For The Rest Of My Life

I saw this poem (written by: Kris Garrett) last spring when trying to decide if I should sell Amiga and get a younger, stouter horse that had endurance, stamina and could give me miles of trail riding.  After reading this poem, I decided I was going to retire but keep Amiga, and also buy a new horse.  But then with my cancer diagnosis, I wondered if my riding days were over.  Now, I'm shopping for a new horse.

For The Rest Of My Life.
Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride
Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown
Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby
Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride
Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old
Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up
Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams
Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done
Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands.
Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my friends sides
Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my friend sigh
Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit his teeth
Today, for the last time, I buried my head in his soft, warm neck
Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in his long winter coat
Today, for the last time, I walked hay and horse hair into my house
Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm blood returning to my toes
Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride
Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive
Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the charity shop
Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves
Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair
Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door
Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn than I did when I entered
Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed
Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay
Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer
Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't see the poo pile grow
Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting him go
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself
Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box
Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn
For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard
For the rest of my life, I will ignore the naive judging
For the rest of my life, I will watch the poo pile grow
For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair
For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house
For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in his soft neck
For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly
For the rest of my life, I will never be alone

Having a life threatening illness or accident (or if a family member or friend has a 'brush with death') we often are prompted to re-evaluate our life and make decisions on how we want to change our life, or live out the rest of our life.  I have always felt that God wants us to be productive as long as able, even after retirement.  And I also know He wants us to be good and faithful servants.  Because I fail in this area, I didn't feel God had a reason to heal me.  But I have come to realize we don't need to earn his grace and love.  It is unconditional.  But I do seek to know God's plan for the rest of my life and wonder if I can meet His expectations.  So what is the purpose of the elderly?
In Crosswalk.com - As long as we have breath, God has a purpose and plan for our life.  He’s not finished with us yet. That truth is an inspiration and encouragement for every senior to make the rest of their life the best of their life!
I would like to be a more Godly woman.

Other ideas I read - We are called to share our wisdom and knowledge.  Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12  We are to remain close to God. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16  In all things pray.  Even when old, sick, and tired; we can always pray for everyone God puts on our hearts, especially for the younger generation. 

God wants us to enjoy life.  We still need to remember to laugh, smile, and have fun.  We gotta have something to look forward to, and keep moving!  We should keep physically, socially, and spiritually active.  He wants us involved in areas where He leads us to make a positive difference.  Being around others provides an opportunity to encourage each other.  Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  I am praying about and struggling with my deep desire to get another horse, and how this can/could fit into God's plan for my life. 

Saturday 8/17 - Now that I have stopped taking Tylenol PM, I have had more difficulties falling back to sleep when I wake up in the middle of the night and have gotten four or more hours of slumber.  Last night I was awake from 1-5am and then slept some more till 7am. 

The second time I got up, I still did not feel well rested.  Ughh!  I whittled away the morning and part of the afternoon here at my computer; gaming, horse shopping, and doing some ranch business. 

Finally I got out to the ranch to give Amiga a Previcox, which she spit out and then was really stubborn about letting me get it back in her mouth. 




I decided we could both use some exercise and re-bonding time, so I took her on a short ½ mile walk down Hathaway and then back on our trail.  I had wanted to see how much maintenance work the trail needed.  It was a tad overgrown and there were several downed sticks and larger branches on it.  I spent 90 minutes clearing it, not even making it half way down the trail.  My stamina is not what it used to be.
 

Poker Joe was gone so I had a big salad for dinner. 

I might have overdone the amount of work and roughage, because I started feeling a little crampy (both abdominal muscles and my intestines).  So, I kept my after dinner walk short, only going around the church block. 




Coming down the home stretch, Rose came out from the church yard to meet us.  You can see deer in Brian's yard that were watching us.  Then one doe (see yellow arrow) came across the road to where Rose had been in the church lot.  I was too slow to get all of it on (video).






Rose came right over to greet Maggie and escort us home, where she would then get dinner.

They stopped to watch the small deer herd head behind Brian's, to the golf course.

Joe and I finished off all the recordings left of the Olympics.  Some of the exciting track and field US wins I'd already seen on Facebook.

 

Sunday 8/18 - While here at my computer, I saw this hawk swoop in from the pond and land on our deck railing.  These first two photos were taken looking past the cat tower by my desk. 

I moved closer to get a better photo from the living room, and the hawk took off just after I snapped this third photo. 




