February 7, 2023
Nancy decided a few days ago that she wanted to go to a theater to see A Man Called Otto. Today is the day. We went to Sierra Vista, about 30 minutes away and since we had purchased our tickets ahead of time, we just walked right in. Of course you cannot see a movie without a little popcorn and a drink. As we were finishing up at the concession stand I saw something that just astounded me. A lady was in the theater with her little dog in a bag slung over her shoulder. Why???? I see no reason for this. This world has gone totally nuts. And then, the movie was supposed to start at 12:45 PM. I think it finally started about 1:10 PM after multiple advertising. Absolutely too much. Now I know why I don’t go to a theater too often. At least the price was right. I think we paid about $12 for our tickets. As for the movie, it was fantastic. Another Tom Hanks hit. He plays such a believable character.
February 4, 2023
Today we are going to the Mescal Movie Set. One ticket will get us the opportunity to tour the Set, walk around a Civil War Reenactment Camp, and get a demonstration of Civil War Artillery. The movie set has been used for years for a number of western movies and TV shows. Examples of the movies are Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. It is also under new management like Old Tucson. The idea of movie sets is to fool the eye and the camera. Everything looks real but is very transportable. Some structures, which have no foundations, are not even complete. We saw one which looked very cool from the front, but had no back wall. The tours are conducted by volunteers that dress in period clothing (1880ish). They name several movies for the sets that they tour. We saw the houses of Wyatt and Virgil Earp from Tombstone, as well as the Grand Hotel and the livery stable. The gunfight at the O.K. Corral was also filmed here. The majority of the buildings were locked and we could not enter to see the interiors. The saloon was open and so was one other building that they set up as their gift shop. The saloon has appeared in several movies. This link will take you to the Mescal Movie website which has several pictures and lets you know what and when. MESCAL MOVIE SET
Another interesting page is the history. MESCAL MOVIE SET HISORY
The Civil War Encampment was okay but as a relatively frequent visitor to Gettysburg I have seen a lot more. The re-enactors were very good and very nice. The artillery demonstration was good. Nancy was tired of the sun and wasn’t all that interested in the demo so she found a shady spot to sit down and wait for me. She met a couple of volunteers and talked to them about RVs and Orlando, FL. He was retired Air Force Fire. We talked for quite awhile.
The artillery demo consisted of three different types of canons. One was muzzle loaded and the other two were breach loaded. They went over all of the positions and their duties and responsibilities. It was interesting. After the demonstration we were allowed to get a close look at the artillery and the ammo and the crews were more than happy to answer any and all questions.
After a long day we were looking for a place to eat. Not a food truck, which were available on site, but a place we could sit down. Several folks recommended a little hole in the wall place called the Mescal Bar and Grill. The food was great and they carried some local brews. Nancy chose a Philly Cheesesteak with sweet potato fries and I had a Southwest Cheeseburger with fries and a Barrio Blond Ale. The lunch was fabulous. Might have to go back at another time.
February 2, 2023
Last summer while in Fort Welikit, we met a couple of campers from Colorado. They were in the site between ours and Belinda and Cathy’s. It just so happened that the 6 of us would sit around the campfire with a beverage or two and talk. That couple was Chris and Mitch. As we talked they said they were going to winter in Tucson, AZ. Tucson is only about an hour away. We exchanged numbers and made plans to get together when they got into town. Today is finally the day. Schedules have not permitted us to get together but it’s on now. We had an appointment in Tucson and afterward we met them at Holy Smokin Butts BBQ. Q and Brew. For me it doesn’t get any better. It was great to see them again and to catch up a little. They chose the place and did an excellent job. Holy Smokin Butts offered a sampler platter with brisket, tritip, chicken, ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork. It also came with 2 sides. It was large enough for Nancy and I to share and we even brought a little bit home with us. The local brew was great and the smoked and BBQ meats were fabulous. Tender and juicy and very flavorful. We all enjoyed a great meal and great conversation with our friends. We made plans for 2/19 that they would come down to the park and I will do some cooking for them. We are also planning on seeing them later this year when we go to Colorado.
