September 1 through 10:
Kellie came home from work feeling ill on Wednesday, 9/1. She went to a clinic and got a negative Covid test (required for her to return to work). Then, the school called JP saying a few kids in Emma’s 3rd-grade class were sick, so her entire class had to quarantine for the rest of the week. If she gets a negative Covid test, she can return on Tuesday – or she can return on the 8th with no test and no symptoms. Kellie returned to work on Thursday. JP and Emma took me for my 2nd physical therapy session from 1:00 until 1:45. I slept after we got home. Friday was Kellie’s last day to report to work for the Tax Collector. Since Emma was not allowed in school today, we started our morning with a walk around the block. At 8 am, the ‘feels like” temperature was 91. After another morning walk with Emma on Saturday, 9/4, Dad watched several college football “opening” games. We watched church service on Sunday morning, 9/5. Sunday night FSU played its season opener against 9th ranked Notre Dame. Although, we were expected to be trounced, it was a very exciting back-and-forth high-scoring game which went into overtime when they beat us by a field goal! Monday, 9/6, was Labor Day – a day of rest.
I started my second week of physical therapy on Tuesday, 9/7, and Emma returned to school. JP had a doctor’s appointment, so, since Kellie is no longer working, she took me to my appointment. This time, he massaged my shoulder before manipulating my arm. He also said that I no longer have to wear the 4-inch wide “pillow” which is attached to the sling during the day. I do have to continue wearing it at night. After therapy, Kellie and I met Vanessa for lunch, then Kellie took me shopping for some clothes that fit me (after losing 17 pounds) and then also to the grocery store. It was a long day for me.
On Thursday, 9/9, the therapist said I am doing well and have good range of motion. Good news, but I still have daily pain. We watched the NFL season opener – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Dallas Cowboys in Tampa. This was another exciting football game in which the Bucs went ahead 31-28 with only two seconds left in the game!
There were many 9/11 tributes on tv Friday, 9/10, as the tragic terrorist act took place 20 years ago tomorrow. I remember watching the second plane hit the twin towers building on tv at my office. A few days later, Rick got an e-mail from one of his classmates (whose mother had been one of my teachers) saying that he was safe, but his office in the Pentagon was destroyed by the third plane. He and his wife had decided, on the spur of the moment, to extend their vacation which is the reason he was not there that day. My church, Palm View First Baptist Church, has planned an event next month to honor our local first responders. Almost 3,000 people died that day.
September 11 thru 20:
Saturdays, Sunday afternoons and Monday nights usually find us watching football.
On Tuesday, 9/14, my physical therapist called in sick, so I saw a different person. She was very informative and used a different tool to try to relax some of the muscles in my arm. She also said that I have good range of motion. But, I should be very careful for the next two weeks that I don’t try to do too much too soon. JP took me to see the surgeon’s assistant Thursday morning, 9/16. The physician’s assistant said things were progressing as they should. Next week (6 weeks after surgery) I could stop wearing the sling – as long as I wasn’t using my arm too much – I would know that if it hurt when I did something I shouldn’t have. She told me that I could start driving again when I felt comfortable, but would need to keep my left hand in my lap. Since the therapist had told me that many people reinjure themselves in the next few weeks, I have decided to hold off on resuming my previous activities until the first week of October. Finally, the doc told me not to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup with my left hand for six more weeks, when I am scheduled to see her again on October 29th. After this appointment, JP and I had a leisurely lunch, then he took me to physical therapy. We’ve had a lot of rain recently. One nice side effect is my orchid is blooming again.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 9/18 – 9/20, we followed our normal routine. The University of Miami Hurricanes, the University of Florida Gators and the Florida State University Seminoles all lost their games on Saturday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. We had some visitors after the rain on Monday afternoon.
Sand Hill Cranes
September 21 through 30:
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The first thing that the physical therapist said to me on Tuesday, 9/21, was that I should retire my sling as of today since it has been 6 weeks since the surgery. After he warmed up and stretched my muscles, he gave me several new exercises to do where I moved my arm up and down and side to side.
Wednesday, 9/22, was the first day of fall. The meteorologist on tv this morning said the high will only be 89 – but, with the humidity, it will feel like 99. After hearing that news, I decided to get my hair cut.
I went by the cemetery to put a bouquet of Fall flowers at Rick’s marker on the way Senior Saints meeting at church on Thursday.
There were 14 seniors in attendance at the meeting. Our guest speaker from Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child, was very informative. She had a number of lists available with suggestions of things to put in the Christmas shoe boxes to be sent overseas to needy children. Traditionally, young boys and teenage boys receive the least. She also said that this year, you can fill a box on-line. The cost is $25; you get to pick the items you want included; and that cost includes the $9 postage. We learned that everyone who receives a shoebox is first read the story of salvation. Also, each recipient is offered an opportunity to return for a twelve-week class called “The Greatest Journey”. Many children have made a profession of faith after completing this class and you can become a sponsor by donating just $6 to fund one student.
Friday, 9/23 – I accompanied JP to pick up Emma after school to make sure my “check-in to pick up” app still works; then we went to her gymnastics class. JP and Kellie left in the evening to stay in Tampa tonight before boarding an early morning flight from Tampa International to Seattle where they will board a cruise ship for their delayed 10th anniversary celebration.
Saturday, 9/25 – I started the day by sending a text to JP and Kellie telling them that Emma slept well last night and wishing them a happy 11th anniversary. He replied saying, “We’re on the plane now. Our 6:30 a.m. flight was cancelled at 5:45. We had to reclaim our bags, recheck our bags; TSA twice; wait 5 hours; and reschedule our transfers and covid tests!” Kellie texted at 2:39 our time saying they had just landed. About 5:30, they texted to say they were on the ship enjoying lunch.
On Sunday, 9/26, Emma and I made blueberry muffins for her, me and PaPa to eat before watching the Palm View First Baptist Church service on-line. Emma spent a few hours across the street swimming with her friend Sadie. When she got home, she did her homework and we decided to go to bed early after supper.
I over-did it on Tuesday. After dropping Emma off at school on Tuesday, 9/28, I drove to the church office to do some data input which has been put off since my surgery. I worked a few hours then stopped at Peaches Restaurant in Ellenton for a bite to eat before going to physical therapy. Emma attended art club after school, so I picked her up at 5:00 and we headed straight to Main Street Trattoria in Lakewood Ranch. Emma worked on her homework in the car on the way and I tried unsuccessfully to join in a North River Care Board meeting by phone. We arrived at the restaurant where my other granddaughter, Vanessa, works at 5:45. Vanessa had invited us to a special private party for friends and family which was also an opportunity to train new staff for an upcoming grand re-opening. They had a limited menu for this evening, but Vanessa had arranged for Emma to have chicken tenders and fries for her meal. I had delicious chicken parmesan with roasted vegetables in place of pasta. For dessert, Emma chose chocolate lava cake from the menu while I had tiramisu. We enjoyed everything very much.
On Thursday, 9/30 , Emma complained of a tummy ache after I picked her up, but she ate her favorite foods for supper. Unfortunately, she was sick during the night.
Our journey has been inspired by Joy and Steve Fredrick. You can see more of their story at