Shirley and I met at church.  It was a beautiful, cool morning; almost too cold for the shirt I was wearing.

When I got home, I headed out on the deck for an early lunch and to warm up.  Rose was out there and Maggie joined the two of us. 

It was a bit overcast, and barely warm enough in shorts and tank top. 

We all had a little nap. 









When the sun did come out, these two had to move to the shade and I was almost too hot.  I had been planning to go to the ranch, but then just lost all motivation and desire.  Besides, I was really enjoying the book I was reading.

Rose looks so content, it's almost as if she is smiling.

I did flea control, combing all four cats and actually even did Rose and the dog.  After an early dinner, I took Maggie on a long, just over three mile walk.  

Poker Joe was gone, and I was extra tired, so went to bed early.  But my book was so good, I stayed up past my usual bedtime reading until I finished it.

Monday 8/19 - My bug bites had really bothered me over night.  In fact I was up from 2 to 4am feeling so itchy.  These new bites actually appeared yesterday.  I have never seen a flea on me, and am wondering if I got all these in the woods Saturday and they might be chiggers.  I'd had tight shorts on, and no bug spray.

I had an early morning doctors appointment with my regular physician for my annual blood work/check up so had to keep moving when waking back up at 6:30.

I really thought my sugar level was going to be bad after having such a horrendous diet of mostly carbs, but actually all of my readings were in the normal range except for the iron, which we already knew was a bit of a problem.  But it has gone up since I saw Dr. Davidson a week earlier. 


← one cat

two cats →

I dropped into the wellness center to try to figure out the least expensive way to take a leave of absence.  Joe had froze our account for the month of August, but I was ready to return now.
 

← three cats

As it turns out, freezing our account for the month of August is the best way to go.  If I returned now, they would charge us for the whole month.  So I need to wait until September.  In the meantime, I'll try to start back slowly, working into weights just doing some light ones/easy work stuff here at home. 

The forth cat (Stevie) is by herself out on the porch. 

On the way home from the Wellness Center, I dropped in at the library and turned in the four paperbacks I've read, and I got three more.  I have been reading the James Patterson - Alex Cross series. 




After laying in the sun out on the deck, reading my new book, and taking a much needed nap, I went to the ranch to set up a confinement for Blackie.  She hurt her leg a few days ago.  This way she can eat and drink without having to move around much.  I did some weeding and then chores for Karen, who had gotten tied up at a doctor's office.  I was glad to see that Amiga wasn't too sore after running around with the boys this morning. Patty had sent me this (video).   

Next on the agenda was Mirror Lake Blast.  Joe and I went early to get a takeout dinner from the mall.  We met Shirley, Patty , and Micki there.  Linda came later, after Joe had left. 

Micki and her emotional support chipmunk Lola (photo by Vernon Martin).



After Joe had been up dancing with me, and was going to head back to his seat, Micki gave him her purse, with Lola in it, because it made dancing difficult.  I took this photo later. 

Another photo by Vernon.  This is Shirley under her umbrella.  We had a little pop-up shower, actually it was just some big raindrops, only lasting a few minutes.

The band was pretty good and there was a fair amount of dancing going on.  I felt so much better this week than last week, and was able to jive a little more also. 

I hope I can dance for the rest of my life.



Tonight we got to see a rare Blue Supermoon.  I took this from the Druid Hills parking lot when I was on my way home.

I crawled into bed reading my new book, with Mama Styx down by my feet.  After a few minutes of reading, I noticed a flea, that was very much alive, on top of the sheet up by me.  Shoot!  It's actually the first flea I've seen that was not on one of the cats.

Tuesday 8/20 - It was kind of a do nothing day.  I spent much of the morning here at my computer.  And honestly, I don’t remember what all I did.  Mid-morning I did remove my mesh wound cover (3 weeks post-op).  It had been starting to snag on clothes and itch.  It felt good to have it off and the scar underneath looked nice, well healed.

I went to the pool from 1-3:30 and enjoyed sun, reading, and chatting with friends.  I had planned to swim but the water was too cold for my liking and the air wasn’t that hot.

I picked up Lisa and we met Joe and her husband Nolan at Stonehenge.  We ended up going to Casa Grande because of the long wait for a table at the golf course, and then we couldn’t even get the bartender to wait on us.

