Wed., 12/3/25, Received beautiful flowers from my church family, texted with Pastor Ken, checked on friend Debbie, did exercises, pain much better today

Flowers my New Life Church Family sent me today.  They are beautiful and are from one of my favorite local shops.

I woke up in my recliner and had been dreaming again.  Another weird dream!  I got up walked around, went to the bathroom, got some ice water, then came in and took my medicine and got comfy in my recliner again.  I can’t wait to get back to our bed to sleep.

 I woke up at 8 and heard Bill getting up.  He put a scoop in Kit Kat’s bowl on the deck and put water in her electric dish so it doesn’t freeze on her.  I’ve been checking on my Christmas Cactus and it’s doing good.  A beautiful bouquet of flowers came.  Paster had just been texting me, and after I saw they were from the church, I texted him back and let him know they came and sent him a picture.  I appreciate my church family.  

Bill left to go get a part for his tractor, then went to G’s Pizza and picked up a yummy pizza and cinnamon rolls for our dinner.  It was so good. 

I did my exercises while I was taking my last strong med. and did great.  At 8 I went to just Tylenol from now on, but saved 1 just in case anything severe happens yet.   So far so good.

I fell asleep and had to start my blog over from where the flower picture was.  Whoops.  

I texted my friend who had knee surgery yesterday to check on her.  She’s doing ok, but in that lots of pain stage.  Lots of prayers going for her.  

I started making some ice as our ice maker is getting low.  I filled my thermos with ice, then water.  It tastes so good.  I talked to Vikki and Kimmy today and have been texting with Maddy, Joan and Tina.  Maddy’s coming over tomorrow, so looking forward to a visit with her.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Tues., 12/2/25, Ordered more things for Christmas on Amazon, ordered table cloths for CMA Christmas Party, Vikki came over, My doctor called, Adam stopped in, did my exercises by myself,

Bill served me breakfast this morning...Melissa’s yummy banana bread and two tangelo’s.  He even peeled them for me.  Yum!

Our friends, Anna and Randy and their friends Debbie and Denny want us to go out to dinner with them before this concert, then all head to the concert at BayShore afterwards.  We met them this summer and all hung out together at BayShore.  Really hope we can get together with them. 

Eli made this cool can opener and Kimmy sent me a picture.  I would love one for Christmas Wink Wink, Nudge Nudge.  I don’t think I could lose one like that!

I went to bed in our bed last night, waited mostly awake until my alarms for medicine went off, took them, then moved out to my recliner because I had hoped to be able to lay on my side I didn’t have the operation on, but I couldn’t figure out a painless way to get there.  Finally I decided it was easier just to go lay flat in my recliner that I can position different ways.  I slept until my alarms went off again for the next rounds of meds.  Eliquis is added in the morning and then 12 hours later added again.  I did a lot of dreaming that I was at a church helping do volunteer work that was spread out and not to easy.  I was happy when I woke up and it was just a dream.  I took my next meds, then went to sleep until my last alarm went off and Bill came out.  I got up and went to the bathroom, then got ready.  Bill peeled me two tangelos and cut a nice slice of banana bread for me for breakfast.  After we ate, he took the garbage out, then when he was done, he brought the shower chair in from the garage that Melissa lent me.  He had it in the shower for me, then helped me get what I needed ready for my shower.  I had it set up with everything I needed close by.  He was on standby incase I needed him.  I remembered my OT saying I might be able to stand for my shower when it was time to take it.  I started out sitting, but was able to move to sanding and just hung on the the rails for security.  It went really easy and didn’t take long.  Bill decided he would shower after and wipe everything down for us.  I moved into our room and sat at my make up table and did my hair.  It felt good to be able to get ready on my own.  I was ready for my recliner after that.  My surgeon called me to check on me and see how I was doing.  He was happy to hear it was going so well. He told me to be really careful if I had to go outside and that he prefers me to keep using the walker more for having it there if needed than actually putting my weight on it and walking now.  I can walk pretty good without it.  I am all for being safe though.  He told me the main thing now is that I walk and practice walking the right way heel to toe and with a good stride.  I texted with my friend Vikki for a while.  She checks on me everyday and wants to know how I am doing.  She went through this the year before last so is very interested.  I talked to Sue and Marie today too.  Adam also stopped in to say hi on his way to the dentist.  He mixed up the time, so didn’t have as much time to visit as he thought he would.  He mentioned going to Culver’s afterwards and Papa told him to call him and he would meet him there and buy him his meal.  He never called though, so maybe he couldn’t eat for a while after having two of his teeth filled.  The guy was supposed to find a boiler for our furnace if he could a put it on today too, but we didn’t hear from him either.  I washed my compression socks by hand, then Bill put them by the heater to dry.  He had a coffee spill, so he brought the shampooer down and cleaned it up and also had the fan by my socks.  They were dry in no time.  I had him try to put then on me, but forgot to give him baggies to slide over my feet to make it easier.  He couldn’t get them on without it being really painful, so I had Vikki come after she went to the phamacy.and she remembered the bags and put them on pretty easily.  Yay!  Bill did surprise me and brought me home a Hershey’s candy bar with almonds.  I had been thinking about my dad and how he would always say to me at Meijer’s when I took him for groceries, Sweet Tooth Today.  I was hoping Bill would think of that and bing me one and he did.  It made me so happy.