January 20, 2023
Since I was released last Tuesday, we decided that we would start our exploration of Arizona now. We decided today that we would explore some ghost towns. After a little research Nancy found the Ghost Town Trail which started in Gleeson just south of Tombstone. Looking at the pictures online we had some great expectations. In addition, since we got here I have been wanting to go to Puny John’s BBQ. Reviews were good.
We started out and found Gleeson Jail first. It was kind of neat but the entrance said No Trespassing. Apparently it is on private property. Our next stop was the Gleeson Cemetery. It was located behind fences and on private property also. It was disappointing we couldn’t get out and walk around a little. From there we found the old Gleeson Saloon. From there we continued on the Ghost Town Trail.
The Ghost Town Trail is a dirt/gravel road. We have been on worse roads so this was a nice drive. The scenery was awesome. We did manage to see a few ruins of structures along the trail. We did not venture out into the desert but followed the Trail to the end point of Pearce. We then followed main roads back to Tombstone. It was time for something to eat.
As we walked the streets of historic Tombstone, we stopped into a few shops. I was looking at the boots and hats. We also looked at hat bands for my cowboy hat back in NC. It was originally purchased in 1998 for our daughter’s wedding. Interesting story in and of itself. Saw some really neat stuff but did not purchase anything.
We reached Puny John’s and placed our order. I had high hopes. Nancy ordered a 1/2 of a loaded baked potato with brisket. I ordered a sampler platter. It came with a smoked sausage, brisket, riblets, chicken, pulled pork and two sides. I chose cole slaw and Spicy Baked Beans. The food was visually unappealing and was dry and over cooked. The sausage was so bad I didn’t eat more than a single bite and it wound up in the trash. I did bring a little bit of food home but am still debating on if I am going to reheat any of it. The cole slaw was decent.
As we were driving home we both decided that today “did not live up to our exceptions”. Probably because they were unrealistically high . We will visit Tombstone again as it is a very neat town. And there are several more restaurants to try.
Carissa and Brian’s Wedding
It all started when we went for our tux fittings. I found a seat and just waited patiently. They had picked out tuxes and colors, etc. Then Carissa came over to me and asked me what I wanted. I had been looking around a saw what I thought was pretty awesome. I showed her the longer coat. It was a western style which went down to mid thigh. Apparently she liked the coat as well. Since I was around 6’ tall and the shortest member of the wedding party, they opted to switch to the longer coat. Then Phillip and I started talking and we decided to get black cowboy boots and black cowboy hats to wear at the reception. We already had some of those items. It was awesome. And it is my opinion that I look best in the western style clothing.
January 17, 2023
I had another follow up Doctor appointment today. Of course, X-rays the first item of business. I then saw the PA, Tim. He was pleased with the way I was walking. The wound looked great. He thought that Dr. Smith would probably release me. A few minutes later, Dr. Smith came in. He looked at the wound and he watched me walking. He said that normally he would see me in 1 year and then in 5 years. However, since that is not practical, I was officially released. Dr. Smith said that if we had any questions to feel free to contact him. He has been very open about contacting him through this whole ordeal. He highly recommends it as it is better for the patient and better for the physician. It has also been great to have “alternative” medicine options for pain relief. I still have up to a year to get back to 100% but it will take time to get the muscles and tendons, etc. to stretch, etc. I am so glad that I hd the surgery done. I am no longer in a lot of pain. I can enjoy walking again. Thanks to Nancy’s research, I believe I had a fantastic medical team.
January 4, 2023
The time has finally arrived. The park officially opened Monday January 2, 2023 and now tonight we start our official duties as Night Host. Until now we had discussed what our duties might be but we met with Christi yesterday and now have more of a concrete idea. The duties may still evolve as time goes on. Initially there will not be much to do until we start getting busier.
