themselves and denied themselves.  You know this book was totally about "practiced" people. Those who might be wondering how to live a practiced life might like this book. For me, interesting but sad story and sadly on a much lesser scale I knew some of these types when I played tennis. I remember Pastor Gregg in a sermon referenced River Oaks Blvd in Houston, where the ultra rich live and play and he said has anyone ever driven down that street and felt sorry for the people who lived in those huge palatial houses? I could have answered yes, because I knew the lives some of those women lived there on River Oaks Blvd, who were willing to live that way to have the things they wanted but some did get smart and get away...not too many though.

Mama Told Me There Would Be Days Like This

There is a bird that sings right outside our bedroom window just before sunrise. The song it sings is a loud and beautiful one. It has almost been a consistent wake up call for the past week or so. The birds in our side yard keep me entertained as well.

I am not going to lie but yesterday was a tough day. Drew raised PT up another level, which is fine by me but with my endurance encumbered, it can be difficult work resulting in my knee and foot having a bit of a flare up pain wise. Yesterday especially, I felt my knee give way a couple of times. They are letting me put more weight on my right leg and achieving that milestone is so welcomed. This whole hip recovery thing has caused a new normal that neither Roy nor I totally understand and it is a new path for both of us. One of the things he has always liked about me is my independent spirit. We observed while we dated and were first married that the whole dependent thing in some of our friends is what divided them and eventually they divorced. I told Roy that whole I don't know what to do thing while cute when first dating becomes a whole millstone around the neck thing several years down the road when the guy is tired of making each and every decision. I think Roy saw this first hand with his mother and while my mom had been totally capable and at one time had great self esteem, my father wore her down till her whole life wrapped up in and around his and she was afraid to make a move without his approval. So Roy found this attribute attractive of being independent yet knowing I could come to him. Well, here we are thirty eight years into the marriage, going on 39, and the past eight years have held lots of me being dependent on him. First with my heart issues and the resulting domino effect with my health and now after coming back and living life pre-heart virus, the whole hip replacement thing has caused me a greater dependence than even with my heart. So last night in our new normal we encountered a blip on the radar screen we didn't see coming. Several weeks ago I thought I saw a discrepancy with Mission Hospital and Blue Cross from my ER visit in December, I mentioned it to Roy, but he couldn't find what I was talking about. Then last night as we went through the mail, there was a bill from Mission and it reminded me again of the discrepancy, so we looked once again at the papers we had and then out of the blue, Roy was obviously unhappy with me over something. I will tell you this, all this hub bub made me cry, I just lost it because I could not understand why all of the sudden he was so upset and I didn't know what I had done or not done. I think this whole situation took both of us by surprise and so like we have learned to do over the years we began dismantling the pieces of the conversation to see where we diverged. My take was he had brought home a frustration from the office and was acting out the frustration on me. His take was I always paid the bills, why all of the sudden did I want him to get involved and make calls or do research. I didn't really think of hospital and insurance stuff as bills but more like a contract and there isn't anyone better at reading contracts than Roy. He thought I was being passive/aggressive and I thought he was over reacting. Then Roy said something profound, that the new normal contained three types of me and he was confused on where I was on that timeline. There is the independent, not afraid to drive by myself to NC, me; then there is Lafayette Nancy, couldn't do one thing for myself, totally dependent on him and the kindness of strangers; and then there is Katy Nancy, struggling to heal yet knowing especially after seeing Dr Smith, the limitations on forward progress are there for a reason. There is a fine line between progress and setbacks if one isn't careful. Truthfully, he is ready for independent me ( I am ready for that too) and we both know that it is tough on him having to be at the office and then come home straight into a caregiver situation. He has little margin or time for himself. There is always something that needs to be done and looking at insurance stuff was not on his list last night. We were both quick to apologize. Then we celebrated the strides that have been made the past two weeks and how slowly but surely things he has had to help me with has become less and less (thinking back to our first night home.)  That is something we do, celebrate the good, we remember the progress and then we both pledge to be like that verse in Amos, how can two walk together unless they be agreed and I will add it is great to be agreed because the walker can cause strife in the stride. We spent the rest of the evening there on the couch, he reading a mystery and me, well I was watching the conclusion of the Bernie Madoff story.

You might be thinking why did you share all of this Nancy? I will tell you why, to give hope. You see we don't fit in the box that most would like you to fit in. Roy is a great leader but he is not all macho about it. I have a streak of independence but I don't do things contrary to Roy's wishes. We don't have children. I am not a girly girl in the church sense of what a woman is supposed to be like and I question a lot of things have I pretty much let you know what I think or where you stand with me. My greatest joy is not making a casserole and Roy's greatest joy isn't building something. Roy's desire is to walk in love and please God. We didn't figure out how to "discuss" things or solve problems at some church marriage conference, we asked the Lord to show us our willful ways and how we might best do good to one another. There is nothing wrong with getting help from conferences at churches but when you don't fit the stereotype in the first place it might not be all that helpful.

This morning as I have eased into the day Roy and I have talked several times and emailed. We have moved on, forgiving and walking forward being agreed. I am reminded of John 5, do you want to get well. Yeppers!  Don't give excuses of why you can't, look to Jesus and then start searching for that mat you can pick up and move right along, nothing to see here.

Proceeding

My bandages gone, I've been set free, the next few weeks more mobility. Gonna leave that walker behind, it's becoming plain, I soon will walk with just a cane.

Two weeks to the day from a hip replacement, the staples were removed!  Hallelujah! Not only were the staples removed, I also got back on the horse to speak...Peggy and I had lunch at Cracker Barrel before my appointment. It is really fun to go to lunch with Peggy because most times someone there knows her and it is fun to hear their neighborhood stories from years gone by or teaching together stories. And I get introduced to her friends as her partner in crime. If that doesn't make your heart skip a beat, I don't know what will.  Oops, I really don't want my heart to skip a beat...well, you know what I mean. After we had eaten, we stopped by the trash receptacles to see if any of that edging was there...one little metal piece farther down from the can. I guess I can say truthfully the old adage is true, the bigger they are the harder the fall. Felled by a little piece of metal. We had a little bit of a wait since I think Wednesday mornings are surgery mornings for the Dr. Peggy kept me entertained in the waiting room by telling me stories of her staple removal on her knee. That and we kept ourselves entertained with things on FB that we thought funny.

Finally, I was called back to beyond the golden door and I thought I might have heard Peggy humming taps as I scooted the walker toward the door. First off, X-rays. Thankfully the warm up pants I had on had no metal grommets around the waist so I was spared wearing their lovely X-ray shorts. Three pics later and I was done. The nurse then led me back to the little room and placed all the instruments needed for staple removal. The doctor and his surgical assistant came in and we began discussing what happened, how it happened, treatment in Lafayette and the immediate future on the recovery calendar. Yes, it is hip to be square. I am just now thinking back to how I came to being a patient of Dr Smith's. Methodist Hospital in Katy had an information night on knees and joints and getting older. Dr Smith spoke briefly and I liked his manner and approach to care. So, I made an appointment and we began the injections into my knees. He went to the University of the South in Swanee TN and spent his growing up years in Highlands and Cashiers NC. So, he knows why I am anxious to get back to the mountains. He emphasized yesterday he wanted me to go back and be able to pick up right where I left off but maybe a few adjustments. Oooh, maybe I will get that Gator or Mule I have wanted to take down the trash and ride about in the yard.

I've done PT this morning and once again we did some of the work outside. We walked along the green space and then came in and did resistance and standing exercise. Looks like next week I will have three sessions and the week after that two sessions and I should be released to begin out patient work.

This week I have watched the OJ miniseries and the first part of the Bernie Madoff story. Now I remember why I don't watch drama before going to bed and it is because my brain won't shut off. I keep thinking about the show and how basically everyone should have realized if it is too good to be true, it probably isn't. The second part is on tonight and I will probably watch the conclusion.