I did more walking and got some small jobs done, then took another short nap.  The medicine sure makes me sleepy.  I waited till in the evening to do my therapy exercises. I was so happy I could do everything by myself.  Love seeing good progress and independence.  I got ready for bed afterwards and had Bill start a lot of laundry and had him give Kit Kat a little of her food.  Another cat is trying to eat lots of her food, so he is just going to feed her a cup each day like I was doing when he sees her at her bowl.  

It was a good day, a busy day, a relaxing day, a family day and a friend day.  Lots of people make my day better each day.

 

12/1/25, Monday, Happy 20th Birthday Max, We love you so much! Bill pick Max up from school, Melissa came over and stayed with me,, She helped me with my therapy, Bill took Max to Culvetd, He brought Melissa an I lunch,

Happy 20th Birthday Max! We love you so much!      

Dirt cake with gummy worms and Cookies and Cream Ice cream for Max’s Birthday 

Yep! 20 candles he blew out

Had to get a picture with Vader in it with him.  I scared Vader a little when I got really close with my walker

I was so happy I could actually get my own medicine, sit up myself and take it without waking Bill up to help me.  Lots of improvements.  I slept longer in bed, then after that I moved out by myself, went to the bathroom, carried stuff I needed in my basket to the walker.  After sleeping in stretched out arm position.  I am using a cloth card holder bag that Jared’s mom made for me.  It works great as a phone holder right now. I got Jared in the background for her. Mom’s always like to see pictures of their boys!  Melissa came over at Noon.  Dad had left to pick up Max from college and since it was his birthday, he was taking him to Culver’s afterwards.  Melissa helped me so much with my therapy.  I sure helps with the harder ones to have someone make it so I can do it the right way.  When I went too lift up my surgery leg with Melissa, it went just fine and I could even move it on the bed now.  Melissa has probably had more therapy than anyone I know.  She was a great help and I did them all this time even the chair one.  I was tired after that.  Bill brought our food and we ate, then Melissa had to go pick up the boys from school.  She was going home to make banana bread, then Bruce, Jack, Max and Melissa were coming back to bring birthday cake and ice cream for Max’s Birthday.  We all had dirt cake and ice cream. except Evan who was in Grand Rapids with his friend Lydia’s family to see a Cirque du Soleil. The birthday goodies were sure good.  Yum!  Thanks Bruce!.  Melissa brought yummy banana cake for us too, but we will have that tomorrow.  She found an easy recipe that is so delicious.  Thanks Hailey.  I need to know this secret too.  Bruce took Jack to fencing class and Bill took Melissa and Max home.  I went and got my teeth brushed and got ready for bed.  I stay in comfy stuff all day.  I texted Kimmy because Vikki said they would probably be at Kohls in Saginaw tonight. They were.  I asked if they were going to stop over since they were so close by.  They did and I was so happy.  I haven’t seen them since the night before my surgery.  I sure need those hugs.  I showed them how I can walk pretty good now and they all cheered me on.  Jared said I walked a lap!  My lap was around the living room, then through the dining room, then through the kitchen, then the other dining area, then the foyer and then back to the living room.  We sure had a nice visit and it sure felt good to have them here.  I love having all of my family here to see.  