Wednesday 8/21 - I woke up itching and feeling miserable.  Babe has been doing so much scratching, she has made sores and bald spots on her neck.  I knew I needed to up my game on this flea problem.

I ended up having a very busy and productive day.  I started a load of laundry and was at the dentist by 8 AM.  No cavities, yay!  I did some much-needed shopping at Walmart getting lots of supplies, including flea bombs for the house.

After stowing away everything I bought and starting a second load of laundry, I did a little catch up here at my computer.  Joe helped me flea spray the cats as I put each out on the back porch with Stevie.  Then I got the 12 bug bombs set up in various spots, and shut all the windows.  Joe left for the ranch, taking the dog.  I quickly went around and set off the bombs.  I had a N95 mask on and moved fast.  I was out of the house in no time.  I spent the next three hours at the Druid pool, reading most of the time.  I was the only one there the whole afternoon. 

 

Per flea bomb instructions, I went back to the house and opened windows, turned on fans, and would return in two hours once it was aired out.

I was off to the ranch.  Banner, as usual, was out in the field all by himself, and our three horses were down in the shed waiting for dinner.  




Maggie was in the ranch house, where Poker Joe had left her.  She then helped me with chores.  I fed her dinner while the horses ate and then (because we had an hour to kill) we went on a walk.  We went the whole trail in the woods along our fence line.  The back half that goes along Jim’s backfield, was very overgrown and there were several branches and a few trees down on it. 

I cleared off sticks and branches as we went.  This one section was really bad (first photo).  The second photo shows it all cleared and Maggie waiting patiently.

This one tree, at 'fern valley' was not movable because it weighed far more than 20 pounds.  So I left it. 







I had observed the ground around this water pump has been wet for several days.  Well tonight I noticed when the pump handle was down, but the spigot for the hose open, water kept trickling out.  Ugh!  It's always something.  


Maggie and I got home after 6:00.  I shut most of the windows, cause it was getting cold outside.  The fans got turned off and I picked up all the flea bombs and newspapers they had been set on.  Any residue left on hard surfaces was washed off and kitchen counters and table were cleaned just in case they had residue on them.  After flea combing each cat, I let them in off the porch (except Stevie).  They were happy once they got fed.

I started a third load of laundry (had done sheets, throw blankets, and pet bedding/fuzzy pads).  I re-made our bed and put blankets and pet bedding back where they belonged.  And I went to bed with the third load running in the dryer.  Finally I felt like I had the flea problem under control.  I hope to never go through this again, for the rest of my life.

Thursday 8/22 - Mama Styx resting on my arm while I was computerizing.  My euphoria over flea eradication was short lived.  Babe and Monita were scratching up a storm, and when I used the flea comb on them, I got a few live fleas off both.  WTH?  Mama Styx didn't have any. 




Again, I spent a lot of time here at my computer.  I'm not sure what all I did, but know horse shopping has been quite time consuming.  I even made a phone call about one, but they don't hold them long at the kill pens nor will they let you test ride them.

Mama Styx and Babe were having a good time playing with this toy, while Monita (in upper right of photo) was watching.  By the time I got my phone, she was jumping down off the back of the couch.  And then when I started to (video) the other two quit playing.
 

I'd had a big, late lunch after reading out on the deck in the sun (well it was mostly cloudy).  And then knew I needed to get moving.  So I took Maggie to the ranch and we took Amiga for a short walk through the woods.

I checked on and fed Blackie, who's leg is getting better. 


Back home to feed the masses and then have dinner myself. 

Mama Styx was back at it playing, while Maggie rested near by, keeping an eye on me while I ate, always hoping for some table scraps (which I rarely give her, and never while at the table).
 

I had eaten enough that I decided another walk was necessary (aids digestion and burns some calories).  This time Maggie and I went farther and faster than what our short little walk with Amiga had been.  Notice, we are experiencing an early fall, partly because of the drought.

Coming home, these four deer were on the women's 17th tee box of Druid.  They were ready to bolt but I said hello when walking by and then they followed us, at a safe distance.  I think they recognize Maggie and I. 

I put out corn for them and then fed Rose.  She also got a little flea spraying which really pissed her off.