Some of you might remember me asking you to pray for Shelby, who was a friend of my niece Erin. She fought the good fight and found her joy this morning around 6:50 am. I read her Caring Bridge journal just last night and read of the unexpected turn but I prayed for healing and for her to once again fight back into life. Well, she did that but into life eternal. Thankful she is a believer and she is with the Lord. But still this young woman who I never even met in person but met her via snap chat with Erin profoundly impacted me. Praying for her family in these tough days ahead.

God Redeems It All

Even though the sky is now turning from dark to light gray, I can hear the birds out in the trees singing their little hearts out. They must have heard the news that spring will come six weeks early. The past few days have been in the high 70s to low 80s and I can feel the drain on my energy level. For PT tomorrow we are working outside. Thankfully, it will be cooler and the sun is supposed to be out.

When you are kind of home bound you find all kinds of things to think about and in some cases with this extra time, I've been able to go through a few things, very few, that didn't get taken care of during the week, the only week, I was to be here in January. Well, of course, now it is February. Yesterday I read a devotion by Wayne Stiles; Why Your Path Forward Leads Backward. I felt it appropriate to address in my view a step backwards for getting on the road forward back to the place I love but as I read "our limitations only frustrate us when we forget that in weakness we glorify God." This whole broken hip thing smacked of setback to me early on but slowly I began to understand that I need to live faithfully where He has me now and in the future. Wayne suggests three things we experience in those seasons where it seems we are moving in reverse...

• To strengthen our character in spite of our weakness
• To develop our peace of mind by trusting Him in chaos
• To teach us that we can glorify Him just as much by waiting on Him as we can by serving Him

I have shared with several friends that I believe God is doing something in me so that when this season has ended and a new one begins, He will have done a good work in me that probably I would have never slowed down to realize....even with the slower pace of life in NC. Back to the verse I referred to yesterday about living a small life, and Paul reminds them your life isn't small, you are choosing to live it that way. Again it seems ironic that being in Houston where the thought would be big city, big life it is actually big city, small life. There are many more variables at least for me here that contributed to me making the choice time after time of living a small life. So many times I let the chaos determine my choices. During some of those hard, small years it was easier to join in the chaos and try to do work or make changes in the midst of it because everyone else was inside the circle of chaos. Chaos becomes a habit and serves us but at a very high price. Chaos appears in different forms, messiness, procrastination, perfection, projecting an image that may or may not be the truth, always looking busy by playing with a smart phone or if you're old school shuffling papers, and being the teachable moment person even though you haven't any idea of what is really happening. Please save me from being in chaos with a teachable moment person! 

One night in the hospital when Roy had returned to the hotel to rest because the next day began early I thought and prayed through so many things. An example of God's provision, I had packed some things to bring here that I never pack and wondered why at the time I was packing them. Sure enough, things that would be needed for this extended time in Texas. I no longer think or ponder on the why of things growing up but there in a moment of thankfulness I saw that being forced into being an independent child, with little to no support in life decisions since the age of five, had prepared me well. Granted it brought some heartache and sorrow as I grew up but I wasn't afraid there in Lafayette by myself when I tripped and fell. God redeems it all.

A Quick Catch-Up

Yea, so I have already worked out this morning. 8:45 comes early to one who likes to ease into the day. So, up at 6:30 to get cleaned up and have breakfast before Drew gets here. I feel like my getting ready time is getting shorter and that is very welcomed. The key to all of this is organization and that is not my best strong suite.

Yesterday, I was feeling rather courageous about getting out. Roy and I had brunch at Escalante's and then headed over to Barnes and Noble. We spent a short amount of time there and then headed over to the ATM at the bank and a stop at The Fresh Market. It was probably a little more than I should have done and when you compound all the activity with Roy's driving, let's just say when we got home I went straight to bed and took extra strength Tylenol. After talking with Drew this morning he thinks it was more of an endurance thing than a pain factor and I agree with him. But the rest did me good and that helped me get a few more things accomplished around here, like taking clothes out of the suitcase and getting them put up. I brought clothes more for Asheville weather than Houston.

My Sunday School class from church called me yesterday morning. What a great surprise! It was a blast getting to talk with them and hear their voices. I have never fallen in love with a class so quickly as I have the JOY class. We have lots of fun and laughs but they are the praying-est group of women who care deeply. And bar none the best cookers and bakers I have ever met. My gift is teaching them to use your grocery store deli counter and when asked did you make this, you respond I made the trip to get it. Gale, our teacher, is great and so is our co-teacher Judy. They bring great truths from God's Word each Sunday. I usually draw the short straw and sit between Inez and Velda, so that Velda will behave. Hope whoever has drawn that task is up to the job. I am really missing my mountain church.

One of my favorite devo books ever is Solo: The Message NT. Instead of spending a day with each one, I spend at the minimum a week because there is so much to ponder. Right now day 75 has my attentions Wide-Open Spacious Life based on 2 Corinthians 6:1-13.  This is the part that is pulling me in


11 Dear friends in Corinth! We have spoken frankly to you, we have opened our hearts wide. 12 Any constraint you feel has not been imposed by us, but by your own inner selves. 13 So, just to be “fair” (I am using the language of children), open wide your hearts too. Complete Jewish Bible


11-13Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!


Your lives aren't small but you're living them in a small way.  Ouch! Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively! Ouch Ouch!

I never came back to the blog yesterday so I will continue these thoughts on a later post. I had planned to sleep in this morning but I woke up rested and I only had to make one trip to the bathroom in the night. That my friends is success! It is also the first night my hip didn't hurt when I moved in bed. That is huge! This morning I have already done a series of the exercises we worked on yesterday.

Geni came over yesterday with lunch. We had so much fun and had a wonderful visit. Chopped salad and gelato for lunch...delicious! She brought me the most beautiful cardinal picture.

Roy stopped by CVS before getting home last night and somehow he got my meds for free. He's a charmer when there is a long line.

What A Difference A Week Makes

What a difference a week makes in recovery. Just one week ago I was hardly able to do much beyond pulling on some warm up pants and putting on a t shirt. No socks or shoes...the long ordeal of putting on all the lotions and creams for my knees and feet as well as changing the bandage on the incision daily, plus not only changing it but applying hydrogen peroxide on it before wrapping it all back up seemed like a several hour affair. I took a long look at all those staples today...I am already praying and plan on loading up Wednesday on pain pills to get through the whole office supply process of staple removal. This morning I took a shower, washed my hair in the shower, got dressed, applied lotion and bandage, got my socks and shoes on and after such a huge accomplishment I sang a song to myself, "I'm a big girl now!" Then I watched cartoons...Bugs Bunny Classic cartoons. I love them! I did all of this while Roy was at Bible study, then getting a hair cut and doing a few errands. I'm tired but so very happy that progress is being made.

Roy has been home and now he is off once again going to the grocery store, cleaners, CVS, and Katy Christian Ministries. Once he gets everything settled around here, he plans to ride his trek and I think he deserves a long, good ride while the weather is perfect for such a thing.He has been such a good caregiver and he is so patient but most of all he is so wise on many of the major things. Now on some of the smaller stuff...well, let's say we agree to disagree.

