An update and such

     Hello old friends.  I still see there are people finding and reading, hope it helps and such.  I'm doing a little perk update for May 2013.  The meat of it, probably a 2 or 3 parter will be in the Life Is blog.

     Basically I've kept up with everything in my nature, unfortunately weight too.  Hit the gym daily, which I know is not the best as it will turn out.  So I signed up for a 5K or 3.1 mile walk for the heart.

     Well let me tell you, when I say not the best for the gym everyday I mean simply this.  You cannot duplicate the out door environment.  You cannot duplicate the terrain.  I should have remembered this. 

     It was out east on the island, at some winery.  It had been a gray and rainy week and the weather for Sunday was to be icky.  Damp and in the high 50's to low 60's.  I layered for rain and cold.  Not a great idea.

     Flannel lined jeans, extra warm, denim shirt, topped off with a fleece lined hoodie.  There were a lot of people and we did raise over $70,000 so that was great.

     On the treadmill I was doing 3.2 - 3.4 miles an hour at an incline of 2 or 3.  Takes me somewhere in the low 20 range for 1.5 miles.  So I was predicting time of no more than 45 miles. 

     I really don't know the exact humidity level, but with the rain it must have been high.  I hadn't taken that into consideration at all.  Afterall it's never humid in the gym!

     The line up starts runners in the front, joggers behind, walkers behind them, strollers last.  I was at the front of the walkers.

     While I don't want to cheat anyone on this update let me conclude, it was a whole lot tougher than I thought.  Grass and terrain, at the 30 min mark we reached the halfway mark.  I finished not the dead last of the group.  But in the last 10 people.

     Glad I did it.  And just wanted to say that I am still in full force of taking my life back.  Thank you for all your support.

General stuff.

      That weekend was when I started taking real walks.  By that I mean I would drive to a nearby town and park.  And just walk.  It was nice, I had my camera but didn't use it yet.  It was just nice to be able to do some light hills.
    
     It is a bit boring to always walk in the same place as I had been doing.  A near by town was on the water.  Had some hilly spots.  Figured it was a good way to start testing myself further.  Why not I thought.  I'd survived my very first week back.

     It was still a warm September, and I took it slowly.  Delighting in every step.  Seeing new things in new ways.  Even found out that a local community center had an outdoor ice rink, kind of a neat thing.  It is literally not far from the harbor, you can see it from the rink even.  I loved it all.

     Work was slightly different, isn't it always when you've been away even on a vacation.  Things change and you just have to get acclimated.  One pronounced change was definite.  I'd always get supplies for the winter for the office.  Hand cream, tissues, hand sanitizer and the ilk.  I'd ask my manager and he'd just say bring me the receipt.  This time when I asked, the reply was, if I wanted to I could.  No mention of paying for it. 

     It was obvious that we now did for ourselves.  I got over it, bought a small bottle of hand cream and cube of tissues for my desk.  I really couldn't blame him.  Seemed everyone enjoyed the perks but never made an offer.  I used to buy hand cream and everyone would use it.  That was how it became a department expense.  He felt bad about everyone using my stuff.

     There were little changes in jobs done that I just had to go with.  Nothing major, just rode the wave.  My second week ended and I called to see if I could go back to a 40 work week.  Wholly Shit!

     Apparently they'd just left me at the regular time and never adjusted my hours.  I felt badly and told my manager.  He just said don't worry about it.  And that was that.  First 2 weeks a light schedule and paid a full 80 hours.  And it continued from there.

     People were very  glad to see me back and that was nice.  One of the maintenance crew and his wife even had a mass said for me.  That was touching.  Of course not everyone was so gracious.

     A girl, she'd worked in our department for 5 years, known her since she was 19.  We'd not really continued the friendship after she left the department.  She stayed tight with my manager though.  Anyway.

     She'd come down, manager was on the phone.  I thought she came to say welcome back and hear how I was.  As I got up, she shook her head.  Said no let him know I stopped by and left.  Kind of rude, but what do you expect I reckon.