The Office is open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. A little before 4:00PM we go over to the office and pick up the golf cart and our clipboard. The clipboard will have guest packets in it in case someone should come in and request a site. We will also be given a color coded map of the park with who is where, etc. After we get our supplies, we are to do a drive around the park to make sure no one got through the process and that everyone is in the correct site. Once we complete our tour, we lock the gate house. Currently the gate house is used only as a mail and package receiving area. The Post Office refuses to deliver to the Office. The Office only recently opened as well. The gate house has been used for some time for mail and packages. UPS and FedEx are delivering to the Office.
We are on duty until 9:00PM. During our hours if someone comes in, we are to show them to their site and give them their packet with standard campground information. For a couple of months now Nancy has been taking care of the bathhouse and cleaning the clubhouse and the bathrooms in the clubhouse. She is still doing that but as there are no workers here, those are more of a check than actual cleaning. At 9:00PM we have to lock the Clubhouse. It is available until them for guests to use. Eventually the pool table will be refinished so it will be available as well as other games. We are also responsible to ensure the golf cart is plugged in and charged for the next day.
After the Office opens the next day, we return our clipboard and take the golf cart to the so they can escort campers if need be. We also open the gate house. We may also be asked to perform other duties as necessary. Our work schedule is four days on and four days off.
The other Night Host arrived today. Her name is Cynthia. She is traveling with her dog Tito. They are very nice. I think we are going to get along great. Cynthia has stayed at the park in the past and loves all the improvements she has seen. The picture above is a view of our night sky. Beautiful!
December 31, 2022
Happy New Year’s Eve!! This week we have had a group of RVers staying here. They are based in Tucson and are the Desert Roadrunners RV Club. Really nice folks. So tonight we are having a large pitch-in with the Roadrunners and work campers, and residents, etc. The schedule is to have hors d’oeuvres at 6:00PM and then Vital Signs will play from 7:00PM until 9:00PM and at that time we will have the New Year countdown with sparkling apple juice.
I decided to make Smoked Shotgun Shells and Smoked Pig Shots for our part of the pitch-in. The shotgun shells were made with Italian sausage and I added green chilies. I made about 15 of them and then cut each of them in half. The pig shots I also added some green chilies. I thought they were all pretty good. Nancy took the shells over and about 15 minutes later we arrived with the pig shots, etc. There was not a shotgun shell left. I ate the last pig shot around 8:30PM.
Vital Signs is the name of the band with Michael and Christi Hargis, our managers and their two friends who are actually the ones that handle the IT issues here at the park. I thought they were very good. Michael is a very good singer and is very charismatic. Loves to talk to the people, have a lot of fun, etc. He encourages everyone to sign along and dance. The music is geared toward our age group so most everyone grew up with the songs they performed. They did do a great rendition of Girl Crush. Overall it was a great night. By the way, Michael and Christi are in the middle of the videos and photos.
In one of the pictures I took is an empty bottle of Crown Royal. It was sitting on the table of the Roadrunners. What a fun loving group! Not sure the beginning level but it was emptied at some point in the evening. Nancy got to dance a few dances and even got a couple of the Roadrunners up on the dance floor. As for me, I did dance one slow dance with Nancy. It was my limit for tonight.
After most people, including the band, left, Nancy and Bill and Gail were cleaning up. A few of the Roadrunners stayed to help also. When all was said and done, they broke open a couple of bottles of champagne and invited us to partake also. So we sat and talked and drank champagne for another hour or so. It was an awesome night.
December 25, 2022
We would like to wish all of our family and friends a very Merry Christmas! We have no gifts to open and we are not around family but we do feel blessed with the fact that we have experienced so much this year and have so many memories. Thank you to all who have supported us and encouraged us. That has been a great gift to us! Love you all!