I have been making notes but not really journaling thoughts about everything since January 18th. The observations have been noted though. I think life is much more fragile here than in NC. You would think that might just be the opposite. There is less margin here, there is little time unless you decide to make the time to do things or not do things. Reputations and perceived disruptions to ego run on a thin edge here and it is veiled too often as ministry or work to knock someone down or ignore. Seems that things here are quick to go to periscope from church staffs and let it be yet another teachable moment that can come via social media and without a personal touch. I have enjoyed being away from practiced people and teachable moment people. Sometimes, you just need a laugh or a break or someone to listen; you don't need someone telling you how they have perfected life in church, family and in personal things, most often this is men telling you all these things. Women on periscope are more likely to share. While I have learned much from have a purpose or big dream preachers, somewhere we have lost the thought that every moment in life doesn't have to be the big moment. It doesn't have to be a moment that has been so rehearsed and practiced, nor does it necessarily have to be a teachable moment. I will take back with me the kindness that has been extended to us from friends who know what it means not to have to think about a meal because it is just an additional one more thing. I will long remember these days when laughter was the medicine and when encouragement came heartfelt from friends that are more far than near as in keeping in touch with on a regular basis. Carol Kelly has spoken volumes to me as she has encouraged me on FB. This morning Diane Wells called and encouraged us as well as having a few good laughs. These are women who have or are going through some thing...

Now on this Sunday morning as Roy has gone to church and I am reading and praying, these quiet moments are welcomed. I won't have as long to ease into the morning because when Roy gets home from church, we are going on a field trip. Yesterday, Dena drove SequishShaun and took us out for a late lunch. We went to Red River BBQ and had fried shrimp and onion rings. For dessert we stopped at Bahama Bucks and got shaved ice treats and took one home to Roy. Neither one of us had ever had one of these from BB.  Then we came back here and the three of us visited and had a few good laughs. It is exciting to hear about all of Dena's new adventures and her upcoming big move to the north side of town.

Inez sent me the Madison County newspaper with an article about an event that happened during the  War of Northern Aggression (I momentarily forgot how to spell Civil). She has promised to take me to the area where all this took place. Oh my, I was so happy to see that envelope in the stack of mail Roy brought in.

It is almost time for me to begin my morning grooming.  Happy Sunday Y'all!

Easy To Entertain and Amuse

I love how God surprises us with good things when we least expect it. Today was one of those days. Sometime in the middle of the night one of those thoughts sneaked past me, you know the kind that potentially can drain you of hope. It could be one of those kinds of things where the seed is planted and you didn't realize it but thankfully, I knew where the thought was coming from, so I returned it to sender by the way of giving it to God. And honestly, I was less than enthusiastic about having an early PT. Which reminds me I have not shared the ordeal we went through on Saturday with the nurse assessment. That situation did not lend itself to a stellar attitude toward this home health care company. There were those times I wanted to strongly suggest to Roy we turn our attention to another provider yet I could never bring myself to say anything. This morning once again I am glad I didn't respond so quickly because this morning the PT guy arrived bringing with him his Eastern Tennessee accent. As he was filling me in on some details I could only listen to his accent complete with a little twang and finally had to ask him if he was from ET or WNC. I knew exactly where he had lived and for that moment here on the prairie I felt I was on the mountain. He has found love here and is engaged but he misses the mountains and he knew exactly how I felt as I shared with him my inspiration to get back as quickly as it was safely to do so. The appointment I dreaded turned out to be joy in the morning. Any little setbacks I sense from time to time melted away this morning that the hard work will be worth it all.

I wrote that on Thursday and now it is Saturday morning. It is foggy out here on the prairie and it is making me feel right at home. Roy made coffee this morning and he went out and bought me a couple of donuts as a surprise before he headed on out to Bible study. It is quiet and only a few birds are hanging out on the fence. I just now moved over to the study because I spent the early morning hours in the chair Roy set up for me to watch the birds.

Wednesday afternoon Peggy drove me to the doctor office. I felt as if I might have an infection and the hospital had recommended anyway to check in with my GP. We realized Peggy would need to drive SequishShawn because it might have been nearly impossible for me to get out of her car without experiencing a lot of pain. After the doctor we headed over to Escalante's for lunch. I love their salsa and spinach enchilada with roasted corn sauce lunch plate. As per our custom of living the life of ADD, our conversations were all over the place, some left unfinished and some revisited because we got off on a bunny trail. I returned home exhausted but full of joy.

Yesterday Lisa P came over and spent the day with me. She brought lunch...yum...and we watched old movies. We kind of decided on Mildred Pierce and we found similar themes with The Bad Seed and Imitation of Life. Music and lighting in this black and white standard film noir is excellent and adds to the telling of the story. Becky S from CBS Bible study stopped in with dinner for us. Yummy and spicy tamales from the valley. I guess the Lord really knew how much I have longed for and wanted Mexican food in North Carolina. Our table and refrigerator overflowth and for this we are so grateful.

I have always been able to amuse or entertain myself since being a child. Everything can and will be turned into something playful when it is truly meant for a serious purpose. Right now I am wondering what I should do with extra Depends we have acquired. I am sure I can find something festive to make with them. The number of realtors calling since we had to unlist our home diminishes day by day. But thankfully, a telemarketer calls every once in a while. I had fun with one yesterday as I believed he was a former boyfriend and of course I imagined we had had a bad breakup. I can fake cry and sob at the drop of a hat and that talent went straight into gear. Call me and tell me my extended warranty on a car we no longer own is seriously in peril.

Atumblenal

It is a lovely overcast Wednesday morning here in Rancho de Five. The morning is even more beautiful because I got the most restful sleep since returning on Friday from Lafayette last night. I decided to start out on the couch because it is not fair to Roy for all my tossing and turning...well, the way I am moving tossing and turning wouldn't be correct...anyway, I wanted to be thoughtful of his time and rest. He comes home from the office and steps into caregiver role. He does it so well, but I don't want to burden him. I fell asleep around 10:00 and woke up to watch some Seinfeld from 11:15 till midnight. Went back to sleep till 3:00 and then walkered it to bed and slept till 7:00. Disjointed but it worked. I can ease into the morning and I am taking full advantage of that.

A week ago today I was just coming out of surgery and I only know this after being told. I was not awake...  Yesterday, was probably my hardest day since the autumble on Monday. Yes, I have found a variation of use for one of my very favorite words, autumnal. The day began early. Although my hip does not hurt, the muscles connected to it on my backside can start aching. Truly then I am a pain in the butt. I felt like I might be fighting something other than recovering in my body. I was tired, listless and pooped out at parties...shout out to I Love Lucy.... I feel swollen and bloated all over. Any kind of movement zapped me of energy. So what does one do when it hurts to read or write, you watch the American Hero Chanel. It was a riveting afternoon of watching about the body guards of H^t(er. Then when I just couldn't take anymore watching about the depravity of man and propaganda, it was time to turn over and watch The Andy Griffith Show. My friends tease me that my now religious watching of the show is my way of being in NC. Hmmm...maybe but Andy and the group were supposedly located in the Piedmont area of the state, not the mountains. Although the Darlings came out of the mountains as well as Ernest T Bass. I think I am watching the show with new eyes after reading the book about Andy and Don Knott's friendship throughout the years. You get all the gossip of behind the scenes. Andy and Ms Krump were having an affair while she was on the show.

Roy fixed up a wonderful spot for me. In the room formally known as the dining room but casually we called and used it as the reading room, he put an Amish recliner and ottoman out of his study and put it facing the windows. He added a small side table and lamp. He took my book bags and such and arranged them for me to get to easily.  The birds hang out by these windows and although the birds aren't as colorful or as varied as the ones in NC, I am enjoying them just the same. I think I am seeing a fifth generation of mockingbirds who build their nests in our front trees. I thought I noticed a Carolina Wren stopping by from time to time and I was right! Yes!

I'm enjoying all the Blue Grass music on the Appalachian Americans FB page. Love, love, love Blue Grass. I have loved it since I was a little girl, which was a long, long time ago. I have it playing in the background and the music is being accompanied by the sound of mowers and edgers out on the green space by the house.