     I was still exercising and just enjoying the Hell out of life.  Still am.  I even incorporated a new area to walk in.  As winter hit I was cold.  But not that other kind of bone cold.  I was back to myself. 

     Still watching what I ate sodium wise and being careful.  Enjoying the friendship and camaraderie.  I had what I asked for.  My life back.

Listen.

     Odd title of a blog I know.  I've got maybe 1-2 more entries of this blog then I'm done.  It doesn't have to be over.  You can read my other blog life is.  Not the same tho.
     I want to say I've enjoyed writting this blog.  Most of the memories I was carrying around have been exorcised either by time or writting.  Now at least there is a record.  I truly think I captured the whole of my experience.
     In my heart I want to hope and think, someone who needs this blog will find it.
     I want to thank everyone for having read it.  I do wish there had been more audience participation, comments or questions.  But then I wasn't writting for that alone.  Thank you all for coming along for the ride.

Getting ready for work next week.

     I was pleased that I would be starting my work week on a short one.  I was very concerned that I would poop out in the middle of the day.  Sunday I gave thoughts about food.  I would bring 2 snacks, primarily grapes and cheerios. 
     Had been eating more regularly, but cautiously.  Not over doing it on the sodium at all.  I still was getting those hunger attacks, lessened, but still there.  So I wanted to make sure I had an appropriate answer for them.  The cafeteria in my building was strictly off limits.  As were the vending machines.
     Labor day?  Brother in law probably BBQ something.  I think we had power back on.  this blog has been a nice exercise in getting details out.  to be honest I doubt I recalled at the beginning of the blog each and every detail.
     I left for work on Tuesday.  Wished my sister well.  We'd had a good arrangement with the visiting nurse that came with her wound, so that wouldn't be an issue at all.
     The ride was uneventful as ever.  My schedule would now be from 8-4, I think that makes a 35 hour work week.  It was nice being back.  Saw people who were glad to see me.  Had to ease into things, things had changed in little ways.  Had to wait to get computer access back.  Met the temp that had been hired in my absence.  A real nice dude named James.  Think I was mostly saddened because we both knew with my return his departure was coming.  He was a good worker.  Slept a little on the job.  Just a nice guy. 
     Still had my desk, it was awkward.  I'm usually the first person people see when they come to that area, and the last person they're looking for.  The day ended unceremoniously enough.  I got in my car and went home.  I felt great.  Like I had actually achieved something.  No.  I didn't bring a cigar to celebrate with.  Not that foolish.
     Over all my week was on of getting acclimated again.  Seeing how people reacted.  I think I managed to see all my friends.  Those few who I told personally had come down to see me, because I hadn't made it upstairs yet.  It was pleasant.
     We have just a little more in an entry or 2 we shall be finished with this tale.

Let us continue.

     (Damn I'm sorry)  Not at all sure If I missed the appointment with my cardiologist.  Cleared for work and would have to see him in October.  Let's just pretend.  Okay?  Trust me nothing memorable.
     It was my last week of total freedom.  I spoke with the woman from the Hartford and she spoke to human resources.  I was cleared for a 35 hour work week.  What!?  I was assured this would not affect my benefits, I let my manager know.  I thought it was a good idea starting on a 4 day schedule.  Thus ended Friday.
     Saturday.  I decided on a little road trip.  It was a mere 30+ miles east.  Sister would have brother in law home.  I was going to enjoy this.  I'm not sure entirely if I was back to smoking in the car yet, I'd wager no. 
     Great day for a drive, Saturday, great mood, good weather, feeling wonderful, was going to hit the outlet center, Saturday. 
     SATURDAY OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!!!  Yes, somehow I failed the connection there.  The center is at the end of the highway practically.  If you're not over to the left you drive into it.  I remember it being 2 hours of Hell in bumper to bumper to door to bumper.  When I finally made my way through the maze to an exit.  Oh no way was I going to find parking.
     I was going to salvage the experience.  Lick my poor wounds and nurse my pride.  I mean I never ever go to stores on shopping weekends or days.  I headed for my favorite little soul food place.  I mean this place rocks like no other.
     It is a little trailer kind of place.  A place the uninitiated walk past.  Sometimes there is a halfway house next door.  They make the most awesome stuff.  The chicken is so fresh from the yard.  Remember 35+ years if you can or more.  When mom would buy chicken, yes even from the super market.  and it was still so fresh you had to burn off the little stems from the feathers.
     Corn bread awesome.  Collard greens awesome.  Everything, even the ribs.  But it was not to be perfection this time.  See they had suffered from dear old Irene as well.  There was no favorite of mine then.  Sweet Potatoe Pie.  My meals there usually begin with a slice and end with a slice, yup appetizer and dessert.
     Over all I was pleased with how the day had went  Returning home after the vigor of traffic and such I was pleased not to be exhausted.  I was ready for the working world.

