A Day In Sacramento

What a busy day. This is the day that I have been waiting for - a visit with the Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist in Sacramento, CA.

On our way, we stopped for an early lunch at The Virgin Sturgeon on the American River. Even though the sun was not shinning brightly it was very pleasant and the ambiance of this funky little restaurant was great. I have been to this place a couple times in the past during the summer. At this time of the year the propane stove is burning and the patrons sit as close to it as they can. This is opposite to the summer time when everyone wants to sit at the windows edge to enjoy watching all the boats going by. Our table was in front of the stove as we were there when they opened at 11:30 AM. We both ordered the Smoked Salmon Salad with red onion, dried cranberries, glazed walnuts and a honey mustard dressing. Delicious!

Then, it was time to go to my medical appointment. The doctor was "working me in" between surgeries he was performing at the hospital across the street. Shoulder e-rays were taken prior to seeing the doctor so he could assess them as well as the MRI that I hand carried to the appointment. He reviewed everything with us on the monitor and explained that all of the bones looked good with no cracks or chips. His assessment of the MRI was consistent with the local orthopedic doctor. The short and long of it is: 1-minimize pain, 2-strengthen arm muscles by daily physical therapy, 3-return in three weeks for review of anticipated progress.

I had a choice of going to Physical Therapy in my home town or have his physical therapist provide instruction for a home program. I was so glad that I chose to have his staff provide instruction. It was very thorough. The greatest part was the new approach to Physical Therapy, at least from my perspective. In time past, PT was referenced as "pain and torture". Not so, anymore. All exercises are to be stopped when pain level increases. The focus is to increase strength in my arm to support the shoulder mechanisms. 

In three weeks, we will know more and surgery may be discussed. But, all conservative treatment will be used before seriously considering surgery because surgical repair may not be possible because of the extent of the tendon tear across the top of my shoulder. It may not be possible to reconnect the tendon because of the length of the tear. The MRI is quite startling! Overall, I am so happy that I went to this doctor. He and his whole office were excellent - friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.

I am optimistic and look forward to starting my home exercise program.

  
Since Arden Fair Mall was nearby, we stopped in to do a little shopping for a holiday blouse for me to wear with a long black skirt to a Holiday Party next week. After being drawn to a "little number in Nordstroms, costing $1, 365.00" every thing I looked at thereafter seemed like a real bargain! In another store I was able to get not one but two blouses that I really like and they were 40% off. Now, that is my kind of shopping. That was the only thing I needed or wanted. It was a very good day and we had a lot of fun.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.

 

  

Who's There?

And, they thought we were just some big kids out Trick or Treating!

I just received these pictures of us taken on Halloween night arriving at a party in the neighborhood near the home of MSM. Costumes were optional and boy oh boy did we surprise them. And, I was very surprised when MSM said that he wanted to "go in costume".  Actually, I do not think I can remember the last time I dressed in Halloween costume. Actually, I don't think I can say I was in costume. It is more accurate to say that I put a mask (that I have had for years) on my face and a witches hat on my head!

We had such a fun time. I don't think I will ever forget how much MSM was laughing as we walked hand in hand in the neighborhood to the party.

I hope you are having a Fun Filled Day - everyday.



It Was Cold And It Is Still Cold

This is what it looked like 15 minutes north of my home where MSM lives. I took these photos at his home Friday morning. The snow looked beautiful but it was a challenge when trying to get up or down the driveway.

The driveway has been cleared several times already with these storms. But, sometimes you just have to get out the shovel and get to it.

Thanksgiving Day was very nice and we were in a lot of snow on that day also. We were in a home that is back in the forest and the road that is beyond the county maintained portion has to be cleared by the home owners. So, it was important to head back home before night fall.  

This amount of snow is very unusual for this area. Usually, the snow melts before the next storm. But now the snow is starting to pile up. I am sure glad that my home is at a lower elevation. There is a big difference in the amount of snowfall between 2100 feet and 3000 feet elevation even though it is only a few miles in travel distance. 

I hope you had a Great Thanksgiving and that you are enjoying leftovers and staying warm.

Thanksgiving Blessings To All

There have been so many blessings in my life during this year. At times it has been very challenging but I could not ask for a better year. I have learned a lot about myself that I never would have known if I had not met a very special person. We have grown together in so many ways and he has shown me how very much he cares for me by putting aside unhealthy behaviors and focusing on the well being of the two of us. It is a very happy time.