Since we have temporarily taken our home off the market, we have been deluged with calls from other agents and realty firms wanting to list our house, assuming, we were not happy with our agent. Nothing could be further from the truth but recovery from a broken hip doesn't mesh too well with our decor. Agent: "see how spacious the bathroom is, with a five by five walk in shower, separate vanities and look, even a potty chair fits nicely over the commode."Uh, no.  Since we didn't know the numbers on the Caller ID and since we are waiting on calls from PT, we had to answer. Roy is firm but polite and hangs up. I on the other hand am looking for amusement, so I have fun with them. My favorite is when I answer in my old lady voice that I developed after hearing my crazy friend Debbie's grandmother talk. My second favorite "bit" is to keep them on the phone by talking about a never ending story about my recent fall and recover. These people cannot wait to get off the phone with me. I can feel the tension especially when I describe how my foot hung to the right and could not be moved into a straight position for nothing or no one.

Well, I suppose I should go comb my hair and clean up a bit. Emily is coming over with lunch from Zoe's today.

Prepare to Pick Up Mat

When we last left off in the story, I had just arrived in the hospital room where I was greeted by the charge and my nurse that day, Kim and nursing assistant Janet. While they were asking me questions a quiet little tap came on the door and it was Skylar, the patient advocate, that had encouraged me so much in the ER. Once Skylar left, we continued on with the business at hand. So I arrived from the ER dressed in an open back gown with my clothes placed on the bed but I still had on my panties. Kim, in her kind but firm manner let me know they were going to have to come off. I replied, I barely know you can we get to know one another a little bit before this event has to take place. She and Janet started laughing. I had hesitated on saying that because you know, they probably hear that all the time but in Kim's ten years of nursing, she hadn't. We bonded immediately over our love of walking on the beach, getting caught in the rain and a general disregard for minivans. Over the coming days Janet was my nursing assistant many more times than she probably wishes. Gee, my goal was to have at least one successful bed pan event. Poor Janet. I liked her because she told me like it was and wasn't afraid to let me know. Kim and I visited after vitals or any other reason she needed to be in the room. We both knew we were partaking in a divine appointment. I was fortunate to have her as my nurse both on Monday and Tuesday. She prayed for me and I for her. She is one busy nurse. I also had several male nurses, David a lot of the time and of course Ora, Jennifer and Peggy. Lots and lots of assistants and I enjoyed meeting them all. Sometimes late in the night of the early morning the assistant and I would discuss life while doing the whole bed pan thing. It was a great opportunity to share the love of Christ. Until surgery, I slept a lot because of the pain meds.

Later on Monday, Roy and Emily arrived. Emily was driving the truck home and Roy had packed a suitcase for the week. Kim told him about the Marriott close by and as he and Emily went to get the truck and then fill it up, he stopped in and got a room for the week. Roy said he totally threw me under the bus, and well why not, which got him a cheaper rate and a first floor room. We cannot thank Emily enough for being willing to make that day of driving and have to endure the driving of Roy from Katy to Lafayette.

It doesn't take long to lose all dignity and it becomes less of a concern because you are being asked all kinds of questions, looked at in all manner of ways and your personal space, comfort zone has to be thrown out the window. You can only hope that it returns once you are released from the hospital. Thankfully, mine has. In those situations one must keep a sense of humor. There is a special bed pan for people who have broken their hips and I think they were made for people who are size zero. Lots of leaning to the left, leaning to the right, no standing, just sitting...wee wee wee. Thankfully, the hospital had a generous supply of chuck pads.

Learning these new skills kept me occupied as well as pain meds. It was also interesting when friends called and I could hear that slight break in their voices that signaled that I had really scared them. Or rather how quickly the situation developed and scared them. It hasn't been until Sunday that it occurred to me that the happenings of the past week had some treacherous times in many ways. I've been asked are you going to decorate your walker? NO! This is not going to become a permanent accessory so I am not going to decorate. Really, who can pick up a decorated mat and walk when Jesus gives the command?

The Peace That Passes All January 18, 2016

Come and listen to the story of Nancy

Just tryin' to get back to the mountains of NC

Then one stop, she tripped and fell down

then stayed a week in a lovely La town

Broke her hip, surgery, physical therapy 

The Ballad of Jeb Clampett works in just about every situation. Last Monday after starting for the mountains, I stopped at Buc-ees at 5:00 am and nixed the usual stop in Sulfur and headed on toward Lafayette planning on a quick trip into Cracker Barrel for a snack and then find a gas station to fill the truck before going through Baton Rouge. Funny, I never made it to the last two on the itinerary because as I headed to the entrance of the Cracker Barrel, I tripped on some kind of metal edging by the trash receptacle and went flying through the air with the greatest of ease and landed on my right side. The lady with the Coushatta Casino sweatshirt, who happened to be sitting on the bench outside the door smoking a ciggie, asked me if she should call 911, at first I said no, I thought I was fine but I knew otherwise. While she went inside to tell the CB staff of my fall, I fumbled about, grabbing my purse and getting it closer to me and then assessed the situation. I couldn't feel anything from my right hip down to my knee except a numb, cold, tingling feeling which I dismissed as sitting on cold concrete but I knew it was not good. I also wish I could report I quoted Bible verses to myself in those brief seconds. No, I was thinking of Tennessee Williams Blanche Dubaugh from Streetcar Named Desire, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." Because I knew that was the situation I found myself. Soon staff and the manager of CB were helping me by covering me with their own jackets and a folded throw from a display. Mr. Bryan was asking me questions so he could file a report but he was so kind and gentle keeping in mind I was down there on their front porch pretty banged up. We could hear the sirens in the distance as we talked and I went over what exactly had happened. I remember thanking everyone over and over because I really was filled with gratitude at that moment. The EMT's got out of the ambulance, asked questions and I am still feeling a bit in shock and living in a condo off the deNile that things were good. These two young women, these two strong young women who probably were both all of 5'3" got me off the ground and onto the gurney. They took vitals and asked questions in the ambulance. After a few tries of trying to stand, I submitted to the realization something was not right. I asked if they could get the overnight bag and book bag out of the front seat of the truck and they did. Upon the realization that I was not from the area and just passing through, they realized I could not tell them which hospital I would like to be transported to. Uh, could I have a menu please? They were directed to send me to Lourdes and I also let them know I have insurance, good insurance because I really wasn't wanting to go to a trauma hospital. One of the EMTs told me that is where she would go. Alrighty, let's roll. I have never ridden in an ambulance. I was calling and texting Roy about the situation and I also put it out of FB, not because I wanted attention but I felt I needed to let as many as possible to know where I was and also to be praying. Once in the ER we discussed whether to cut my jeans off or see if they could remove them without hurting me. We discussed the possibility of a broken hip before the X-rays because my right foot was leaning to the right and would not straighten up. Since they weren't that busy, the three of them took off my jeans and whirled me in for my close up and yes, broken...no I believe the word was shattered. A patient advocate came by to visit with me and she talked to me about the Lord. Maybe while we had no clue the reasoning that God knew and had it all under control. She prayed with me and then I encouraged her in the Lord. One question that came up several times; are you Catholic or non Catholic. Believe me if it was required, I was going to go into Hail Mary very quickly and maybe discuss Easter Duty. I was prepared to sing Ava Maria or What Do You Do About a Girl Called Maria, even Take a Letter Maria, Address it To My Wife...but thankfully no one needed me to solo with a shattered hip.  They had a room for me on the ortho floor and up we went.  

I will leave the story here and continue on later. Even though I had been deep into the thought of Tennessee Williams character, I saw the hand and providence of God in each and every move. The choice of hospital, the Orthopedic Doctor on call that day is the one in Lafayette you want doing the surgery and his assistant told me there in the ER it was my lucky day he was there. A room opened up quickly on a very crowded floor. The patient advocate came up to my room and gave me a prayer book and a cross that fits into the palm of the hand, with a rolled up scroll to write out your requests. I caught Roy at the office which is a near impossibility. The week preceding and my week here in Houston I had been meditating on the verse in Philippians 4 that the peace of God that passes all...or exceeds all....surpasses all...I found myself gently carried in that peace that passes all on Monday morning.

