Puddles

I continued to put my new leg through its paces yesterday. With Friend recovered from his neuter surgery, we went on two long walks through the neighborhood and a hike through the woods. My little pup was in his element, sniffing around and happily waving his tail as we explored.

I am astounded by how quickly he has recovered from his neuter surgery. I was expecting him to feel poorly for at least a week. Instead he was up and ready to go the next morning, and he was completely recovered by the second day. If only humans could recover from surgery so quickly!

We won't be outside as much today because of weather. Much to the disappointment of the boys, we are getting rain instead of snow. Hopefully we will have at least one more big snowstorm before the season is over. I love seeing Robby and Timmy (and now Friend) playing and throwing snowballs. While there won't be snowball throwing today, but I suspect we will gear up and jump in some puddles. 

Comfortable Fit

After struggling for nearly three years, I am comfortable and walking with confidence in my new leg. The process took longer than I anticipated, but the result was worth every single delay. My new leg fits perfectly!

I can't remember the last time I was able to slip on my leg and forget about it for the rest of the day. It feels liberating to wear something so natural feeling. Yesterday I logged 15,000+ steps throughout the day and I never had to take it off or adjust the fit. I went through my day waiting for discomfort that never materialized. 

Not only is the new leg comfortable during the day, but I felt no phantom pain last night. The annoying stinging that has been visiting me nightly was absent. Because this leg is expertly crafted around my nerve bundles, the nerves were not angered throughout the day. 

After a long detour, I feel like I am back on the right path!

Fire

 Late Sunday night there was a fire in our neighborhood. I couldn't see the flames, but we certainly heard the firetrucks and emergency response. Yesterday morning I drove past the damage, and I was horrified by the scene. The entire structure was reduced to ash and rubble. The only thing left standing is a single brick wall. My heart ached for the homeowners. I can't fathom the devastation that they feel.

Not only did the occupants lose their home and all of their belongings, but there three beloved pups also perished in the fire. We have gotten to know these dogs because they always ran to greet Friend as we walked by each day. It is going to be lonely walking by the property without hearing the happy barks greeting us. The owner is currently in the burn ward of the hospital because of injuries sustained as he tried to free his dogs. 

I cannot begin to fathom the loss they are feeling. Seeing somebody in close proximity suffer such a total loss certainly puts my own frustrations into perspective. I held my family and my kids a little tighter last night.

Ice

Friday night into Saturday morning we received a mild version of the massive snowstorm that blanketed the East Coast. The two inches of snow covered a thick layer of ice, keeping us housebound all weekend. I am not going to complain though because I really didn't want to go anywhere. 

The cold temperatures thwarted any melting that may have occurred. Our road is essentially an ice rink. On Saturday night our neighbor lost control of his car and slid off of the road. He ended up careening into the woods. Instead he was lucky and his car stopped just in time, although he certainly has front end damage and was in need of a tow. 

Since we were stuck inside, I took advantage of the opportunity to work and to tidy the house. In addition to knocking out some work projects, I also cleaned my living room and kitchen, packed up some toys for donation. I am starting this new week feeling accomplished!

I'm hoping that the ice begins to melt early this morning because I have an appointment to receive my new leg. I've been waiting a long time for today. Hopefully it won't be delayed because of ice!

Friday!

Thankfully, I am feeling much better today. After some ibuprofen and another cup of coffee my headache started to wane. By mid afternoon I was feeling like my normal self. I actually ended up being quite productive throughout the day. Based upon how I was feeling in the morning, I was surprised to accomplish so much by evening.

Today is another busy day. Robby has his enrichment classes, which means that I will spend a few hours driving him to and from school. It doesn't make for the most exciting day, but seeing him so happy is definitely worth it.  My favorite part of the day is our drive home from school when he chatters nonstop about the battles that ensued and the victories (and sometimes defeats) of his troops. I don't always understand what he is talking about, but his enthusiasm shines through even when I'm confused.

This evening little Friend has a vet appointment. He is going to get more vaccines and some blood drawn in preparation for his neutering. I hate seeing our little pup scared and hurt from the needles, but I know it is necessary. Just like humans, vaccines are important!

Last weekend I didn't spend time working around the house. I definitely felt the impact throughout the week as I navigated around increasing clutter. I think I'm going to call a family meeting on Saturday and enlist the help of everybody. It occurred to me that I should not be the only person responsible for cleaning this house. 

Wish me luck! I may have a mutiny on my hands.

Headache

I woke up this morning with a wicked headache. Unfortunately I have a slew of meetings planned, so I won't be able to rest until it fades. Fingers crossed the ibuprofen works quickly, or I am in for hours of misery. 

I apologize for the short entry today. My head hurts so much that it is difficult for my eyes to focus.

Chafing

 Well, I didn't receive my new leg yesterday. Instead my socket was wrapped in plaster and reinforced so that I could continue to use it until my new one is fabricated. I have an appointment on Monday, so fingers crossed I only have a few more days to wait. At this point, I've given up the illusion of hope. I've been waiting so long that the disappointment is reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day!

My mended socket is stronger but it is also heavier. The plaster wrapped all the way up to the top added more weight than I anticipated. It feels like I'm walking with a weight strapped around my ankle. Not only is it heavier, but because the tape is all the way to the brim, my skin is starting to chafe. I am going to have to come up with a fix soon or my skin will be rubbed raw behind my knee. 

I know that I will be happy when I am walking in my definitive leg, but in the meantime I am frustrated and tired of the process.