Picture Eli’s Uncle Dee drew for him and put a pendant on for Eli.  It is very cool.  

They got ready to leave.  We said our goodbyes and I got a hug from Kimmy.  I took my bedtime meds and now I am really ready for bed.  It was a great family day. I got to FaceTime Kenzie and Rehvyn and got to FaceTime Vikki, Peyton and Isaac too.  

 

Sun, 11/30/25, Snowy morning, Bill went to late service at church, he plowed the driveway, warmed up my lunch, Melissa, Bruce and Jack came to visit, Jack interviewed papa, started the rest of my exercises with Bill’s help, took a couple of good naps, lots more walking with the wallker today

These are the beautiful flowers in a Christmas arrangement Marlee, my friend from church sent me.  It was so sweet of her.  They sure brighten my day.

Took a picture of the snowy day from where I am seated.  Can’t see the snow too good,  but you sure can see the radiant heater really good.  It works so nice.  No fan, but the heat radiates off of the metal around it. Gets nice and toasty

I noticed I had a nice hair mat on the back of my head.  I was worried I would break some hair off, but this brush the girls got me worked so good and got it out with no breakage. Just amazing.

My Cactus has buds, blooms and blossoms all over it now.  So beautiful

It was a beautiful snowy morning!  Hailey made it home last night and I was glad go hear they cancelled her church so she didn’t need to drive on slippery roads this morning.

For breakfast I had yummy banana brad that Melissa made.  It was so good!

Kenzie and Rehvyn FaceTimed me with Vikki and Peyton this morning.  Rehvyn sure loved it out playing in the snow.  

That is his snowbird behind him!

Jack came over tonight with Bruce and Melissa and he interviewed Papa for a school assignment while Bruce, Melissa and I visited.  

I went to bed at 10:30 last night, then around Midnight, Bill came in, but he turned the bathroom light on with the door open and it shined right in my eyes.  Then when he was all settled in bed, we had about 1 hour before my alarm would be going off for my first medicines.  That meant he just got to sleep good and I had to wake him to come over to my side of the bed and help me take my first two pills.  After another 35 minutes, he had to help me take my last pill.  After that, I decided to get up and go out to my recliner, so I wouldn’t have to wake him up again.  Then I slept until the alarms went off again in the morning.  I sure will be glad when pill time is over and he doesn’t have to help me get into bed anymore.  

He got up at around 8:30 and got ready for church.  He was only going to go to the late service, but then texted me when he got there and said he forgot it started at 10:45.  He had gotten there too early.  I got up and got ready and cut a piece of banana bread for breakfast and then buttered it.  It sure was yummy.  Walking, getting dressed, getting things I need, etc. are all getting a little easier.  I watched our church service Online, then watched a couple of churches in Owosso, to see if they would be churches Kenzie would like.  They were both pretty good.  Vikki watched them too.  

Bill got home when I was almost done with the last one.  He brought me in a warmed up piece of pot pie, then went outside to plow the driveways and sidewalks.  He did a great job, except had a few problems with the snowblower breaking an oil line and the plow starter needing replaced.  It was another super windy day, so I felt bad for him having to be outside in that weather.  He got it done, then came in and had a piece of pot pie himself. He also made himself a coffee.  I had made me a cup of coffee when I got up.  

I have been calling and texting my friend Debbie from church who is having her knee replaced tomorrow.  I have been doing lots of praying for her.  She is going to be laid up for a while around the holidays too.  We encourage each other.  