I was distraught about the flea problem, perplexed and disappointed that there were still live ones on the cats.  More research said:

Provided the animal has been treated correctly, these new fleas (on your pet) will be killed within 24hrs preventing them from laying eggs.  The adult fleas we see on pets represent only 5% of the total population.  The other 95% are immature stages in the environment.  Each female can lay 27 eggs each day, and these babies will hatch anywhere from two days to two weeks.  But they can remain in the pupa stage for months.  With a bad infestation, vacuum your floors, carpeting, furniture, and curtains daily.  Ughhh!!!

I went to bed feeling fairly discouraged, but reading took my mind off the flea problem, and praying for those on my long list put me to sleep.
 

Friday 8/23 - I went out the front door to take a photo of this deer in Brian's yard, and discovered these two in our yard, snacking on flowers. 

 

 

Catching up on this blog and horse shopping occupied much of my morning.  I also flea combed the three cats currently in the house and only got a few very slow moving fleas off of two of them.  This gave me renewed hope.  However, later when I combed Stevie, she had a few, which surprised me because she hadn't had any after the initial flea treatment two weeks ago.
 

Joe vacuumed before heading off towards Iowa, for Sunday's Villhauer reunion, although with some poker stops in KY and IL first.  And I headed out with Maggie for a hike on the Seven Bridges/St. George Trails.  The creek the bridges go over was completely dried up. 







It was a beautiful, cool, fall-like day.  Stevie on the back porch was enjoying the sunshine.  She had stopped eating (and pooping) for a few days over the weekend, and I feared it was time to euthanize her.  But Monday I tried giving her Greek yogurt to get her to eat something, and she ate it.  And now, she is eating a lot more than usual, including the yogurt, and her poops have gotten a little more solid.  So maybe she is getting better.  I wondered if the flea treatment had taken care of intestinal parasites.
 

A bunch of us 'Saddle Sisters' went to the county fair to watch the horse show.  This very cute Screech owl (unable to be released into the wild) was there.  I didn't realize they were so little.  Precious! 

We ladies (Shirley, Judy, Jan, Joanne, Betty, Jo, Karen and Deanna) had a great time.  We really delighted in seeing each other and catching up.  The horse show and fair food were also quite enjoyable.

This horse threw a little buck during the rescue race, but the back rider was able to stay on.  
And in spite of difficulties, these two kids did a fantastic job as did their little pony (video).   

I didn't get home until after 10:30 and it was 11:15 by the time I was turning out the lights.

At the start of this blog, I quoted a part of this snippet which is from Crosswalk.com and decided to include more of it. 

I went to sleep counting my blessings and thanking God.

Doctor, Doctor

Doctor, doctor, give me the news.  This blog is not about the song 'Bad Case Of Loving You' but about a week with two doctor appointments and a fasting blood draw for a third doctor visit early next week.  I do not have white coat syndrome, although my normally very low blood pressure does go up when I enter a doctor's office.  I dislike any kind of medical appointment, even eye doctor, dentist, or physical therapist.  I prefer not to be scrutinized and just get very nervous when I am.

From what I had read, I figured I needed to ease into my usual routine and diet over the next several weeks.  I also know once I start feeling better, I am going to need some self control to not overdo it.  I don't want to blowout a gasket (dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis - internal incision breaking open and leaking into abdomen).  Getting back to 'normal' is going to take longer than I'd like.  I can not (should not) lift anything over 10 to 20 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks.  Bending and twisting are also to be limited and I still wasn't sure when I could start eating roughage and go horseback riding.

Saturday 8/10 - I slept until almost 7am.  I love how the morning sun cast a shadow of the ivy leaves on my calendar.  Joe vacuumed the downstairs to help with flea eradication.  I increased my walking distance to over two miles, and later spent almost two hours at the pool, chatting with friends.  The remainder of the day was spent resting and doing a lot of reading.   

Monita napping up on this cat tower. 








I woke her taking the first photo, she stretched and then covered her eyes to resume her nap.

We had different over-nighters at the ranch with two horses.  It was a mom and daughter who pitched a tent and slept near the corral.
 

Sunday 8/11 - Pretty much every day I sleep when I want, eat when I want, and make myself regularly get out for some walking.

We opened all the windows the night before, so it was actually quite cold in the house when I got up.  Shirley and I met at church and enjoyed the service as usual.  I got home and laid in the sun because I had been chilled, but soon got too warm. 

I finished my James Patterson novel in just three days (which is a record for me).  I ate a larger, early dinner of spaghetti, green beans and applesauce.  I was really starting to feel somewhat normal.  Actually my digestive issues before surgery have been a lot better now.  I took Maggie on a three mile walk after my big meal, which always helps my digestion. 