Thursday.

     I was beginning to wear thin a little.  Cooped up at home with my sister now in residence.  Enjoying every moment I could.  The house wasn't terribly hot, thank goodness.  I can always deal with heat better than with cold. 
     Routine I admit was  wearing a bit thin.  I was longing for change.  Back among people.  Just being out of the house with a purpose was enough.  As I mentioned at the beginning, I'd had 3 open heart surgeries when young.  Times were different.
     Television was still interesting, even though we didn't have cable.  Being  young was fun.  Mom at the time was a stay at home and that was fun.  A big trip for me would constitute going to the mall.  Now because of germs, they were overly cautious then we went early.  I mean before most stores opened.  But it was sheer delight to just wander.  And at one point I'd be allowed to  go the the video game place, oh rapture.
     This was just around the time of Atari 2600, so it wasn't like having games in the palm of your hands.  It was heavenly having an entire game store to myself.
     As an adult.  You know you need to get back to routine.  A couple hundred channels and nothing on.  I'd even tired of my judge shows which I simply adored.  Even told that to my manager when he called, we had a good laugh.   He's into the judge shows as well.
     I figured that the upcoming weekend would be a good idea for a road trip. 

Wednesday

     It was allright to travel, the Island had been hit hard, nothing compared to Superstorm Sandy that would hit a year and a few months later.  I coped well without power.  Sister was still sleeping off and on a lot and just adjusting.  The most harrowing part were the deliveries of oxygen tanks.  Had to plan.
     I simply did not have the strength to hold back to dog.  So either she had to be coaxed into the back yard.  Or locked in the main room of the house so the oxygen could get into the back.
     Except for the fact that I knew I was still recovering, I felt really good.  The week after Labor Day I had the appointment with my cardiologist, who would give me final clearance to go back to work. I spoke with the woman from the Hartford about this.  It seemed it would be an adjustment, we'll get there.
     For the most part I spent time around the house, in case my sister needed anything.  Again I've no memory of food or such.  But I can tell you about Wednesday night.
     I sat outside and there was an orchrestra of generators.  I was annoyed as all Hell!  I sincerely could not hear the crickets.  Believe it or not it is stressfull tied to a house without power, recovering from major surgery, and taking care of someone else as well.  Okay that previous sentence may have just been a bit over the top.
     If you've read the other blog you allready know this, I am a cigar smoker.  I do enjoy them.  I cannot recall if I covered this.  Long story shortened, in my house, in my humidor to be exact.  Was a box of unwanted cigars, I cancelled my subscription with the company because of them.
     I wanted to be in a good place before starting again.  I was stressed.  So I grabbed a cigar and lit it up the Wednesday before Labor Day.  And I enjoyed it.  And I still haven't stopped. 
     I took a slightly longer quicker walk on Thursday.  I was checking my breathing, my pulse, making sure that the cigar was having no ill effects.  I'm pleased to say it wasn't.  I would survive and I would have one of the things I do enjoy most.