Bruce, Melissa. and Jack came over.  Jack and Papa went out in the kitchen an did the interview while we sat in the living room and visited.  Melissa noticed my walker only had one tennis ball on it.  I was sure both had been on it, but we decided to check out the picture Vikki took the first day I was home and one was missing there.  I knew it had to be out in the car, so I sent Bill out to look and sure enough, he came in with it.  He put it back on for me.  I’m glad Vikki took that picture.  Bruce had put a turkey in the oven, before they headed over.  They were so cheap, it is a nice cheap meal you can make many things out of.  

I bet their house will smell really good when they get home.  Tomorrow is Max’s birthday.  Bill is picking him up from college after he gets done because Bruce has something to do.  Melissa is staying with me while they go.  I think Bill will be picking up Culver’s for us.  That’s where Max likes to go when he gets out of school now.  I picked up his card early, but Bill needs to get some money out of the bank to put in it.  

After Bill and Jack finished, I took a picture of Jack.  Melissa was supposed to get a picture re enacting the interview, but I haven’t seen it yet.  

Bill helped me get my leg up on the bed, then worked with me helping me with the exercises I needed help with.  The one where I am supposed to lift my leg up and then lower it slowly was the big one I needed help with.  He did most of the lifting and I could let it down slowly pretty good.  I am glad to be doing that one to get strength back in it so I can move my leg on the bed myself.  These exercises all should help.  Plus I am practicing walking correctly with the right stride too.  Melissa said she would help me with them tomorrow.  I am so thankful for all of this help and my wonderful family.  

 

Sat., 11/29/25, Everyday gets better, Vikki came over again and was a great help, Kimmy and Jared traveled back home from Indiana, Hailey and Melissa came over and brought pot pie, caramel chocolate chip cookies and banana bread

We all enjoyed the pot pie Hailey made.  It was soooo delicious

Delicious chocolate chip caramel cookies

Delicious banana bread

Bill helped give me my medicine and sit me up in the night to swallow the water.  I slept good until 4:30, the came out to my recliner.  My alarm went off whenever it was time to take my meds.  Then I went back to sleep in my recliner.  Getting up to my walker and walking is getting easier.  I walked around, got dressed, then went and relaxed in my recliner again with icing and elevating.  That really is keeping the swelling down and pain level down. Pastor has been checking on me every morning to see if I need anything.  Others from church have been checking on me too.  I am so blessed.Bill made us scrambled eggs and toast and then poured us each a glass of orange juice.  Vikki called, and then came over and visited and helped me with what I needed help with.  Stayed a few hours.  I talked to Kimmy and Jared on their way home from Indiana.  I was glad when they were out of the snowy area.  I talked to them again just as they were on their road and almost home.  Happy they are home before the big snowstorm hits.  They told me about their fun time with family in Indiana.  

In the afternoon, Hailey and Melissa came over and Hailey brought us a big pot pie she had made for us.  It was absolutely delicious.  The best I have ever had.  She also made us a plate of chocolate chip caramel cookies.  Melissa brought a loaf of warm banana bread she made.  Everything was so so good.  Looking forward to eating the left overs tomorrow.  

Bill drove Hailey to Bay City to pick up an expresso machine she bought.  He drove her in the Jeep because it was getting slippery out.  They saw an accident on one of the Bay City Bridges. Melissa stayed with me and helped me and kept me company.  Bruce, Max and Vader stopped in for a quick visit and put some stuff in their camper here.  Hailey and Bill got back, then she and Melissa left because Hailey was driving back to college tonight to help at her church tomorrow morning.  I relaxed again in my recliner and we will watch a movie tonight.  

Friday, 11/28/25, Nice restful day at home, recovering and being loved and well taken care of .

I wore the shirt Stacie made up for me, and I ate the pita sandwich Vikki and Melissa said  was so good.  It was!

There’s a little swelling in my surgical leg but n to too bad.  I did lots more icing.