Has It Really Come To This?

It would seem logical that the story would begin exactly where it began on January 18th but when there is a moment that truly captures years of love and laughter; getting through those difficult times and rejoicing in the exceedingly happy that really is better suited to start the story of a klutz with a broken hip and the recovery ever after.

Friday was an extremely long day that began very early. Around 4;00 am I knew the call to nurse assistant Pedro needed to be made. Dang, I had to go to the bathroom and I was not cleared to go by myself yet. Earlier, about midnight, I had made that same call but told Pedro since I had my legs hooked up to the blood clot sleeve and since it quickly was becoming dire straights on timeliness that maybe the bedpan might be the best option. Really, had it come to this that I would choose the bedpan? Yes...it had. The 4:00 call was made only because after removing the sleeves and pushing back covers the realization hit that the rails on the side of the bed meant to protect me had now become my prison. After being in the hospital for four days one finally succumbs to the the notion that privacy and those things we try to do practice to ensure modesty, goes right out the window and now Pedro and Patrick and David have helped me, seen me and observed me and I am at the point of not caring. Really Tuesday is when I gave up caring about these things. Usually nursing has been women's work but let me tell you, there are a lot of men practicing now. Yea, it is to grab that quick glance of an sixty one year old, overweight and flabby woman in a hospital gown. I had just settled back into bed hoping to grab a few more hours of sleep when the lab tech came in and once again drew blood out of my blown veins. Then Pedro returned to do vitals. Ah quiet, not to be long because nurse David is back with meds, shots and the most glorious news of the day, the drainage port would be taken out and the dressing replaced with a bandage.

Roy arrived at the hospital, checked out of the hotel, filled up the car and was roaring to hit the road. I still had to get in one last PT session, have prescriptions delivered and the all important walker and bathroom potty contraption still needed to be delivered.  Had it really come to this? I aced my test of washing up and getting dressed for the PT person and then I was stellar at the gym session. Roy was gathering up my things and getting them stowed away. Then all the deliveries made it, the Dr assistant came by to sign the release papers, the nurse gave last minute instructions and then to my horror came the case worker with a bag of Depends, ok some off brand, and a stack of chucks. Chucks are absorbent pads that are like diaper pads for adults. She recommended that I wear a Depends on the ride home and that the assistant would put the diaper garment on me. Had it really come to this?  Now not being able to sneak up on anyone silently, well that wouldn't really happen anyway, I was wheeled out to the exit where Roy picked me up and loaded the car. The ride home deserves it's own post.

We stopped at Buc-ees and what I thought would be a straight shot to the bathroom became a maze of serpentine movements to avoid people who clearly would walk right into me or passed by me so quickly knocking into me and muttering under their breath. The only person there kind to me was the bathroom attendant. When I came out of the bathroom, Roy was pacing and I could tell he was worried about me even though I warned him this is going to take more time than usual.

Arrival time in Katy 6:00 with both of us exhausted yet only one of us able to work. The long day turned into an even longer evening while we determined what is a priority and what isn't. We didn't agree on priorities and that took more energy. Finally, since I could not stand it any longer, I washed my hair at the kitchen sink and then took a shower. Oh my, that was a long process too. Applying bandages and taking pills, drying hair and applying lotion and then the realization I needed to put on a Depends for nighttime bathroom trips that might take longer for arrival than usual. I unwrapped the stupid thing not even having one clue what or how to attack this mystery object. You see I have never, ever changed a diaper. I think I had it on backwards, so I adjusted it again...no that's not right. I need to maintain only 50% of my weight off my hip and I think I might be slipping into the 75% zone. Tired and frustrated I called out to Roy to help me with this diaper. Had it really come to this? He no more knew how to get the thing attached. I assured him I was NOT going to lie on the bed and let him figure this out like you do on a baby. He of the utmost patience was loosing it a tad and he left me there in the middle of the bathroom, hanging onto a walker with pajama pants on the floor around my feet and the diaper acting more low rise than it was supposed to. He comes back in with a tape dispenser, you know the kind you use for packing boxes. He pulls up the diaper, tells me to dedicate one hand to holding it in place while still holding onto the walker and he circles me with the tape being wound around and around to hold on the diaper. I start to protest and he stops me and says, just go in the diaper tonight, we can worry about getting it off of you later. He starts pulling up my jammies and said, I have always been more about getting these off you, it is harder to try and put them on over bandages. Had it really come to this? Now taped up and sign, sealed, delivered I was his, I went to bed. So sometime in the night I did as he said, go ye. That diaper wasn't up to a second depository and we were so glad, yet I was embarrassed, to have a chuck pad under me. There in the middle of the night, with wet pajama pants, Roy goes and finds scissors and cuts the blooming diaper off of me. We take care of disposal, he finds another pair of pajama pants for me and changes out the chuck pad. I stood there in the bathroom thinking about us, me and Roy. I thought of those fun first years of getting to know one another and some of the silly and stupid things and places we delighted in accomplishing that. Then I thought of how over the years, exciting hadn't been replaced but now we were more mindful of one another and a tenderness had taken over. In our  twenties and thirties did we ever think it would come to this? Adult diapers, needing assistance with just about everything, seeing blood being drained, blood taken, shots administered, pain meds and the horrible consequences of pain meds long after the operation. Roy came back to me with my fresh jammies, he helped me into them, asked if I wanted another Depends and I said let's take our chances and be wild....NO! He took all the dirty clothes, threw them in the washer and got them started so he could get them in the dryer later in the morning. No you don't think about these moments that signal the beginning of the exit years down the road, so I believe. He tucked me back into bed, got me up on my left side and patted my back to help me go back to sleep. He asked my what I was thinking about...oh just life and how things twist and turn. As he fell asleep I composed an announcement in my mind,

Congrats to Roy on the arrival of his##$$## pound almost six feet baby girl on January 22 at 3:47 am. It was the first time we had to get up, change a diaper, put on new pajamas and go back to bed and had it ever occurred that this would happen in our marriage. I don't think it ever entered our minds that it would be one of us. Had it really come to this? Yes, it had. Do I plan for it to stay on this side of the old person line, No! Those moments of embarrassment and helplessness wrapped into moments of life where we have loved one another well. has it really come to this? Yep...it has.

Hair, Projects, Friends and Mountains

Balayage, which is also called “hair painting,” creates the most natural-looking results because the colorist paints on the highlights by hand, and can scatter them throughout your hair in a more truly “sunkissed” and haphazard pattern. “When using foils, you work row by row, which makes the highlight pattern look very linear and grid-like. With balayage, you have more flexibility on where you want to place the highlights so the resulting pattern can look more natural,” says Tripodi.

The “painting” of the hair also creates a more natural-looking color. “With balayage, I start painting the color on at midshaft which is where the sun naturally hits your hair the most. Then, I gently paint up to the roots, which makes the growth at the scalp look more gradual. When you use foils, the entire section is coated evenly with color, then wrapped up in the foil, and the heat from the foil makes that piece uniform in color from roots to tips. Also, because you work in rows, the demarcation at the roots [when it grows out] looks like a straight line,”

I got to see Stevie yesterday, she is good for the soul and for the hair. She loved how Christine has shaped and layered my hair, so she continued with what Christine is doing and that included balayage hair process. I love it so much more than the foil technique and love the natural way the color is interwoven with the base color. Also, with the painting process I can stop wearing old t shirts for those appointments that involve color. Stevie and I got caught up with each other and had a great time. I miss having these kind of hair appointments because at Emmanuel, which means God with us, you can never have a bad haircut, cause God is with us there. 