Let us continue

     Sunday dawned, the storm still in full anger mode.  We lost power at some point, the worry was bout my sister's oxygen.  I didn't go out that night to survey what damage had occurred.  Catholic Health Services, I think that's what CHS stands for, promised oxygen tanks.  The power outages were massive.  The man arrived about midnight, we were grateful and impressed.  Tanks delivered, went to bed.
    
     Monday morning, still no power.  I did go out into and drive around.  A lot of trees down, town seemed to be doing okay.  Started some light clean up.  It was still pretty warm, was a hot summer then, but the hurricane had cooled it off.  My sister pretty much rested.  I remember nothing of how we ate and such.

     She was taking pain pills, those oxy things, they made here extremely loopy.  I mean loopy even for her.  One night, it was pitch black, maybe around 12 midnight, she called me in.  We needed to fortify the ramparts to repel zombies.  I remember my brother in laws face.  Oh no, he was about to try to reason with her.  I quickly jumped in.  I assured her we were safe and we would fortify the ramparts first thing in the morning,   That placated her.  I must admit it is still a joke we make on occasion.

     I also remember Monday night sitting outside, listening to the crickets, looking at all the stars normally blocked out by lights.  I was loving it.  And the temperature was delightful.

     Tuesday came and still no power.  We arranged another oxygen delivery, I believe my brother in law had gone to work that day.  The deliveries were tough.  Basically the dog had to be locked away so we could let the tanks be delivered.  Oh they were also for her c-pap machine.  Tuesday night I remember hearing 2-3 new generators.  The crickets were losing the battle but still trying.  I was annoyed at the intrusion of technology.

The week before Hurricane Irene

     Let me back up a little.  Once my sister arrived home, for the first day or so she did what most people do, sleep.  She was in some discomfort and such.  The visiting nurse was still being discussed.
     Hurricane Irene was a blip on the horizon, none of us were really paying her any mind I must admit.  I was still walking each and every morning.  Feeling more and more like my old self.  I'd get us lunch and such.  Not entirely sure but I believe I was cooking already. 
     My recovery was going great.  I felt more and more like my old self, just a little wounded.  I had the freedom of a car.  In a few weeks would be my doctors appointment to get me clearance to go back to work.  I began working with one of those people that handle such things from my short term disability.  A nice sounding competent person.
     To keep myself true to a schedule, I was now waking up and staying up, no more afternoon napping unless I really needed it, I seldom did.  As many walks a day as I could get to keep myself somewhat fit.  The numbness in the ring and pinky still plagued me in my right hand.  My left was pretty much recovered and I was now able to open my own seltzer bottles.
     It was Friday and the storm was due to hit on Saturday late in the day.  Well off my brother in law and I went to get cable boxes.  One for the living room, one for my sisters room, which she wouldn't get into for a month or 2.  And yes one for me, I've yet to set it up, thinking about doing so now.  They would be free for a year. 
     The wind had indeed picked up as we arrived home safely and prepared for the storm.

Eventually my sister returns home

     It was 2 weeks before Labor day, my sister was dying to come home.  The fact that the would was so slow to heal was the issue.  It needed to be taken care of daily.  It was determined that a visiting nurse would be needed. 

     There would be these long breakdown phone calls about how she couldn't stand it there anymore.  She did have a point.  She was there for physical therapy.  Then she had the idea that she could come home and go there for the therapy.  Yeah like that was going to happen.  My days were often broken by having to go there for her meltdowns.

     My brother in law was getting annoyed by the early morning calls for food and such.  Especially early on Sunday mornings when we were going food shopping.  It's not fort knox exactly, you are not supposed to walk in, but you can.

     Word came that she was going to be released.  She was estatic.  She came home and made her way to bed and such.  One of the first orders was for us to go to the cable place for free boxes.  I still haven't set mine up.

Good Morning.

