This Sucks

 Just when I thought I had developed a system to remain mobile a skin sore has developed which has rendered me unable to wear my leg. I'm so frustrated I could scream, but that would only result in upsetting the dog and hurting my throat. Instead, I'm going to keep my leg off, keep busy and watch Christmas movies whenever I become sad. (I have a feeling the movies will be streaming nonstop this weekend.)

I developed a penny sized blister on the back of my calf. The position of the sore creates a significant amount of pain whenever I don my socket. By mid afternoon I was using a crutch to keep the pressure to a minimum. By the time the sun set I had completely abandoned my leg and resigned myself to crutches for the night. 

As much as I despise doing it, I am going to forgo wearing my leg for the entire weekend. My leg really needs to heal and it won't if I continue to aggravate the sore with my prosthesis. Sometimes being an amputee really sucks and today is one of those days!

Taco Timmy

 It was chillier than anticipated, but the crisp air wasn't enough to keep my little trick-or-treaters from their appointed mission. Throughout the day Timmy was practically counting down the minutes until it was time to hit the streets. Scott came home from work and immediately called up Google Maps to prepare the most efficient and fruitful route. It is safe to say that taking lead on Halloween means as much to Scott as it does Timmy.  

Finally, the moment arrived! Bundled up and ready to go, Timmy and Scott took off on the scooter in search of treats and surprises. Once they drove away, Robby and I hopped in the car and headed out for hibachi. Unfortunately, our solo table streak came to an end but dinner was great and we had a fabulous time.  

Timmy and Scott came home from trick-or-treating both thrilled and freezing. They had a great time and Timmy spent the evening recounting all of his adventures and detailing his favorite houses and decorations. The candy loot was admired, organized, weighed and partially devoured before everybody finally went to sleep for the night. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

 If you ask Timmy, today is the most wonderful day of the year. Like most children, he utterly adores Halloween and all things spooky. With his newly discovered love of candy, I think trick-or-treating will become a serious endeavor tonight. Alas, Scott is up to the challenge.  His scooter has a full tank of gas because he has been excited about taking Timmy around the neighborhood on his annual candy quest.

While Timmy is busy scouring the neighborhood for candy and treats, Robby and I are going to head out for a hibachi dinner. This has become our special tradition since we inadvertently discovered that the restaurant is very quiet on Halloween. For the past two years we have had the whole hibachi table to ourselves. Here's hoping the tradition continues this year!

Photos will post later. Have a wonderful Halloween!

Back at it

 This weekend was busy but fun. It began with us waking up in Pennsylvania at my Mom's house. Originally we were planning to stay for the entire weekend but Robby and his friends ended up organizing a gaming tournament for Saturday evening. So instead of staying we packed up early and headed back to Virginia after lunch on Saturday.

While I was sad to leave my Mom's house early, I have to admit that it was nice to have Sunday at home. I was able to sleep in, watch Christmas movies and work around the house. Looking around it doesn't appear that I did a lot, but it feels like I was busy all day! 

Halloween is Tuesday which means that this week, at least the beginning portion, will be chaotic and full of excitement. Timmy and Scott are already looking through Google maps to plan their trick-or-treat routes. Robby, not to be left out, has already picked out what he is going to order when he and I go out for hibachi after the pair leave on the scooter.

Timmy Taco!

Timmy had a blast Trick-or-Treating last night. I know I am biased, but he is the cutest taco I've ever seen! Robby, opting to dress as a "snarky teen" this year, was a phenomenal big brother and accompanied our little taco through the neighborhood. After all, one of the benefits of having a significantly younger sibling is the ability to extend your trick-or-treat lifespan beyond the typical age barriers.

Today we are just going to hang out with my Mom. I'm kind of looking forward to a low-key day. Things have been so hectic lately. It will be nice to just hang out and chill. 

Unfortunately this visit will be short. Tomorrow I need to go back to Virginia because Robby has plans with friends in the evening. Besides, we will have to get ready for Trick-or-Treat 2.0.

 

Trick-or-Treating

 Everybody seems to be healthy which is good because it is Halloween (season)! 

Despite Halloween occurring next Tuesday, tonight is trick-or-treat night in my Mom's area. I've always tried to take the boys to trick-or-treat in Pennsylvania with their cousins. I love seeing everybody excited and dressed for the holiday (and I know my Mom does as well) and, let's face it, you can't go wrong with double the candy. So, this afternoon we are throwing our schedules out the window and we are heading to Pennsylvania to keep our trick-or-treat tradition alive.  

If having COVID had any benefits, it was that I was afforded the opportunity to keep my leg off and for my limb to completely heal. While my leg is still entirely too large and ill-fitting, I am able to pad enough to be functional and quasi-comfortable. The little blisters that had formed have completely healed and I have resumed my long walks with Friend. If history is any measure, I will put my leg to the test tonight. 

Happy (early) Halloween!

Driving

I was drained by the time I went to bed last night but I made it through the afternoon unscathed. The first full day back after being ill is always the true measure of recovery. I am not operating at 100% but, thankfully, I can still get a lot done puttering along at a manageable 80%. Hopefully each day I will continue to feel better, stronger and with a clearer head. The COVID fog this time was intense!

Although I would have preferred to step back into our routine that was not an option. Robby had his Compass class scheduled and needed to be ferried to and from the school. His enthusiasm and excitement for Compass days definitely helps to buffer any driving frustrations I may feel. Whenever I feel frustrated or frazzled by the drive I actively remind myself that I will miss the time together when he goes to school next year. 

I am waking up this morning feeling even better. By the end of the week I should be back to 100% which is perfect because it will be Halloween weekend! Looking at our yard decorations, it is easy to see that we have dropped the ball this season. I suppose I'll have to make amends with our Christmas decorations.