Cookie Monster . . . Cat

To celebrate the first anniversary of Isabelle's adoption, I had cookies made at Child's Pastry Shop.

Got Yogurt?

Lessons from the Surgical Suite

I learned some lessons from my most recent surgical adventure:

1. Self-care is huge. I'm no longer 22 - nor are most of you
2. There are smart doctors who are kind. If the first specialist you see doesn't meet your needs, find someone else!
3. Take pain meds
4. Take naps
5. Plan for your surgery just like you plan for everything else
6. Let your friends help you
7. If you can tolerate orthopaedic surgery, you can tolerate anything. Hysterectomies are far less painful than fusing an ankle (big staples), or lengthening heel cords and hamstrings - not to mention the multiple casts that often accompany these procedures

You can't get these @ Whole Foods

I thought I'd share two Easter traditions - albeit entirely secular ones - from my thoroughly midwestern childhood. My paternal grandfather faithfully stuffed my Easter Basket with Fannie May cream eggs each Easter. My parents, on the other hand, put Marshmallow Peeps in my basket at home. While I recently purchased these two treats, I doubt that my stomach will tolerate either. I think I'll go eat an apple.

This is the Day That the Lord Hath Made

Today, my home church, First Pres Boulder, is holding an Easter Egg Hunt. The Footwash, an outdoor outreach to the Boulder homeless community, is also scheduled. Welcome to Colorado where the temperature registers 72 degrees in January, and it snows in April. This picture is less than stellar. I decided it was better to take a picture out my patio door than risk falling out of my wheelchair - or worse.

Talk to the Animals

I'm not sure how/where to share this nugget of information. For now, my blog is as good a place as any. One of the biggest blessings I've received during my recuperation period is to have friends step forward and come into my home to take care of Isabelle. For people who live alone, pets are like family. Animals have a calming effect and contribute to the healing process. If I were a little more alert and a little less medicated, I'd cite some research for you. If you are looking for a way to bless someone on the mend, take their dog for a walk.

So Many Procedures. . .

Last Thursday, I had my long awaited GYN surgery. I returned home on Monday afternoon. This morning, my friend Jan helped me take Isabelle to a vet in Arvada, CO. Having received considerable advice to the contrary, I decided to have Issie's front claws removed. Unfortunately, clipping her claws myself is not a viable option. Arranging for the monthly nail trims had become unwieldy - in terms of both scheduling and arranging transportation. Anyhow, my cat is resting comfortably and returns home tomorrow. I'll sequester her in my bedroom/master bath area until her paws heal. Isabelle jumps like Jordan and my room provides fewer opportunities to go airborne.

Don't Try This At Home

I'm home from the hospital - trying to recover from surgery and catch up on homework. Though the surgery was successful, this procedure like all others involving a scalpel, was pretty painful. I have a high pain tolerance; but, there is a time and place for pain meds. While prescriptions numb six-inch incisions, they also make me loopy. So far,

• I've washed and tumble-dried my VISA card twice.


• I've backed the wheelchair I rented for my recuperation period into a bathroom wall and scraped some off some of the trendy new paint. While my home may be accessible, it does have walls.