Little setbacks are just little setbacks

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. (Who said that?) Sometimes a little hand surgery is just a little hand surgery. It just ain't no big thing. Anticipation was much harder than the reality. Stitches come out today and my trigger finger seems to be functioning perfectly. Thanks to TV dinners and a night out with friends, meals were easier than expected and the rest was good.

I can't wait to see the surgery center fees. I'm guessing around $10k. But for the money, along with a successful surgery, I did get an unbelievable ugly and huge amount of bruising and swelling in my left hand from multiple attempts to start an IV. Finally on try #4, I crossed myself and the nurse who was puncturing me agreed that maybe God could help. So she finally got an IV started near the inside crease of my left elbow, exactly where the blood pressure cuff was supposed to go during the surgery. She also placed my "Allergic to" tapes on my left wrist.

My anesthesiologist had a hissy fit when he saw it all. He literally pulled off the "Allergy" tapes because he had to monitor my blood pressure at the wrist. Frankly, I liked it much better. I don't know how accurate it is being done that way, but it barely hurt. Except, of course, for the additional trauma to the left hand which now is bruised the colors of purple, violet, green, brown .....lovely. So if that's the worst of it, excellent.

Now on to things that my right hand can do most effectively. Freedom from pain and limited use, I shall arise to greater heights. Maybe I'll even polish my nails.

Welcome 2011

Wow, it seems a long time since I've posted. Christmas has come and gone and the New Year has arrived. December was a good month -- I got to spend time with special people, see Christmas programs for all four of my young grandkids, have lunch with some great friends and get reacquainted with my best friend from high school and his wonderful wife. My family was generous to me and filled my Christmas with wonder and joy.

My youngest grandchild, Jace, turned 7 on December 19th. His birthday was a buzz of excitement so close to Christmas. Haley played soccer in a monstrous storm and Jace got to stay at home, warm and dry. A few of us celebrated at his house with an upside down dinner: dessert was first, with dinner to follow at Jace's favorite restaurant, Paesano's. He loved his gifts and was very sweet and thankful. I can't believe he, the youngest, is seven. After so many years of waiting for grandparenthood, how quickly the time is flying by. Birthdays are reminders that you have to make hay while the sun shines, whatever that means.

I'm looking ahead to a future of hope, strength, courage, faith and comfort. Oh, and for world peace.