On our morning walk

We spotted this sun dog in the eastern sky this morning while walking on the bike trail.

Almost

Butch and I walked almost my full route on the bike trail this morning. We only cut off about a half mile of the 2 1/2 that I normally do. There are several construction projects happening on the trail and it is fun to keep up with them.

We have been getting meals from the senior center (congregate meal site). I set that up before surgery and I perhaps would not have needed it as long as I have, but the food is good and it kept us from needing to think too much about what we would eat and when. Those meals provide 1/3rd of an adult's daily requirement. We have one more delivery on Monday and then we can start working on my frozen stache of food. You really should consider using that service if your situation suggests it. Some people mistakingly think it is for low-income seniors but as I worked with the program for so many years I know that is simply not true. If getting a meal is hard for you in any way and you are a senior, it can literally be a lifesaver. The food has been very yummy!!

Bill and Jo are coming to the Hy-Vee Market cafe in a few minutes to connect with their Jefferson relatives.

My hometown friends

My hometown friends and family have taken very good care of us. Mickey suggested we get meals delivered from the senior center and I agreed it would be an excellent idea. I worked at the senior center in Cumberland for nearly 15 years so I am very familiar with the system and its benefits. I would readily recommend calling your senior center if having surgery or something else that impairs your cooking ability.
 In addition to that Mickey and Keri started us off with nutritious and delicious meals. New friend Sharon McQuillen brought us a chicken casserole that was better than any I have ever made. And yesterday for supper friend Pat Limburg Rusnak brought us a delicious soup and bread. It really hit the spot!
Butch is wanting to get rid of his Mr. Pickypants label so he has been eating things he would normally pass on. I have been impressed! I told him to quit looking at his food too closely. Over-analysis is part of the problem I think. There are many foods I would not eat as a child that I now find quite tasty.
It may not last but for now he is doing very well. In addition to that he has been very attentive and helpful.

Keeping up with the great grands

 Ethan Morlan will be 9 this coming month.

The Cortes girls are ready for Halloween

Nina Grace

Scarlett

Skylar

Such a treat to become better acquainted with these three this summer.

Elise is busy with play practice. We will miss her performance because of timing (Nov. 17,18 and 19th) but I know she will shine as always. 

 And then there is Little Leo.

 I have to share a story about my 4-year-old great-grandson. He admired a ninja turtle toy a coworker of his grandmothers had picked up at McDonald's. She told him she would get him one and she did. When she gave it to him she said,"Cowabunga Dude!" He said, "They don't say dude anymore. That was in the 90's."

His grandfather says he has something remarkable to say every day!

One week today

It is one week today since surgery. I would not label it an easy week but not a difficult one either. Glad to say it is past and look forward to easier days ahead. I have a checkup later today with my regular doctor and I expect to hear all is well.
For the record, I never needed anything stronger than Tylenol for pain. Butch has had several surgeries in the past few years and each time a script for oxycodone has been prescribed. He has never felt the need to fill them and I didn't either this time. I think they should be reserved for the worst of pain. Much in the news of late.
We have been going for a walk each day. Still not up to my usual on walking distance but will be soon.
 Future Plan: For right now the plan is to move into the motorhome a couple of weeks before we leave ( November 10ish). Last year we didn't move in soon enough and found we forgot several items. We are hoping the weather holds for us.
I have scoped out a couple of routes for us, both of which we have taken before. Very surprised to find that one was 49 miles further than the other. I am thinking we will take the shorter one this year. Actually, it is the one we have taken most often in the past.
Butch is out doing some putting away of summer things. He is working on the rain barrel right now.
In a conversation this past weekend I said,"No, to me, just means a detour." The guys got a chuckle out of this because they know the truth of it. Jason suggested it could be a family motto.

Taking it slow and easy

I have been taking lots of naps. I say I am going to lay down and watch TV but I am not at all certain I have seen an entire show this past week. It is getting better. This afternoon Keri, Butch and I went for a walk. 7 blocks are all. I could have gone further but in my past, I have pushed myself when I shouldn't have and paid the price. It takes a very long time to learn all of life's lessons.

Butch has done everything asked of him and more. We are a pretty solid twosome.
When you are in the mode we are right now there isn't much to say. We are just coasting along and enjoying the ride.