December 24, 2022
Merry Christmas Eve!! I hope everyone had a nice time with friends and family. We decided we were not going to sit around and just veg. We purchased tickets to Yuletide at Old Tucson. Old Tucson is a former movie/TV western set. It is one of two such locations nearby. The sister location is the Mescal Movie Set. Old Tucson was home to several movies like Tombstone and Three Amigos. Several TV shows also used Old Tucson like Father Murphy and Little House on the Prairie. In 1995 they had a large fire that burnt the majority of the entire town. Through the years it has been slowly rebuilt. From what I read, the venue is owned by Pima County and they have invested a lot of money in it. It is now run by American Heritage Railways. This was the first year for Yuletide at Old Tucson.
Our tickets included parking and admission and several of the activities once in the venue. There are several eateries in Old Tucson. As we entered, we had our pictures taken and we will have the option to buy upon exiting the park. Our tickets were for 4:00PM entry until closing at 10:00PM. We imagined we would only be there a couple of hours. It was an hour and 10 minute drive to get to Old Tucson. We arrived shortly after 4:00PM and the sun was still shining brightly. As we entered we picked up a map which gave us showtimes as well. We started walking through the town, complete with wooden sidewalks in several areas. It was well decorated as it would have been in 1882. That was the year electricity came to Tucson thanks to Royal Johnson.
As we started our journey through town we peaked into a couple of buildings. One was Shelton Hall, which housed a few artifacts and movie memorabilia. We just did a brief look and said we would return. That didn’t happen. Maybe at another event at Old Tucson we can see what we didn’t get a chance to. I was talking to one of the period dressed guides and he told me that he hoped the guided tours would resume but they were not available at this event. Meanwhile Nancy decided to flirt with the Sheriff. I have pictures!!
Our next stop was the blacksmith. It was an actual blacksmith shop. The blacksmith was a contestant on Forged In Fire a few years ago. He was working on a Bowie Knife using a horseshoe from a Clydesdale. He showed us some other items he had forged also. Neat looking work. Very nice guy and more than happy that someone stopped by. We love looking at this kind of art.
Further down the street, as the sun was just starting to set, it was time to get some hot cocoa and a cookie. Interestingly enough, you could purchase not only coffee, cocoa but all kinds of beer, canned whiskey blends, and even put a shot of schnapps in your coffee or cocoa. I opted for a plain hot cocoa. Nancy wanted to try the hot cocoa with a shot of butterscotch schnapps. She really enjoyed it.
We hadn’t eaten much during the day so we decided to go to Jake’s BBQ. After looking at all the menus which were posted we opted for Jake’s. My dinner was a brisket sandwich with sides of potato salad and cold slaw. The brisket was absolutely wonderful. The sides were just okay. Nancy opted for the Wild West Nacho. A bed of french fries with the normal nachos toppings and she added brisket. She loved her meal also. We put the cookies in my camera bag for later.
We finished dinner about 20 minutes before the tree lighting. We wondered around the square and into the post office where children could come in and color pictures and mail them to Santa. This event was very family friendly and had multiple activities for the children. We took some photos and then found a bench to sit and wait. While we were waiting another couple sat down and Nancy started a conversation with them. Very nice folks that also RV. After the lighting ceremony and words by Mr. Royal Johnson we wondered over to take a wagon ride. The wagon was drawn by two Percherons. both were a little over 18 hands high. Very beautiful animals. We even got the chance to pet them. This ride was only a few hundred feet from our previous activity and the next one is just a few hundred feet away also.
Our next activity is the Shoot-Out. As people would enter the area there were two stunt actors that would kid around with them, tease them, etc. They were making the show interactive. The set was an old western town. As we entered to find a seat on the bleachers, I was asked why is Santa here? Nancy replied that I had a curfew but I was good for now. We were both wearing our Mount Rushmore sweatshirts which are red, white, and blue. So one performer started on Merica not America.
The show was about two outlaws who were robbing a stage of money destined for orphans. The individual in charge of transporting the money was assisted by a bumbling Sheriff and a Deputy. The approach was comedic. There were lots of stunts, slap stick comedy, pyrotechnics, and falls from heights. There were even gun battles. It lasted about 20 minutes and was fabulous! In the end, the outlaws were won over to the side of good.
