Touches of Autumn and Recovery Notes

 The weekend before my surgery I got out some autumn decor. I am restricted in bending over and standing on two feet so I thought it best to put out these things while I was not limited.

The little pitcher/vase I bought in Zanesville, Ohio, in 2016 when we stayed at a B and B in Lancaster. I like pottery, and Zanesville is known for its clay soil which led to many pottery companies being established in the area. There was an "antique" store in Zanesville centered around pottery items produced in the area through the decades. 

The lady who cleans my house every two weeks brought me some more flowers. She said she does not have as much variety now, but I think they fit in the autumn color scheme nicely.

We had a few nice days with cool nights, but now we are warming up again to around 80 degrees. I am longing to wear my cool-weather wardrobe items. I have not been outside since September 17th, but I am hoping to eat at the Grace Village dining room Sunday and to attend Bible study Monday morning and choir practice Monday afternoon. Warm-weather clothing needed.

 I have a nightgown which has faded and is pilling which I plan to throw away after surgery recovery. (Don't mind if it gets stained.) I have been looking online at Kohl's and Macy's for Miss Elaine nightgowns (a brand I like and own) with short sleeves that are marked down in price. A few days ago, I found one on Kohl's and it was the last one in my size. I was about 6 dollars short of getting free shipping so I just browsed around. I ended up ordering a short sleeved top for my current hot weather LOL. The shipping was about $9 that I would be saving on and the top around $19 so I rationalized it was like getting a top for $10.

 I usually avoid sleeveless tops because I do not like the way the arm holes gape open and show my bra; but one of the reviews mentioned that there was a little inset of material sewn into the Dolman sleeves to prevent that problem. Anyway, the Nine West top arrived today. I am not sure I would have picked it out to buy in the store, but it does fit well and does not gape. It should go well with black slacks or white pants. 

I was expecting our Hello Fresh meals to arrive yesterday so I was not too surprised when a box showed up on my doorstep. It was not the meals (they did come later), but a big box of surgical dressings. I did not order these. I contacted the surgeon's office and was told they were part of my "surgical package". Except the first 3-4 days when they would have been handy was long gone. At 9 days after surgery, I have no bleeding or oozing at the incision. I was told to keep it uncovered at that point. I hope I do not get another big box after my October surgery on the left side. I won't use up what they already sent. It is nice to be prepared, but sometimes it just seems like waste. It may be that when the sutures are removed Tuesday that covering the incision a few days will be a good idea. I am trying to be optimistic about this surprise package.

Bionic Woman

 

It wasn't until after my sacroiliac fusion surgery that I learned the name of the fixation system that my surgeon used. It is the TiLink P system by SurGenTec. Modern technology is quite amazing in the orthopedic field. You can watch a video about how it works at the manufacturer's website. I am now a bionic woman. 

Getting Ready For Surgery

 I am getting ready for fusion surgery on my right sacroiliac joint on September 16th. I will return home on the same day as the operation. 

I will have to use a walker for at least 2 weeks. I bought from Amazon a tray that goes on the walker so I can carry things around. I will be doing toe-touch walking.

The tray I ordered has pockets hanging down both sides where I can put my phone or Samsung tablet or silverware. This walker has a cup holder and a small band across the front. I hope to be able to fix some cereal or a breakfast sandwich/burrito to put on top of the tray. That way I can take care of myself instead of bothering my husband. He likes to get up early and go to the Y or to do woodworking. We will try to keep a typical schedule after the first few days.

I put blue tennis balls on the back legs. I ordered them along with the tray from Amazon.

I already have a grabber and a bath bench from previous surgeries. We have a walk-in shower and a raised toilet in our condo. 

I have had to stop vitamins and supplements already. Most of my other meds I will take until the 14th and 15th. Starting on the 11th I have to put Bactroban (Mupirocin) into my nose twice a day to kill off bacteria. The night before and the morning of the surgery I will shower with Hibiclens which the surgeon's office supplied. 

I have dug out of storage a backpack I got at a grocery store promotion many years ago. When I do not have the tray which will mostly be when I leave home, I will use the backpack. The walker cannot be folded up with the tray attached. We will need to fold the walker to put it in the car. I will not be able to drive for several weeks. It is a blessing that I can do my physical therapy at Grace Village where I live. My husband can drop me off and be home in 5 minutes. 

Since I am to avoid bending and standing and holding heavy items, my husband will have to take over the meal prep/provision. My small garage freezer and the refrigerator freezer are full as I have stocked up. We can also do takeout from Grace Village dining room. I thought I could use Home Chef oven-ready meals, but it doesn't seem to offer much in the weekly choices. You have to order two at a time to use its services. I have canceled my subscription with them and have signed up with Hello Fresh. It has Ready Meals which can be microwaved as well as some meals that will require some simple prep. We will have our first delivery this Thursday to see the quality of the food. If it is OK, we will use Hello Fresh for a few meals per week for 2-3 weeks probably. With the shipping charges, it certainly is not an economical choice (neither was Home Chef). 

My housecleaner will continue to come every two weeks. I have been doing online ordering of groceries with store pickup for some time. My husband can drive to Kroger to get our groceries and toiletries after I place an order. 

Time to rest in the arms of Jesus and soon under the tender care of my husband. God will give us grace to cope with the hiccups. 

Winona Lake Farmers' Market August 30 2025

 

There were not as many vendors at the Winona Lake Farmers' Market today but lots of shoppers. After a chilly start, the sunny day warmed up under a clear blue sky. The lady who sells flowers had bouquets of zinnias and the arrangement I bought had sunflowers, some unusual like the big round one and the pinkish yellow ones.

The vendor who usually has pies was not there today. I had hoped to buy a small one. Instead, I bought some blueberry cream cheese muffins at another table. We will eat them with our chicken corn chowder at lunch.

I sat on the rocker on the front porch after starting a load of laundry. I am reading a book by Nancy Mehl on Hoopla. The setting seems sort of familiar, but I think this is another series in that town. So far, I do not remember this character. I have read some of Mehl's books set in the town of Kingdom, however.

It feels a little like fall the past few days. They say it will warm up for Labor Day. I plan to grill some brats and eat potato salad on Monday. Things will get busy on September 8th when my ladies Bible study group meets for a new year, and the Grace Village choir begins rehearsals again. Enjoy your holiday.