I have been tormented by tons of bug bites that I believe are fleas from the cats.  I continue washing sheets and Joe vacuumed the upstairs.  He has a few bites, but isn’t totally convinced it's fleas, thinking it might be chiggers.  They itch like chiggers and are in tighter spots where the chiggers tend to bite so I don’t know.  I have not actually seen any fleas on me or any in the house since the night I was in bed with Mama Styx.  The cats are not scratching like they had been, so I know the medicine has killed what was on them.  It's what's in the carpet and furniture that worries me. 
I started a new James Patterson book at bedtime.

Monday 8/12 - Joe was off fairly early to help Patty with chores at the ranch and then to golf.  I picked Patty up at her house at 10:30, and we went to my oncologist appointment.
Doctor, doctor, give me the news:
It was great news!  Dr. Davidson confirmed that I am cancer free and need no further treatment.  Hallelujah!
I am so thankful that the cancer was only stage 1 and was all removed with the surgery.  Praise God for the answered prayers and thank you all for your prayers.
My iron is still low so and will take at least three months to get over the anemia that was caused by the tumor, and then surgery.  So I'll do monthly blood draws and take iron pills twice a day until that is resolved.  I will also be getting a CEA (tumor marker) blood test in a year. (It is a strong prognostic biomarker in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection.)  I will see my surgeon Thursday morning and find out when I can return to normal activity and diet.

We went to Sonic after leaving the doctor's office and enjoyed lunch there, before proceeding to Walmart. 









After I dropped Patty off at home, I went to the Grove and set up my chair for tonight's concert.  I was ready to celebrate. 

It was mid-afternoon and I was thinking it wise to take a nap, but I putts around doing this and that. 

I was feeling so good, and maybe a little invincible, that I made a rather large salad (spinach & broccoli chopped well, egg, and leftover hamburger) for an early dinner.  I made a point to chew it well, but by the following morning, I realized that might have been a little much for my digestive system to handle.  But it's all good. 

 





I fed pets early, cleaned litter boxes, and decided to comb the cats with a flea comb.  Mama Styx and Babe did not have any, but a bunch came off in the comb (some still alive) when I ran it through Monita's fur.  SHOOT







So I decided to give her a bath (second time ever for her) right then and there.  She actually didn't fight me too much, and I really scrubbed her with Dawn soap.  I was surprised not to see any fleas in the 'bath' water.  She was sanctioned to the screened in porch with Stevie to finish drying off. 

I threw all pet bedding and blankets into the laundry and then had to hustle to get to Mirror Lake Blast.

I arrived just in time for the start of the music.  Joe, and later Micki joined me. 







I really enjoyed being at the concert, did a lot of 'controlled' (not too wild) dancing, and had a great time seeing everyone.  In this photo by Vernon Martin, you can see Micki and I up front and center.  I had on my new cap.

I was home before 9:00, threw the laundry in the dryer, let Monita in off the porch, and went up to bed, exhausted.  This was the first day since surgery that I hadn't had a nap, and it was a very busy day for me. 

I read Linda's card of encouragement and the many post cards she made and had given me at the end of the concert.  Here is a sampling of her (Linda Sue Hodges) beautiful photography and wonderful scripture messages. 

I believe the first three are of wildlife here in the Glade and the last one is from her former home in FL.  The turtle and gator were peacefully sunning together. 









I am so fortunate to have Linda as a friend.  I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.  I quickly drifted peacefully off to sleep once I turned the lights out.

Tuesday 8/13 -  Karen sent me this photo of Amiga, after she had groomed her and then did her hooves yesterday.  Isn't she a pretty girl? 

After a busy day yesterday, I felt the need to recuperate today.  So it was a very low-key day.  I continued with more laundry of sheets and blankets, messed at my computer, read out on a lounge chair in the sun for awhile, and took a long nap, actually in bed. 

Joe had helped me put clean sheets on the bed, so I'd not strain my gut.

Within about two hours of time, I had been told, independently by three different people, to listen to the doctor and slow down.  I struggle with knowing how much activity is too much, and am feeling so good it is difficult to stay idle.  But I'm guessing God was trying to make it clear to me through these comments... to go easy.  

The cats got combed again, with less fleas appearing, so I hope I am making progress with that.