After we left the Shoot Out we found our way back in the middle of town. As we stood in front of The Grand Palace Hotel and Saloon we noticed a billboard. The Yuletide Carol had just started so we went in to rest and to catch the show. The show was a comedy based on A Christmas Carol showcasing local actors who forgot their lines, ones trying to upstage one another and the like. It was great show that lasted about 20 minutes as well.
We continued to walk around town and went past the Krampus Koal Mine. We did not go down into the mine. It was supposed to be spooky but also family friendly. We were headed to the Christmas Fantasy Train. We had to wait a few minutes but there were no long lines. We boarded the train and took a ride around the outskirts of Old Tucson. Very enjoyable .
As we got off the train we wondered through the Christmas tree lot, where you could purchase a fresh cut tree. They seemed to have a lot left over. At those prices I can understand why. We saw a tree about 8 feet tall, can’t remember they type, but it was priced at $450! After recovering from tree shock, I had to go see my cousin. As it turned out he was Santa Randy. We took some pictures and talked about our adventures. It was fun.
It was probably close to 9:00PM now and we were both feeling weary so we decided to head toward the exit. On the way we had to look at our photos that were taken when we first entered. They were okay but we bought the digital package anyway. Some are included here.
To get to the exit we had to pass by The Elixir which sold hot cocoa. We each got a hot cocoa to go. The weather was cool but not frigid. Excellent sweatshirt weather. While we were waiting for our drinks, we met Twinkles, who invited us to tour Christmas Cove, via Santa Trail. What the heck. So off we went. We got some pictures with another Santa and with Twinkles. Twinkles even escorted us back to the main trail through a short cut. Now we really did head for the exit.
Along the way Nancy had to take a picture of the carousel. Of course the exit is through the gift shop. I was occupied with the penny machine while Nancy browsed the shop. I have been collecting pennies for a few years. I also get pennies for Carissa and Andrew so I always try to get three different ones. I even have a pill bottle filled with quarters and shiny pennies to use. We did purchase another Christmas ornament and hung it once we got home.
Overall we did not expect to stay as late as we did. We were both exhausted and hurting some but we had a fabulous night. I should mention at this time that I had decorated my beard. About three years ago, I ordered a kit that had blinking lights and jingle bells that you can attach to your beard. So I decorated my beard and wore my Santa hat. I got several compliments and people loved it. I even had one lady wanted to take a picture of me. So I let here. On our way here I had to take a couple of pictures of Tucson Mountain. I thought it was so neat with the cacti growing on the mountainside. This was definitely a memorable Christmas Eve.
December 22, 2022
Since we aren’t around family for the holidays we decided to do a couple of things for just the two of us. About three weeks ago we started to search for things to do. We found one item, Yuletide at Old Tucson. It looked really neat so we purchased tickets. This is how we will spend our Christmas Eve. We had gotten recommendations from several people about going to the Gaslight Theatre. So I looked it up and got excited when I saw they were doing a production of Christmas Vacation. The excitement was short lived when I saw they were SOLD OUT. So I decided to sign up for emails for future reference.
Lo and behold I got an email from them and they had a few shows where people had canceled their reservations. I immediately called. Tonight is the night. Gaslight Theatre is a small venue attached to Gaslight Costumes, Little Anthony’s Diner, and Grandma Tony’s Pizza. I believe the same family owns all 4 businesses. Not only do you get a show but you have the opportunity to order dinner and/or drinks, wines and beers, and desserts. So it is a dinner theatre.
Once we were seated a waitress came around and took our order. She even got me a taste of one of the local tap beers before ordering a larger glass. I had pizza and a Barrio Blonde Ale from Barrio Brewing in Tucson. Very good. Nancy had a Caesar salad with chicken and a soda. She did not care for her salad. We also had dessert. I had a banana split and she had a caramel sundae. The waitresses were all dressed in very short Mrs. Claus skirts. The male staff were in the Christmas Gaslight tee shirts. The staff was very friendly.