Roy and I did the old thing by going to Costco last night. We even got there a little early yet it was filled with people. Somewhat ironic is that Hannah who washed my hair at Emmanuel asked if we had big plans for the weekend...uh no, I hope not. So there in the middle of Costco we run into our friend Paula, who ironically with her ex-husband and another couple were our weekend party buddies when we were in our early 30's. And back then, why yes, we did have big plans for the weekend. While we visited with Paula a few brief minutes we laughed that it had come to this, we find each other at Costco on a Friday night, our carts filled with organic foods, snacks and cleaning products. Yep, we got old. 

We have someone coming to look at the house this afternoon and when we got home we finished up some of the smaller projects we had begun last weekend. Chris came this week, so the house is clean. As I have washed clothes they have made their way back to the suitcase and I even worked a little on getting things packed last night. This week has gone by so quickly but I have so enjoyed it. I've been able to help Roy with some things, see lots of friends, and eat at the places I have missed. After lunch on Thursday with friends from Bible study Peggy said, it has been fun seeing each other several times a week just like we are likely to do. I enjoyed last Sunday afternoon with Dena, seeing her whole new adventures in life. Hanging around with Lisa P and CourtneyS...always a joyful, rocking good time and catching up with Emily...very nice. But once again I will go all John Muir and say, the mountains are calling and I must go. 

A Houston Report

It is Tuesday out here on the prairie and I will be making my way into Houston for a doctor appointment a little later. I can see a few birds in and out through the trees but not big pop of red like I am used to seeing. The mockingbirds are always fun to watch.

I saw something last night that I thought I would never ever see in my lifetime. Roy wanted Alabama to win the national championship. Roy the man who wears the t-shirt that says imagine a world without Alabama. We had dinner over at Bill and Peggy's and watched the game and the rest of us kind of felt Alabama would win but we were rooting for Clemson. Roy's reasoning was not for the SEC to represent but rather he thinks if Saban wins the game, he will move onto the NFL. I mean really, who is this man? I don't think Saban will leave to go to the NFL, did that once and it wasn't good. Other than being in disbelief over Roy's choice of team, we had a great time with good friends. Jaimie and Keely came by to say hello and watch a bit of the game.

The guest room closet has been cleaned out and I will tackle the next big project, the casita bedroom.

It is now Thursday and as for me and my house, we are exhausted! Well, I'm exhausted but it is the good kind. As you can tell by my lack of writing, I have been a tad busy these past few days. Getting everything that needs to be done and friends who I want to see, there has been little wiggle room for writing. On Tuesday I made it in to the Dr appointment and thanks be to our God, all my blood work was awesome and some of the lowest numbers. Everyone is happy with the results and it just confirms that moving to NC was a great decision for my health. Got everything sent in to the cardiologist and they are very happy with me too. After the appointment I headed over to First Baptist to meet CourtneyS for lunch. Ran into John and Paige while there as well. Lunch was at Colina's and I got the greaca pizza. Yum! I ran a few errands after dropping off CourtneyS. I had a few minutes to grab a nap. I hardly ever nap anymore. Then I picked up Peggy and we met Dena, Lisa P and CourtneyS for dinner. Not just any dinner but the cheese enchiladas dinner I have been craving. I was not disappointed. We laughed and told stories and remembered so many good times we have all had together. It was very, very fun.

Wednesday, I met Laurie for lunch at The Nord. Nordstrom has changed quite a bit with their personnel and attitude. The bistro which is now some other name did not disappoint. Laurie and I had a great time catching up with each other and then I drove over to Whole Earth Provision to see what Flax clothing they had on sale. Found a couple of things. I drove back to Katy, made a stop at Whole Foods for some oils that the Whole Foods in Asheville doesn't carry and then made a Target run. At first I thought I would be able to see if I could sneak back into the land of minivans unannounced. I was almost successful but then they heard I was back in town. I texted Emily to see if she was home and I dropped in for a bit and then headed home. Roy was already home and so we ate a quick dinner and I was off driving in for choir practice at First Baptist. Such great fun seeing friends and also participating in the rehearsal. Bonus got to sit next to Lisa P. Came on home and morning came quickly. I had planned on going to the core group portion of Bible study but decided time would be best used getting all the info from one doctor to another. OK, I was moving kind of slow too. I went to teaching time and heard the wonderful and beautiful Linita and then had lunch with friends at Lupe's Tortilla. After lunch it was to Academy and Kroger....now home and once I rest a bit, I will work on another project. The time is going by so quickly and it has been such a wonderful visit but I am anxious to return back to the mountains, friends and church.

So, here I am drinking a Sonic Diet Cherry Diet Coke knowing I should start some laundry but I think a few more minutes of rest might be in order.

A Monday On the Prairie

In the distance I hear a familiar sound, school buses making their appointed rounds to pick up eager...uh make that students for school. The people who live behind us still make a lot of noise in on their patio in the middle of the night...thankful for consistency. I'm remembering the rhythm of life once again out here on the prairie. I have the first of several doctor appointments this morning and for a relatively close office visit here I will have to leave forty five minutes to an hour to be on time. I also will have my first real experience of parking SequishShaun in narrow parking spaces, in a covered garage. Thankful that I don't have to go to the medical center for any appointments this trip. Although I valet park there.

I watched online church yesterday morning and to see Lisa P and CourtneyS leading on the praise team did my heart good. Even heard Lisa's special, so blessed by her voice but so blessed to call her friend. I watched just enough of the sermon intro to learn next Sunday the sermon topic is dealing with Internet Porn addiction. Yes, there are many who deal with this addiction but not me so maybe I will bring a book to read up there in the balcony or maybe I should listen just in case I ever run into anyone struggling with that. Also, I learned from Dena that Carole Lewis is teaching in Dayspring next Sunday...I might need to stay to hear her. Such a gifted communicator and teacher.

Yesterday afternoon Dena picked me up and took me on the tour of her new life adventure. It was a long drive to parts of the Houston area I have never even been around, so I would feel so lost if I had to try to find her new home without GPS and then I don't know if that would help. She also drove by her work campus that is huge and beautiful before traveling a few more miles out to where her home is being built. It is framed in so you can really tell how the rooms are laid out. It looks like it will be such a beautiful home and hearing all her thought filled decisions for it makes me anxious to see how it will all look upon completion. While we were there she met some of her neighbors. Our next stop on Dena's new life adventure was to a new location of an old favorite, Lupe's Tortilla. Best beef fajitas bar none. Then we made our happy trek back to Rancho de Five.

Yesterday was somewhat productive in working here at the house. We got some little things taken care of and after my dentist appointment this afternoon I will resume the tasks at hand.

Well, it is now the afternoon and there has been a slight change of plans. The knee injections went really well and while I was there the dentist office called to see if we could reschedule my appointment. Nothing was working out and the Dr was waiting on my conversation to wrap up, so I just left it at this doesn't seem to be working. While running some errands since now I had some time the dentist office called back and gave me a little more information about the cancellation. My dentist and friend had sold her practice, she is retiring from active dentistry except she will now be teaching at the University of Texas dental school here in Houston. While she tried once again to schedule me in this week I decided it was best to go ahead and find a dentist in the Asheville area. So, I will be looking for one when I get back. I think I have the beginnings of a cavity or something, so it will be sooner than later. I am so happy for my dentist and friend. I have known her since high school. We went to the same church and we played softball on a church team. She with an enormous quest to learn and one of the smartest people I have ever met.

So I went to Home Goods and did some damage as well as Hobby Lobby. Since I know there is stuff here that really needs to be done, I came on home but did make a Shipley stop to get a donut...yes, the day before the next doctor appointment. It had to be done.

Well my bit of rest is over so it is back to work cleaning out the guest room closet.