After a big dinner, I took Maggie for a three mile walk.  I came home walking down the 18th fairway and took these last two photos from the 17th green. 


I really wish the golf course would clean up the pond.  It is so scummy looking.

I had been having foot pain after my longer walks, so had switched to better walking shoes.  Normally I was wearing my cheap slip-on dog walking shoes that I don’t usually go very far in.  My good tennis shoes have much better support, which helped.
 

Wednesday 8/14 - I had fasted overnight and went in for a blood draw (a mile from home at the Wellness/Medical Center).  I was home just after 8am to enjoy my tea and breakfast.  This was posted on Facebook, and seemed so appropriate to share.  We all should take time for the doctor visits, wellness screenings, exercise, diet, and rest, that are important for our good health.  Our mental and spiritual well being are also important.  

I laid out in the sun and read my new book which has gotten exciting. 
After lunch I went to Dorchester Pool for a couple of hours to visit with friends.  When I got home, I watered all the plants in the front, having watered all the ones in the back the day before. 

Stevie did not have a good day, making quite a few messes out on the back porch.  After cleaning up after her, all four cats got their daily flea combing.  Babe was the only one who had several fleas on her, but most of them were dead. 


I got these beautiful flowers with another piece of advice about going easy.  Like it says, I just need to be patient with the healing process.

I had a frozen dinner for dinner and then took Maggie for a little over three miles, on a nice walk.

I did not take Tylenol pm for the first time since surgery.  I was hoping Poker Joe wouldn't wake me when he came to bed and that I would get up bright and early, bushy tailed and not sleepy.

Thursday 8/15 - Joe and I were out the door and on the road for Knoxville right at 6am.  We met with my surgeon.  Doctor, doctor, give me the news: 
All incisions look great but I am to leave the mesh surgical dressing on the three inch one for another week.  I can get back to swimming and my normal diet.  But NO lifting of anything over 20lbs for 6 weeks after surgery.  So that won't be until 9/10 - in 3 weeks and 5 days, but who's counting.  Also no horseback riding until then either - too risky.  And no pushing, pulling, straining to move, etc. any heavy objects.

I did my computerizing once home and more puzzle working later.  Now that my health concerns are over, I have time to worry more about Stevie.  I called the vet to make an appointment, but the earliest they can see her is in three weeks.  I hope there is a cheap and easy solution, but fear euthanasia may be the most practical and humane thing to do. 

I went to the ranch after lunch, to check on Amiga, who Brooke had said came in very lame for dinner yesterday.  Shoot!   




We may be 'broken' like this muck rake, but we are still useful.
Thankfully Amiga was not too bad.  I proceeded to water all the young trees, shrubs, and flowers.  Pulling the three sections of hose around proved to be almost too much strain on my belly, more than I had anticipated.  So I had to work a little smarter (not harder), but it took a little longer because I had to drag the hose around the yard in smaller sections and shorter distances.
I only did a short 1/2 mile walk after dinner because I had been on my feet all afternoon.
Joe got home early from poker and we watched a dumb Clint Eastwood movie - Coogan's Bluff.

Friday 8/16 - I have had more time for puzzle's.  I almost got today's Wordle in two, but at the last second decided to throw a 'K' in the 'Es' spot just to try out more constants.  And then I had a brain fart and screwed up my third guess.
I meet Betty, an old friend and prospective new boarder at the ranch.  It was great catching up with her.  She had her horse at Wildwood, and then the ranch when Terry owned the property.  I also checked Amiga, who looked pretty good, but I still gave her a Previcox. 

I hung out at the pool for 2½ hours, totally forgetting about a speaker on pruning I was going to go listen to.  I need to get out of this 'resting bum' mind frame. 
Joe and I went to Stonehenge for dinner, and ran into two friends from our former Wildwood Stables days. 

This is the view from our table.  I thoroughly enjoyed a hardy meal but did need to get a to-go box for the remainder of it.
It was another fantastic week, even with three medical appointments.  I still have my regular doctor and dentist next week and will eventually be seeing a geneticist to determine if I have Lynch syndrome.  If so, it means I have a greater chance of re-occurrence of this cancer (which also occurs in stomach, ovaries, pancreas, and bladder).  I would then need to be followed closer, including having the other organs checked.  And of course I'd then need to let my blood relatives know of their increased chance for this.