      Happy New Year!  We've got a bit of a ways to go on this blog, not much more but enough.  We will probably be done by the end of February.  I wanted to take a minute.
     Thank you for reading, even though you my audience has been silent.  I hope it has helped or at least brought some giggles.  It's been good to record it and relive parts.   Yes this is a premature ending, just was in the mood.  I'm going to start again, maybe tonight depending how tired I am.
     We've  Hurricane Irene to look forward too, a week without power, sister home, walks and my returning to work, and much stuff like that.  Stay tuned.

Trying to find the track.

     I may repeat a few things just bear with me is all.  I remember driving out east to the cigar lounge, no not for a cigar.  To see a pal that works there.  Met a new employee, found out my friends brother had passed, not unexpectedly.  It was still a nice 20 mile drive, one of the longest during my recovery.
     I remember getting a little bored with my walk around town, but kept going.  I hadn't fought to get my life back so I could just waste away.  I was feeling pretty good.  Called people, bill collectors and such.  Listening to my sister in her misery. 
     Overall it was nice and I was making sure to enjoy.  I think in the news we first started to hear about tropical storm Irene.

Savoring the moments

     I was thoroughly enjoying my freedom once again.  It was a sheer delight.  I made sure not to waste this time.  I can still remember being imprisoned while recovering from my first OPH surgeries.  They were all winter time recoveries.  Talk about stir crazy.  Hell I even looked forward to going back to school back then.
     Now as an adult I knew how precious stuff in general was, and that included time.  Funny you know they say time gets shorter as we grow older.  I think we just become more aware of it all.  We date things by certain things.  Holidays, birthdays, yes even paychecks.  When you are young it is all still so fresh and you've so little to actually do, you have more time.  So let's blame responsibility?  That's another discussion.
     As August progressed I was feeling better.  My fingers on my right hand still numb.  I was not overly testing my limits.  Adoring the morning walks, the summer sounds, the taste of it all.  I had also stopped staring straight down as I now strolled.  I did, however, keep a watchful eye on that rock.  It was going to move one day.
     Walking in town was wonderful. Up the street and back down to the bakery.  Home for that delicious warm brew.  Now unfortunately a small piece of my afternoon was taken up by my sister.  Brought her lunch from the deli and such.  Heard the complaints, which I assured her only meant she was getting better.
     I wasn't napping in the afternoon with any frequency.  You know I just realized I may have left some important items out.  Must remember in the next post.

Pattern sets in.

     With my new mobility I had a new pattern.  That was to visit my sister and bring her lunch from the deli.  Not overly exciting.  Got to hear her complain and say how she was going to change her life again.  No more smoking, excercise, all that crap.  She also had to endure a hellish ride back to the surgeon via ambulette so her surgeon could remove staples.  She was in pain and crying, he told her to not be such a baby.  Oh this guy was such a prick.
     Still walking and taking time to enjoy the time off.  Knew it would not come again like this.  Saw neighbors here and there.  Paid bills, called insurance and stuff.  I wasn't sleeping as much either, I was happy about that.
     By now my right hand, remember the finger numbness, was much improved.  The left was still rather numb.  I was able to do little things.  At some point my brother in law had decided that it was better to drink 6-9 beers a night rather than kill an 18 pack over the weekend.  Yeah I never saw the logic there either.  Just a point to let you know I was very alone in my recovery.
     My sister really lost it in the rehab.  I would get hysterical calls from rehab how she couldn't take it there anymore.  I tried to do my best, but it was for her own good.  At one point she felt that it would be a good idea if she came home and just went there for rehab.  Not sure she was rational.  It endured.
     Weekends were spent visiting.  Think brother in law took the dog up to see her once.  She was still bleeding a bit.  Visit went well enough.  It was a toll on her and credit must be paid.  It was during those visits I realized she was smoking again.  Sorry but what assholes.  Anyway.