                                                        I did better today with the walker.

Bill got up at 9 and came out by me at 9:30.  That’s when I woke up.  I got up and walked to the bathroom, then got dressed.  Vikki and Peyton came over around 10:00.  They stopped and Peyton got food at Culver’s for breakfast and Vikki bought me a delicous strawberry banana smoothie.  It was huge and lasted me a long time.  It tasted so good and was so cool on my throat.  What a great idea she had.  She helped me with lots of things I needed done.  Kimmy called to check and see how I was doing.  I was so happy to talk to her.  Jared has texted me to check on me each day.  What an amazing son in law!  He does make me laugh which is good medicine.  Melissa called me too.  She was going Black Friday Shopping with Hailey.  They had a really long line to stand in at Target, but had fun together and got good deals. I’m so glad they could go.  Vikki, Peyton and I watched a Christmas movie with cute animals in it.   It was good.  Afterwards, they brought some of my Christmas stuff down and set it up on the mantle of the fireplace in the family room, and also set up my stable Mark built me when he was little and all the nativity pieces to it.  It looked so pretty.  They brought out the Oh Come Let us Adore Him sign and set it in front of the tv.  I ate my Pita sandwich half. Yum!  Grant and his family came to pick up Emmy, their dog.  She is the best dog and so cute.  I took a nice nap.  Bill made our dinner after that.  I had a nice talk with Melissa again.  Then I had some beautiful flowers arrive. It was a beautiful Christmas arrangement.  I will put a picture on here tomorrow.  Marlee, my sweet friend from church had them sent to me.  I called her and talked to her and thanked her.  I got my pjs on and relaxed until time for bed.  

 

11/27/25, Thanksgiving Day, Got more good care, passed therapy, and doppler tests for bladder, had very sweet nursed, Got to go home, before lunch, Got in the house good, Stacie came and visited and brought me a cute shirt, Bill was a great help all day and night, had egg salad sandwich for lunch and later chili for dinner. In lots of pain when moving my leg, otherwise id well and walked around the house

Isaac with Rehvyn,  both looking. very handsome

Peyton looking beautiful.  They went to Rody’s Aunt Ann’s for Thanksgiving. 

I was at the hospital until about 10:30.  I ate a western omelet, toast. and orange juice for breakfast.  They had a Thanksgiving menu to order off of if you had to stay for lunch.  I went to therapy with two therapists. I walked a long way down the hall by my room, then they pushed me in my recliner chair when we got to the elevator.  They had me go backwards with the walker up two stairs which is what I will have to do at home.  I did great and they said I passed my therapy test. I walked part way down the therapy hall, then they thought  should save my energy for when I need to walk at home today.  I agreed.

The nurse had done doppler scans on me and today I was able to fully empty my bladder.  Test 2 passed.

Bill came and they got my discharge papers ready,  Bill helped me get dressed and he also packed up all of my stuff.  He went down to get the car and I was wheeled down in a wheel chair.  I got in the car really well and we headed home.  There were a couple of big bumps (ouch) but it was a pretty smooth ride home.  Bill helped secure my walker while I went backwards up our two steps.  Then I went in and sat put things away or on the bed for later.  It was sure good to be home sweet home.  Stacie came over to visit for a few minutes.  She brought me a  cute shirt with a cute Thanksgiving saying on it. It is soft and is burgundy.  So sweet of her.  We watched a movie, Homeless for the Holidays, after the Lion’s lost, then  ate egg salad sandwiches and chili.  He took good care of me.  I got my pajamas on and he helped me sit on the bed, took my ted hose off and helped move my surgical leg over as it doesn’t move too easy yet.  He got me my ice bag to ice it at night too.  I slept good in bed on my back and set my alarm for when I had to take my medicines.  Bill got up and gave them to me and helped me sit up to take them.  At 3:30, I sat up, got my walker and went to the bathroom, then walked to the living room to sleep in my recliner.  I took the rest of my medicine for the morning out there.  I slept more and kept icing my leg.