Because, You Know, I Am So Spiritual

Good Morning from Rancho de Five! Roy has gone to church and I am sticking around here relaxing. The best made plans of arriving in Houston not so travel weary and tired sadly did not work due to the State of Texas not cooperating with those best made plans by closing down a major freeway...I 10 which spans the country from coast to coast. Everything on the road came to a halt at the San Jancinto River. It was a good thing I had stopped at Buc-ees. The Toyota GPS suggested an alternate route to just sitting on a freeway, so when I had the chance I moved over to far right lane and waited for the next exit over the river but through no woods to take. I also called my friend Dena who knows all the back roads, highways and by ways of Baytown and East Houston. Shocked that she hadn't personally traveled the road Toyota Girl, I need to name her, was showing she made good guesses of where I was. So as good friends are wont to do, she stayed on the phone with me while driving on crater filled pot holes and lots and lots of dirt cover road signs and past pipe storage yards and the like. I think I was in Channelview. The route took me under Beltway 8 where I now know where couches go to die because the road was lined with them, like a crowd standing along a parade route. Then came a sharp left turn which had me thinking I was on the ramp to I 10 but it was only to the frontage road with the ramp clearly ahead. Yehaw! It was clear sailing once again. There was the normal Houston traffic but I was zipping in and out around cars and trucks like I hadn't been gone one day. We had thought ahead and ordered an EZ Tag when the NC license plate arrived, so I was able to use the HOV for a bit.

It was good to see Rancho de Five and everyone had done such a good job keeping me informed of all the building and growth. Gee whiz! There are a million new strip centers and the promised upscale shopping center, doesn't look like it is really filled with upscale stores. There is a math tutoring center, probably a dentist office because I believe it is in the Cinco Ranch charter that a dentist, nail salon, Chinese restaurant and donut shop has to be on each and every corner of the land. Lot of apartments now gracing the area and the beginnings of a brand new Kroger.

It was so good to be greeted at the door by Roy. It was kind of strange coming into the house that we built in 2011 and it only be half full because a lot of stuff went up to the Ander House. He had all the Diet Cokes anyone would ever want chilling in the refrigerator for me. I was fighting off the tireds and really didn't want to take a nap so we dropped off a couple of things at Dena's and then Roy and I went for Chinese at T Jin's. I have thought about the orange chicken sauce a little more than I should have these past few months but not as much as I have thought about Tex Mex cheese enchiladas. Then being the exciting trendy couple that we are, Roy and I went to the new Kroger's,this is not the previously referred to Kroger, to pick up a few things that I like to eat, like butter, that Roy doesn't normally keep in the house. Once again our grocery cart was filled with stuff than any college student would enjoy eating. We enjoyed a quiet evening with me cleaning out a closet and Roy yelling at the TV while watching football. Ah yes, home sweet home. I finally succumbed to the sleepies and it didn't take long to drift off into the sleep zone. I think I only woke up once in the night. That's a record.

This coming week is full of doctor and dentist appointments and lunches with friends. I need to fit in working around here, going through things once again to discard, give away or keep. It is a good thing I didn't pack all the warm clothes for NC because it is downright chilly here the next few days. So I have some warmer things to choose from beside what I brought...which was way too much.

Buddy is getting the royal treatment from Bill and Vivian. I am so thankful for that because I am not worrying about Buddy while here. Maybe the only thing I need to worry about is Buddy bonding with Bill and she won't want to live with me anymore. Bill is a cat whisperer.

Well. breakfast isn't going to fix itself so I better get moving. Thankful for a safe trip here, for Cracker Barrels and for the fine folks at Holiday Inn Express. It all made for a delightful trip and because you expect a deeply spiritual closing for this post today, I am thankful for TXDot and their fine sense of planning as there were several major road closures over the weekend making traversing around the city a royal pain and I am writing this because we are to give thanks in everything. Yuck, that didn't taste very good saying that.

Crowd Awareness

The sun streaming through the windows makes a beautiful sight. But the sun also reveals I need to polish the floors sometime soon. The weather app says it is 17 degrees out but it feels like 12 degrees. Think my errands will be run a little later in the afternoon.

I wish I could share on my blog the picture of the tiny snowflake that landed on the porch rail. We experienced off and on light snow flurries Monday and trying to capture those little flakes of snow needed a deep colored background. So I stepped outside into the frigid air to take pictures of the snow with the dark green of the fir trees as a backdrop. I glanced down to the railing and there a tiny snowflake had landed perfectly showing all the intricate design. It hadn't crashed into the rail making it just a little ball of snow but in my mind's eye, it wafted down gently landing. Hurriedly, I began taking pictures of it before the next gust of wind blew it to the ground. I texted the picture to Roy and he thought I had taken a Christmas decoration and tried to pass it off as a snowflake. No, original design by God. This morning as I thought about getting that glimpse of winter beauty that if I hadn't taken the time to look around and had been so focused on capturing the snowfall, I would have missed it. That little snowflake gave me pause to remember to be mindful in those moments of time.

Since arriving in the mountains, in our home in a valley on a hill, a particular chapter of scripture has given me lots to think upon. That chapter is Luke 12 and what has grabbed my heart is how Jesus talked to the crowd but turned to his disciples to give more personal instruction and encouragement. It beings in the first verse as He sees the crowds, Jesus first turns to his disciples and warns them, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and He assures His disciples that they are worth more than the sparrows, God knows the number of hairs upon their head and not to worry about what to say when trials and tribulations come. Someone from the crowd yells out to Jesus, tell my brother to share our father's inheritance and Jesus responds with beware of every type of greed, life is not measured by how much you own. Verse 22 says, Then Jesus turning to his disciples says, that is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life and in the following verses He expounds and once again encourages His own. Back to verse 54 Jesus once again turns His attention to the crowd and addresses the woeful fact that they can't read the signs of the times correctly. So that is how I see life here...there are those things that I need to be aware of when Jesus turns to me and I turn to Him, to listen and learn and not be distracted by the crowd that is stepping all over themselves. I am thankful that it is a tad easier to listen and see here surrounded by the beauty of creation and God's handiwork. Even in this beautiful setting the concerns are the same here as they were back in biblical times, everyday life and the worries and stresses it can bring as we tend to go past today and creep ever so quickly into the land of what if. Sometimes as I look through FB posts you can see there are people who post all the prayers, all the comforting sayings of hope, all the veiled prayer requests and the like and I wonder, what if they put as much effort into their lives to the same amount of effort they take to post every platitude in the world...like doing that will change anything. What if they focused that energy into not only listening to those words of Jesus but get out and do something to improve their situation. I often think about a girl I met years ago in a Bible study I led and this girl wanted friends, she needed friends. Okay, this is in an area where I could encourage her and shared with her, be the kind of friend  that you want in your life and you'll have the kind of friends you are looking for. No, she wanted others to make all the invitations and to do for her...yea, people love to flock to really, needy selfish people. She moved back to her home in Wisconsin and who knows what happened. Every once in a while I did see where she posted a comment or two on a blog but basically, nothing had changed and she was just as miserable as she had been in Houston. This chapter Luke 12, continues to nourish my soul and reminds me to pay attention to those words He has for His disciples.

Just A Tuesday Warm Up

I greet you from the land of 19 degrees and with a warning from local authorities to be careful out there on the roads because black ice has been reported all throughout the area. Black ice is ice you cannot see and when you are in the middle of it the chance of crashing into something or over something is rather high. This flat lander is going to stay home until the temps get above freezing. I never made it out yesterday and I have some errands that really need to be taken care of.