We will be spending a large family Thanksgiving at his daughter's home which is only an hour or so away from my home. I have spent many holidays alone during the past years and I am really looking forward to a festive Thanksgiving in a family setting. In so many ways I feel as if I have a family again!

My granddaughter will be working and making good money with holiday pay and that will help her with her goals of obtaining a college education. I am looking forward to seeing her during the month of December when we will get together again. I miss her. 

I would like to wish everyone a nice Holiday and express my gratitude for many new acquaintances in blogland and profound appreciation for renewed friendships and new friends in my little world.  

I send wishes to all for a very enjoyable Holiday weekend.

The Storm Is Coming

 I cleaned up all the leaves and pine needles from the patio, sidewalks and driveway. The timing was perfect in that the rain started just as I was ready to come into the house. This activity is getting more and more difficult for me each year. It is quite difficult to find someone to do this kind of yard maintenance on a regular basis. Most of the yard people up here are what is gently called "Mow and Blow". 

Yes, - - - - - - - the snow came!

Everything got a nice dusting and the sun is shinning. However,we may get more snow tonight.

That is it for now. I am dealing with a slight head cold.  So, I am going to stay in and keep nice and warm by the fire.

 I hope you have a Cozy and Warm Day.

 

Crockpot Weather

It is a chilly night and a good time to have the Crockpot signaling that it time to have some dinner.  This recipe is an old time favorite of mine and of course it is very easy. Isn't that what Crockpot cooking is all about?

This is POLISH SAUSAGE STEW.

1 can Cream Of Celery condensed soup

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 (27 oz) jar sauerkraut, drained

1  1/2 pounds Polish Sausage, cut in 2 inch pieces

4 medium potatoes, pared and cut in large cubes

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup (4 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

 

In crockery slow cooker, combine soup, sugar and sauerkraut.

Stir in sausage, potato and onion.

Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or cook on high heat for 4 hours.

Spoon off excess fat. Stir in cheese. Spoon into serving bowls.

Serve with additional shredded cheese to sprinkle over top, if desired.  ENJOY

Our weather is certainly changing and getting colder at night. Actually, the weather forecast for California Sierra Nevada  Foothills for the weekend is SNOW!  It is difficult to imagine that at 3000 feet elevation that we may have snow before Thanksgiving.

And now, just a few things I am playing around with. It is a little frustrating that I am not able to do much handwork with my current arm problem. But,I could not help myself. I had to try a little crocheting. It is so much fun.

 

I hope you are having a Grand Day.

It Was Such A Great Weekend

Our trip to see my Granddaughter at college was so very great. She was so happy to see me that she hugged  me so tight and would not let me go. And, then she hugged me some more! It was marvelous.

She showed us her dorm room and introduced us to a lot of her college friends. The Lavender Afghan that I made for her for her birthday last March was on her bed. Of course, that made me feel good. We had a tour of the campus and the fabulous Henry Madden Library that she uses regularly.

We then went to California Pizza Kitchen where she works and we enjoyed a nice lunch. She showed us the grocery story where she works and then we did a little shopping before going to dinner at Ruth's Crish Steak House for an outstanding steak dinner.

The next morning we let her "sleep in" and then we went to Marie Callender's for brunch. She had sent me a shirt with her college mascot on the front and we needed to exchange it for a different size. So, we went shopping some more to many different shops and boutiques. She was able to find a nice pair of short boots that she liked.

It was very difficult to say goodbye at 1:30 so she go to an afternoon class. My heart is filled with joy just being able to see her for the short time that we had together.

No trip would be complete without a short visit to Cold Stone Creamery, would it?

I will always cherish the memories. And, I can't wait to see her again soon!

I hope you are having a Fabulous Day.

The Two Of Us

Yes, you heard me correctly. It is true. The time has come that I wanted to share this happiness on my blog so that I can once again share about some of the activities that we enjoy together.

When I last blogged (September 10) about my relationship I really had no idea that it could be salvaged. But, My Special Man was terribly unhappy without me in his life and he has totally turned his life around and he is taking all the necessary steps to keep it that way. For the past six weeks I have been enjoying  a "new relationship". We are doing extremely well and we are having a lot of fun enjoying life together.  Everything has been going very smoothly and without conflict. And, his adult children are thrilled - and so am I.  At our age,  life really only gives us one day at a time. And, living like that really works for me.

