Flexing the fingers

The rain arrived yesterday and forgot to go away. It seems that it will be hanging around for several more days. Of course along with this rain the temps are cooler. Not an issue for me as I will not be going anywhere this weekend. No driving next week either. As directed by the handsome surgeon, I continue to flex my fingers on the right hand often. It is not getting wet....dish washing is a bit slow one handed. The swelling is down which makes moving the fingers much easier. Yes, I am typing better but still with all the wrapping it is not easy but will get easier. Monday I will be able to remove the bandages and just cover the stitches.
Nurse Robyn brought me a book (from her daughter Amada) to keep me busy this week. The Nightingale written by Kristin Hannah...
The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France–a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.
 I finally picked it up to read on Tuesday afternoon when I knew I would be able to concentrate. Goodness, I could not put it down! By Wednesday I had read it.. almost 600 pages! If you have the opportunity read it.

On Monday just before leaving for surgery the mail arrived. There was a manila envelope with  a card inside and these 2 pictures of My Denny....Not sure of the age of the younger one but the other is of his confirmation. Dennis' cousin Frank and his wife Debbie found them among some old photos and thought I would like to have them...yes indeed I do. We never had pictures of Dennis' childhood. He was raised by his Noni (grandmother) and unless someone in the family took them, well there were only a few. They arrived on a good day. I was feeling a sadness that Monday thinking that it would be the first  time that I would have surgery and not wake to find my guy waiting by my side. I did however have Nurse Robyn there. Speaking of Robyn, I have released her from cooking for me. I do not want to take advantage....and I can now since the fingers are more flexible cook for myself. I have enjoyed the catering for sure.
I have exercised my fingers enough so off I go to dress for the day and pick up my Sherlock Holmes book and read. I always enjoy your visits. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Look at my beautiful heart...  now who made this...please come forward so I can tell you how beautiful this is. We are participating in Jo's Secret Stitching Sweetheart blog hop. Be sure to stop by there to see all the other hearts that were submitted..... find mine! Thank you Jo for hosting this once again.
To update you.... I am doing better than I thought. My bruise is even worse today if you can believe it and quite sore. The  right hand is less swollen and achy and I am doing my finger exercises! My nurse Robyn is still keeping an eye on me. I am I good hands for sure.
thank you all for the kind emails. 

Hello.....I am okay!

What a difference a day can make. The surgery went well. Whatever the cocktail they gave me was great..... except...

this is from the second attempt to insert the IV line. The line was finally into the crux of my elbow. Then there was an IV for a  nerve block for the surgery hand which numbed it from the tip of the fingers to the elbow and lasted 8 hours or so. I woke at 1am when I thawed out! Ouch!  The medication given for the surgery was different than I ever had and would allow me to wake easier and better and it did. Am I really okay? Let me just say....I am foggy a bit and not as steady as I would like to be but I m okay.

I am very securely wrapped but part of the tape became loose over night so I have this adorable... half sock to keep it in place...must remain all week then off and then just band aids. I must remember to keep it raised resting on my left shoulder to control swelling. Why am I typing or how can I be typing...very carefully and I have  to exercise my fingers so this is counting as one of my exercise moments. Thank goodness for spell check.
Dave and Robyn delivered me there and returned to take me home.

When we arrived home there was a plant, a balloon and candy bar waiting for me...Thank you Dianna and Bobby.
 Nurse Robyn remained with me for a few hours then off across the courtyard she went. I fell asleep around 9:30 and when she came back to check on me at 10 I was sound asleep. Nurse Robyn just left...she came to have coffee with me and to check on me.  Lasagna for dinner will be delivered around 5:30.  So lucky to have them caring for me.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and kind thoughts for me. Exercise time is over for now... time to take my Tylenol and put my hand back up and read for a while. 

Okay...I am prepared...I think

Spent all of yesterday morning cutting up food, putting food into Glad plastic containers and making chicken soup as well as salad portions for a few days.

Those who know me are not surprised by this as I am generally a very organized person. Today I will be using just my left hand...not as easy as you would think... so I can accomplish some tasks. I already opened the gingerale but I think Gatorade has glued the caps on! I had to cross the courtyard so Dave could open it for me. Still have one more for him to open. He even had to use brute strength! But he did it with a smile. I am thankful for him and Robyn for taking me tomorrow and Robyn said I will be having lasagna Monday night. This morning I realized that I forgot to buy butter! It is an important staple in my fridge.
Yesterdays mail brought me this kit.

I ordered it from 123 Stitch using the gift certificate I received from Shelly. I found 2 more Santa's and put them on my wish list for the next visit there. If you have never ordered from them, give them  a try. They are quick to process and fair prices. I enjoy stitching on perforated paper. This will be my incentive to follow doctor's orders so I can get back to stitching real soon. I made the Canyon Santa last year. I love Mill Hill kits.

The Woodpecker was here often yesterday calling out his arrival. He is such a character. Yesterday also brought a coyote trotting though  the courtyard. Looked like he was in pursuit of something that I did not see but obviously whatever it may have been he did not have it as he walked up the street. By the looks of him, he was not starving. There has been a Dove visiting the garden, maybe they will move back in this Spring.
This morning I found that a guy commented that he liked my profile picture on a post that I made on a Facebook page and wanted me to add him to my friends list so we could chat! Really!!! I have deleted the post and him! Not interested in the younger man..... the way to deal is to delete.
The cut on my wrist is healing but sore and of course it is the hand for the IV.... only me. I will also remind them that I corrected the medical info and that I am not pregnant. With that said, off I go to have a day of do nothing I hope is my plan. I will attempt to update you as soon as I am not loopy. Thank you for stopping by today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.