Yesterday was Lisa P and Peggy's birthday. It was such fun seeing the pics of their special day. Lisa is on her way today to sing with her friend Julio at Ronnie Floyd's prayer conference today in Atlanta. Peggy ate lamb chops at Perry's last night and I forgive her for eating a cute little lamb. I will get to celebrate these friends in person very soon. It has been in the recent days that I have thought of these two friends in particular with their birthdays drawing near. Back again with a reference of remembrance from our Sunday School lesson, I treasure the time and seasons of friendship that God has blessed me with throughout the years. He has certainly been faithful in living a new adventure in the mountains with adding and blessing me with friends here. If there is a theme that has been woven into a tapestry in my life after I came to know Him that glorifies Him, that theme would be friendship. I will always be thankful for friends that are fun, thoughtful, thought provoking, steadfast, true and honest. We walk together through tough times and laugh together no matter what season of life we find ourselves in. I especially notice the friendships of people around here. Many of them have known each other practically their whole lives, verses the mobility of living in a huge city where people come and go because that is what life dictates. Thankfully, we get to experience some of the longevity at church. There are so many friends from First Baptist Houston that we have all done life together good and bad, painful and joyful that would be somewhat like knowing people for practically all their lives.

The temps is up to 21. Slowly but surely. Yesterday when I went down to the road to pick up the trash can, my face nearly froze from the bitter winds blowing through. I was happy to get back into the warm confines of home. I could barely get anything done yesterday because of the spectacular display of birds in the backyard. Seriously, at times there were six to eight cardinals just hanging out at the feeder. The red headed woodpecker was back and the usual cast of Carolina wrens and finches, tit mouse, towhees, mockingbirds, house finches and various sparrows kept me entertained as well. Buddy enjoyed the display too but I would hazard to guess for different reasons.

Since the sun rises later now I always think it is the dead of night when the phone rings and this morning was no different. Roy was calling and I start freaking out on the inside because I think it is 3:00 am but alas it was 7:30.  He had been doing some checking into our FSA and my visit to the ER has blown through most of that already for the new year. I told him that it was worth the money to prove there was a brain inside this head.

I threw caution to the wind and did errands before the temps hit above freezing. I texted Vivian for a review of the potential trouble spots and proceeded with caution. Got the errands run and got back to finish up a few loose ends. I also got in a phone call to wish Peggy Happy Birthday. I didn't forget her day I just forgot to call....she was subbing this morning so I waited till the early afternoon.

Guess I had better look into fixing myself some supper. Thinking about defrosting some taco soup.

A Wintry Monday

I drove by to see the elks on my way home this afternoon. The king and his harem were resting and they were up close to the fence. Such beautiful and majestic animals. This morning all the grass, vegetation and trees were frosted over giving the view a white, silver hue. Add some gray smoke curling out of chimneys announcing it had been a cold night. A quick glance out the back window this morning showed the birdbath frozen solid. Yep, the temps have returned and was it just last Sunday that the temps were in the 70's?

Yet another attack by a minivan driver at the airport. Really? The drop off zone is crowded with people exiting cars and saying goodbye to loved ones. So, as I ready to get back into the main stream of traffic, it suddenly comes to a complete stop because Cleatis. Jean Bertha and Heather decide to get out of the van, in the middle of the cross walk, in the middle of moving cars and trucks. Heather storms out of the van with both middle fingers raised in salute as she turns and looks back toward the van. Cleatis and Jean Bertha can't get the door to slide shut and maybe if he would put out the ciggie, he would be more successful. Jean Bertha seems to walk in tiny steps in a deep, deep haze and unsure of where she might be. Heather rejoins the slack jaw yokels and they discuss the recent drop in oil and gas prices...I have no idea what they said but I wouldn't be surprised if every other word had been a cuss word, but the cars are stacking up behind me with the cop at the other end near the entrance to the drive up looking all official with his clipboard. Finally these three walk away from the minivan, not even toward the airport but toward a parking garage. The driver of the minivan finally decides to move the bus and approaches the stop sign with the surest sense that stop means stop for a long, long time. Thankfully, I was in the lane next to them but glancing back he was just then approaching to make a turn. Oh my goodness! Thankful to get back on the road to North Carolina.

It is now Monday and there is a calm and still to the morning on a day where there is much to be done. The yellows and pinks of sunrise topped the mountains so beautifully today. The birds are feeding and waiting for the birdbath to thaw. After watching the young and older cardinals fighting at the feeder, I added another feeder close by the new stairs and there has been peace among the birds.

On Sunday evenings we are studying Mark Batterson's book The Grave Robber, about the seven miracles in John. He has always been one of my favorite authors. Some of the study was filmed in Israel and it was fun seeing places I have been....and truthfully, happier to be on this side of the screen than actually being there. Thanks, but I am waiting for the New Jerusalem. Then we had choir afterwards. Good choir practice and so fun to be back. Yesterday in Sunday School, Gale did a mini version of the Passover meal with the emphasis on remembering. God used all these everyday things for them to remember when and how He delivered them from Egypt. We went on to discuss what can remind us and give us pause to remember. Last night in choir was one of those times for me because when I heard the song as we worked on it, I remembered the choir sang it on the first Sunday I visited. I shared this with the group last night and told them how I was so moved and impressed by the music this smaller than I was used to choir was making. It was a huge factor in getting my heart and life moving in the right direction to look in this area for a home and I also knew God had led me to the right church for us. While driving home I thanked God for the remembrance of how He led us each step of the way here and it was also a good reminder that we made a few mistakes along the way but God smoothed out the way. Still so thankful for the family that outbid us on the home on Balsam Mountain...for many, many reasons.

Ray's weather, the definitive weather reporting on these here mountains, is reporting snow flurries in south Asheville. I saw last night that there might be snow flurries on the mountains bordering TN and NC. I have a couple of errands to run but I will keep my eyes on the skies. At least the temp is up to 31.

Elking Out a Pic and One Word 2016

Another picture of the view I never tire of

The tree/shrub looks like a stick shadow of the elk. That looks pretty neat.

Happy New Year! Almost every year I write on the first day but 2016, it just didn't happen. We were getting a lot of errands run and then football consumed most of our evening....so it is January 2nd.

Tonight after going out to dinner and running by the Fresh Market we drove close by to our home to see the camels, bison and elk. The elk were the closest they have been in quite some time. I do a drive by several times a week. For a lovely backdrop God provided a beautiful sunset for us.

This morning we had breakfast at Turkey Creek and it was delicious. Then we ran an errand to the Biltmore for a friend and stopped for the briefest of moments at The Screen Door. We did a quick walk through and bought a couple of prints that Roy liked. Our next stop was Mr. Zippy's for a truck wash and then to Lowe's for mulch. We are just so fun. Roy worked on putting out the mulch in several spots where erosion had set in from the wind and the rain. While he was doing that I finished arranging all the Christmas stuff in the garage and getting things put away. We retired to the front porch and as long as we sat in the sun, it was down right nice.

Yesterday after a traditional southern New Year Day lunch, we drove up to Madison County. It is so beautiful. Many a time when I have decisions or something is bothering me, I drive up that way and talk with the Lord. It is easier to pay attention with scenery that is so beautiful.

For the past four years I have participated in the One Word for your year. 2015 my word was playful. Even with this fun-loving personality, sometimes I forget that being playful is just as important and many times more important than taking everything so seriously or so hard. Attitude is winning the biggest part of the battle. I have known what my word for 2016 has been since the summer. My One Word is Full or ful. This way I can add to it like playful, grateful, mindful, prayerful...  I don't make resolutions because I can't keep them and then I forget what they were and most probably they were the same resolutions I had made since 1974. This keeps me focused and my heart open to be transformed by the Lord. There is many a day after reading a bunch of FB posts, I want to write some scathing post on something that has me a bit riled....but being full or ful with the kindness of God stops me from writing rather insightful jabs but that is just what they would be jabs...that amuse me but will hurt someone else. I can hear my therapist from days of old asking me do you want to give energy to that. Sometimes my answer was yes because it amuses me but she was really trying to remind me that now I only have so much energy and how am I going to use it.

So that is it on this day January 2nd.....