The menu and the playbill were contained in the newspaper on the table. After looking at that I realized that this musical was not the same as the movie. It did parallel several basics of the movie. The cast are local actors. You could tell when the actors would ad-lib or go off script and their cast mates would crack up. We thoroughly enjoyed the production. The music was provided by a three piece band. A piano, bass guitar, and drum. The cast would interact with the audience And for me, I enjoyed all of the corn Dad Jokes they told as well.
When we first met our waitress, she asked if we were celebrating anything. I thought that was odd but found out later why. After the play was done, one of the performers came out and they recognized everyone who was celebrating a birthday or anniversary. The birthday folks got a scoop of ice cream on a cone and the anniversary people got a small sundae with 2 spoons. They then had all audience members stand if they were military or first responders.
Once that portion was over, they moved into a small segment of musical numbers of Christmas songs and multiple costume changes. Very well done. And then Santa came out and made his rounds through the crowd and everyone was singing. Overall a very enjoyable night. For me it made Christmas a little bit better.
December 19, 2022
Other activities that are organized here at The Lakes at St. David include hiking along the trails of state land. The land backs up to the back of the park so there is easy access. The hikes are usually on Wednesday afternoons. On Monday afternoons, they started bike rides. Today was the first one and it was billed as an easy 4 mile ride on flat, paved roads. Nancy decided to try the ride. Unfortunately it might be a few more weeks before I can try it. She had a very nice time. They took a road across from the park and it wound around into downtown St. David. There they explored some local shops. All and all it was a very nice ride and a great day for her.
December 13, 2022
Very busy day today. At 2:00 PM in the clubhouse there will be a jam session. A few local musicians will come in and have some fun playing music and singing. Of course, Michael and Christi are the driving force for this session. Anyone is welcome to attend. Since we are going to be in the clubhouse for dinner at 5:00PM it was decided to keep my walking to a minimum. We arrived at the jam session about 3:00PM. Then we would just stick around until after dinner.
We went home after dinner and gathered our games for the next trip to the clubhouse at 7:00PM for Game Night. The Activities Director has determined that on Tuesday evenings we will have Game Night from 7:00PM to 9:00PM. There are a multitude of games available or you can bring your own. We took a few of our games over but we wound up playing Mexican Train Dominoes. It was a lot of fun. We didn’t get the chance to finish but we had a good time.
December 12, 2022
Oh boy, I turn 69 today. For the last several years, it has become tradition to have pizza on my birthday and to enjoy my favorite cake, German Chocolate with coconut pecan icing. I also love red velvet cake! The German Chocolate brings back fond memories of my Mom. So Nancy made my cake and we had pizza for dinner. I was able to FaceTime with Andrew and Braxton for a few minutes. It was a very enjoyable day.
December 7, 2022
Today is the day! My first post-op follow up. Riding an hour in the truck is rough on my left knee as I can not move around as freely as I would like. By the time we got to the doctor’s office I was achy. Most of my pain lately has been in my knee and thigh but not my hip. I am still using a walker but slowly using a cane more. I get into the office and the first thing is that they send me to x-ray. After I get back into the room about 2 minutes go by and Dr. Smith comes in. He has good news and some not so good news.
The good news is that the x-rays are fabulous. The hip is in a great position and is where it is supposed to be. He was not pleased that my progress is moving a lot slower that he would like but at least it is progress. He heard me walking back to the room and thought I should have been further along. He also is not happy with the swelling that I have developed in my leg and ankle. Nancy calls it pitting edema. His recommendation is to return in a month and suggested an Ace wrap for the swelling. Or if we can find a good compression sock.
We left the office and our next appointment is now scheduled for 1/11/23. We then looked up medical supply places. We found one close by and Nancy went in and found a pair of compression socks that went up to the knee. So instead of a wrap, I can wear a sock. Once we got home she put the sock on me. That was a real treat. Trying to stretch this tight sock over a swollen foot. But she did. The next morning when she removed it, the swelling had gone down significantly. Now just to lay off the salt and don’t overdo it on my feet.
