Putting One Foot In Front Of The Other

I'm here at the cabin for a quick weekend visit. Timed it just right to be able to enjoy the beauty of the recent snows but not to have any impact on my flights.

The cabin holds it's usual magic...peaceful, surrounded by nature & much to my delight, snow...

...and funky icicles...

 ...sun sparkles twinkling on the snow...

...birds gathering at the feeders, ice cold spring water to drink, the gurgle of the creek slipping along the rocks...the perfect environment for a relaxing weekend.

Much has happened since my last post. I am still enjoying my work with Allegany Franciscan Ministries and life in Crystal Beach. But last July, I tore the labrum (the "cushion" between the ball of your hip and the socket) in my right hip while on the treadmill. The torn part of the labrum flaps around, sometimes clicking in an odd way and sometimes getting caught between the bones, causing immobility and extreme pain. I met with three doctors, each telling me that I not only had a torn labrum but I had some arthritis in that hip, resulting in the diagnosis that success could not be guaranteed with arthroscopic surgery and a hip replacement was preferred. HIP REPLACEMENT??? A resounding no was my response and I requested we try every other means of healing before deciding on a surgical route. I tried physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medication and natural supplements. Walking with a cane. But my mobility continued to decrease significantly, as did my enthusiasm for anything but the most important daily tasks. I've definitely increased my understanding and empathy for people who deal with chronic pain on a daily basis...it sucks the life out of you!

My daughter Jessica and I were talking about what I was going to do about it. I said I didn't want to have surgery until there were no alternatives. "Mom," she said followed by a short but pronounced pause, "look at you, this is eating at your soul!" Whoa. I took a deep breath, and knew my next steps.

I chose to continue my treatment with Dr. W. He has years of experience, Johny liked him and after much discussion and a review of my MRI in conjunction with my symptoms (which had always been specific to the tear, without arthritic pain), we decided arthroscopic surgery was worth a try. With Johny by my side, Dr. W cleaned up what was a severely torn labrum, along with some other "pebbles" in the joint, and I've been healing ever since. Dr. W thinks I'll still need a hip replacement at some point, because the arthritic spot is significant, but my hope is to heal completely and not have to take that road.

Johny was amazing throughout the entire process, staying with me from before Christmas until I went back to work. Every day I discover another capability that I have "regained" like being able to sit and stand, putting on my pants and socks, and even shaving my legs...it's the little things in life, one step at a time! Staying positive and holding on to the knowing that I am healthy and well!

In the meantime, Johny and I decided to buy a house in Tarpon Springs, near where I work. We're excited about this cute little furnished Florida cottage on Lake Tarpon that I found, and we'll be closing near the end of April. I knew as soon as I walked into the front door that this was our future west coast FL home. This is the back yard looking onto Lake Tarpon in the distance, and no, the sail boat doesn't come with it. You can be sure you'll hear more about it!

As for the family, all are doing well. Liam of course continues to be a sparkle in our lives. 

Fluffy and Pogo are well, though Pogo did get hit by a car in our small corner of the mountains and lost his left eye as a result. But he's a real trooper and for the most part, I don't think he knows there's an issue.

That's my update! I'll close with a few photos from behind my current apartment...

...a Golden Crowned Night Heron...

 ...Black Crowned Night Heron...

 ...Red-bellied Woodpecker... 

 ...Egret...

 ...Blue Heron taking off...

 ...a gorgeous Hawk...

And a couple tulip closeups...

 

Here's hoping that this post finds you well and I'm holding thoughts that your days are filled with love, laughter, good health and fun!  Keep putting one foot in front of the other :)

Thanks for reading my blog, see you next time,
Lise