First social event

     Apparently my grandfather's wife had passed.  I am going to treat it blandly on all occasions because it is a lot of family stuff.  I received the call from my Uncles' wife.  They live around the corner.  Sad news of course.  This woman wasn't my grandmother, but the woman that my grandfather married a year after her death.  Long history and stuff.  Also long history with my Uncle, grandfathers son, his only child with my grandmother.  She had 2 other children, one of which was my mom, from her first marriage.  Never met him, died when my mom was 2.
     I spoke with my sister and of course I should go.  Was a far drive.  Called the funeral parlor and bought flowers from where they recommended.  In fact all the flowers for the funeral were from there.  I would make the afternoon wake.
     Was about a 45 minute drive from home.  Had directions.  Listening to sports station en route.  They were interrupted.  New York had experienced an earthquake.  Not overly violent, but not a usual occurrence here.  I've never heard sports radio get interrupted before or since.
     Got a little lost, recovered and made the funeral parlor.  Nice lay out, small turn out.  Family stuff.  Was a little conversation about the earthquake.  No one inside had felt it.  One cousin was in her car in the lot and did feel it.  Was asked if I'd be making the service and burial the next day.  Of course I said I would.
     Drove home and reported to my sister in the rehab center.  She truly hated the place, I couldn't blame her.  Have I covered this?  If so skip the next paragraph and maybe the one after.
     Physical therapy rehabs seem to be done in nursing homes.  Rather depressing.  You have people trying to get better and people that, well, face it, it's a nursing home.  The food was horrible.  Rooms painted a heinous shade of blue.  People always in the hallways, many moaning and delirious.  My sister was outside of a nursing station, so that was a big congregating spot.  Okay enough there, you can tell why she hated it.  Did I mention the food?  I remember one time looking at the tray, reading what it was supposed to be.  Unrecognizable slop.  In fact my friends mom was there, she passed before I had clearance to drive or leave house.  She also lamented about the food at the same place.  Nice woman, great cook.
     Okay it's safe background covered. 
     My sister said I had to go to the burial, I said of course.  Back to funeral home, drive caravan style to cemetary and agreed to go to the lunceon.  It was at a family buffet style chinesse restaurant.  Was allright.  Really wish I'd had more time with my grandfather.  Apparently his wife was in hospital for an entire year.  No one told us.  Still can't get a hold of him.  Uncle makes claims.  Like I said family stuff.  That covers it.

Returning this weekend

     I will return and post 3-4 coherent blogs here this weekend.

Freedom with a price is still better.

     I still had my time to myself.  One morning, parking in the train station parking lot I decided to walk up on a side street of town.  Hadn't done it before.  Just one block east of Main, so no worries.
     Something about a little residential street, noise, birds, shadows from the sun.  Very comforting.  At the end was an ecclectic little house.  By that I mean it was done up with a lot of yard knick knacks, that all seemed to go together.  It was a sheer delight to behold.  I really wish I could describe it.  This year seemed to be more reserved or I should have taken pictures.
     Walking by this house was my reward as well I felt.  I looked forward to it.  Then back down main street, to the bakery.  It was a delight.  It was near the end of this week that we recieved the news that my Grandfathers wife had passed.  Apparently she had been very ill, and we did not know.  So we shall continue next with the wake. 

More general stuff

      Freedom is a fond thing.  Of course mine now came with a price.  My sister just minites down the road now, demanded my attention.  Had to bring her lunch.  I will say the nursing home where she was interred for her rehab was pretty awful.
     If I recall rooms were painted a baby blue, which did not seem to ease one at all.  The television, well at least she had one.  And a room of her own, not that that mattered either.  She was just outside the nurses station.  A lot of people congregated there.  Literally moaning and just being miserable.  It was not pleasant.  I tried to remind her it wasn't permanent.
     Also that she was making progress, and was getting physical therapy and such.  The food was awful, so I would bring her lunch and such.  So for the most part, my days for the rest of summer would consist of going to the nursing home/rehab center around lunch time.  I did the best I could.
     There were also many phone calls of how miserable she was and wanted to come home and such.  And my brother in law decided to start drinking 6-9 beers a night.  Yeah, I was home.