December 4, 2022
I finally get to shower again, today. Since the surgery, I’ve had one shower in the shower stall. The rest of the cleanings were hospital baths. Using a foam from a can and getting wiped down with a wash cloth. But today I could stand and enjoy the hot water. Once that was done, I had to have a few more steri strips put on. You always feel better after a shower.
November 30, 2022
Today was supposed to be my follow-up. However Dr. Jordan had the office call me yesterday to reschedule the appointment. Nancy believes he wants to see me after a week on the antibiotics. So now my first post-op appointment is 5 weeks after my surgery on December 7th. He has offered to hire Nancy as he is pleased with her decisions and insight.
So instead of going to Tucson, Nancy put up our Christmas decorations. Through our travels this year, we have collected Christmas ornaments. There are a couple of stipulations. We didn’t want anything too heavy or extremely fragile. Oh, and they couldn’t be too expensive. Some places were very proud of their merchandise. As an alternative we figured key chains would work just as well.
Nancy decorated the inside with some greenery and a strand of lights. She placed this around the TV on the wall using an RVers favorite item, Command Strips. Then she placed the ornaments on the greenery. Outside she took the tripod that would normally sit under our kingpin and wrapped it in green material. Then she wrapped it with garland and lights and found a snowman for the top. Then she took 3 cardboard boxes and put a brick in each and wrapped it with plastic tablecloth to act as presents under the tree. The bricks were necessary so the wind wouldn’t blow them away.
November 26, 2022
I have to say that my doctor, Dr. Jordan Smith, is extremely awesome. After I had my little episode after my surgery, he gave his cell number to Nancy. He made himself available for any questions and or concerns. Nancy has been keeping an eye on the incision and she and Carissa (via pictures) did not like the way the incision looked. After a consult with Dr. Jordan, via text, he suggested that the sutures be removed. He also sent a prescription in for another round of antibiotics. His theory is that the sutures were being treated like a foreign body by my body and was causing the adverse reaction.
So this evening, as I lay on the bed, Nancy removed the sutures. Once that was done she put steri strips on then and applied a dressing. Time will tell. Apparently I’m not healing very quickly. I’m sure Nancy and Carissa are concerned but they are not being open and honest with me. Imagine that!
November 24, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! It is very strange not being around family for the holidays. This will be our first Thanksgiving that I can remember when we are not with Carissa’s family or Phillip’s family. For me it does not feel like a holiday. Just another day. However, there is a pitch-in dinner at the clubhouse for all work campers and residents. The managers are providing ham and turkey and everyone else is providing sides and desserts. It was a nice time but still not the same.
As a side note Christi, one of the managers, texted me a couple of days ago to see if I wanted to smoke one of the two turkeys. I politely declined as I would have needed more time to gather supplies and the fact is that a 20 pound turkey will not fit on my tabletop smoker. Maybe a 10 pounder. But I appreciated the offer. Additionally, I’m not sure if I would have been up for the challenge, physically.
November 23, 2022
Big day for me after my hip replacement surgery. Baby steps. Today I was able to get myself out of my chair without assistance. And to top it all off, I was able to get a shower. I’m so happy that I can ease Nancy’s burden. It’s been almost two weeks. In addition to taking care of me, she is also fulfilling our 20 hour per week work obligation for our site. I’m hoping for more progress and maybe a little speedier.
November 14, 2022
Four days post surgical. Feeling better. I haven’t had a pain pill since late Saturday night. I need assistance getting out of my recliner but other than that I’m doing pretty good, in my opinion. I try to walk 4 to 5 times a day. Tonight I went up and down the stairs in the kitchen a couple of times. I’m sure my nurse is just prepping me to go outside tomorrow. She did text the Dr. today and got the okay from him to push me in that direction. My pain control is Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Arizona legal “gummies”. Nancy had to go back to work today but she was just working right outside. She’s laying pavers for our patio. We started this last week before the surgery.