I can drive!

     Word came back, I was cleared to drive.  The wonderful secretary at the surgeons office called and told me so.  Apparently he usually cut 2 weeks off of what the paper work said.  I was thrilled.  I could drive again!
     I swore not to over do it.  I was very careful and stayed local the first week.  Making sure not to twist the chest any more than necessary.  Probably a little over cautious.  My first drive?  To the train station parking lot across from the bakery.  My first walk was going to be in town I decided.  Finished of course with a muffin.
     With great trepidation I drove out about 7 in the morning.  Making sure to have my cell phone with me.  Ample parking.  I parked and took a wistful breath.  Freedom once again.  I had decided to walk up and down on the main street of town.
     It's not a huge town, I'll get the mileage tomorrow.  It is a nice walk, not hilly.  Busy with people who in August are going to work and such.  Carefully I tread.  Taking easy steps, breathing in, and oozing pure excitement and enjoyment.  I monitored myself just to be sure not to over do it.  After all it had been months since I drove.
     I should mention it was also with great delight that I was able to fit between the steering wheel, not being overly bloated with water.  It was a gorgeous day, promising screeching heat by noon.  So I had plenty of time.  The walk was one of my longest, took 40 minutes round trip.  I loved it.  I bragged in the bakery and sat down and ate my muffin.  This was the way I wanted my life back.  Doing what I wanted and not being held back by my body deteriorating.  Enjoying every breath I could. 
     I returned home.  Did my usual routines and noted no side effects of driving. I was very happy.  Next week was my surgeons appointment.  I wanted to ask him about that thing in my neck.  Do try to remember it, it is important.
     I'd been driving for about a week, taking slightly longer drives, working my way up to the 40 mile drive to the hospital, where my surgeons office was.  It was with great aplomb I got there.  Found parking and was very happy not to have to take a break walking from car to the elevator.
     The office was very comfortable.  I was told I would have to wait.  I profusely thanked the secretary who helped me continue my disability.  Smiled like a food kid when I finally saw the surgeon.  He examined me and said I was healing well.  I asked when I could be cleared for work.  Of course he said, "What's the rush?".  He then told me that it would be up to my cardiologist.  That appointment was at the very end of August.  I would have to wait.  I continued to thank him and promptly forgot to ask the question about the thing in my neck. 
     I called my sister when it was over, she was delighted.  She also told me the news that she had been approved and would probably be in rehab this week.  In our town, minutes away from the house.  I congratulated her and told her I was proud of her.

More general stuff but cohesive

     We focus a little on my sister now.  She was doing well.  They wanted to ship her to physical rehab.  The hospital she was in now was full so they were looking all over.  She called me with 2 names of places, which forced me to use her computer.  Let's just say she eats at her computer often and I had gross key boards.
     Physical rehab can be a hard place to get into. There has to be an opening.  I believe earlier I mentioned about 1 of my roommates.   Needed it but took 2 steps to many.
     In any case there was one about 20 minutes away from the house.  I looked it up.  First thing on the website, "STRONG POLICE PRESENCE" we skipped it and waited for another one.  Honestly I was in no rush to get her home, I wasn't up to it yet.  I was also hoping that having just survived a dangerous procedure that she would get a new lease on life and such.
     I'd begun a nice routine for myself.  Let my brother in law leave.  Walk to bakery.  Get home and devour muffin.  Lay out snacks for the day.  Pretty much as I recollect, grapes, 20 unsalted pretzels.  Didn't lay out the parfait, that was made when I wanted it.  Shower, sometimes I'd go to lie in bed wondering if I was overdoing it. Another mid morning walk, oh I adored them.  I mean August, off, was a grand time to recuperate.
     Lunch time, I think cartoon network, which I discovered, played the Flintstones, oh that took me back.  And yes plenty of Judge shows.  Okay must go, next we'll start with driving.