With the recent medical events in my life it has been wonderful having a strong man by my side providing support and comfort. He will be taking me (two hours drive) to Sacramento Sutter Medical Center Hospital for my next medical appointment with the Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist.

Tomorrow, we are driving south (three hours drive) to visit my Granddaughter at her college. I am truly excited about seeing her and visiting with her and seeing her college. She is a freshman and she is doing very well given some very difficult family circumstances. She is getting excellent grades and has two jobs, one at a grocery store and one at a restaurant. She is so happy to be in college!  I am looking forward to introducing her to MSM.

                                           
I hope you have a Wonderful Weekend.

It Was Wonderful

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to have a professional full body massage. It had been a long time since I have had that kind of lovely pampering. And, I really needed it. I think it is one of the most wonderful ways of taking good care of yourself. We have many wonderful Certified Massage Therapists in the little town where I live. Many of them are within walking distance of my home. It is truly wonderful!

With the amount of discomfort that I have been having lately, it was very helpful to relax some of my muscles that are so tense and tight. It really helped my body to feel a little more comfortable.

I won the massage at the Silent Auction that was recently held at our Harvest Festival at the church.

 The next best thing may be a Triple Chocolate Meltdown from Applebee's!  And, that is actually what I enjoyed later in the day. I would say that it was a very Successful Day.

 

I hope you are having a relaxing day and able to pamper yourself.

Veteran's Day

Shocked With Shoulder Diagnosis

I saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday to review the MRI of my right shoulder. I had the CD and preliminary report in my possession. I am a retired Registered Nurse. So, I opened the envelop and read the report. I was shocked with the amount of injury/degeneration of THREE of the four tendons at the top the the shoulder that surrounds the humerus (upper arm) bone. I tried to put the information out of my mind until the medical appointment.   

Today, the severity of the problem is becoming very real to me. The doctor was very thorough in his examination and explanation of the problem and treatment options. He discussed everything from arthroscopic surgery to shoulder replacement. The damage to my shoulder from "wear and tear" is so severe that it may not be operable.

Ligaments attach bone to bone. TENDONS are much like ligaments, except that tendons attach MUSCLES TO BONE. Muscles move the bones by pulling on the tendons.  The rotator cuff tendons are a group of four tendons that connect the deepest layer of muscles to the humerus. According to the report and doctor, there is COMPLETE ABSENCE of the supraspinatus tendon and some of the adjacent infraspinatus tendon consistent with a LARGE TEAR with retraction and probable PARTIAL TEAR of the subscapularis tendon. And, as to be expected there is a lot of degenerative changes because of my age. Surprisingly, I do not have any arthritis at the top of my humerus.

So, as you can see, it is not a very pretty picture. My doctor is sending me for another opinion with an orthopedic surgeon in Sacramento, CA who specializes in doing ONLY shoulder surgery.

I have been through a lot of muscular/skeletal problems in my life primarily because I have always expected a lot out of my body. Not having someone else to do things for me and not having the money to pay someone to do things certainly has contributed to the situation. I came from a very strong work ethic and have never been able to ignore things that need to be done. This is my right shoulder which is my dominant arm.  My life is really going to be impacted in the next few months.  

I will be working hard to keep my spirits high. I have survived a lot in the past and I have to believe that I will get through this also.

Now, I am going to enjoy the beautiful Autumn Day "here in the neighborhood". The fall colors are so beautiful and the nights are getting colder.

Google Image

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.

Do Not Forget

This weekend is the beginning of Standard Time. Changing of the time - - - and smoke alarm batteries - - - is the harbinger of the shorter days to come. And, Christmas will be here before I know it. Plans for the holidays are unclear at this time, especially since I do not know what medical treatment for my hand/arm is before me. It is raining here today and a good day to stay in and close to the fireplace heater.

I hope you are having a Warm and Cozy Day.

Lady Of Short Stature

Means that pant legs always have to be shortened. And that includes blue jeans which have a reputation for being very difficult to hem because of the heavy fabric and the ever recognizable orange thread. Throw in the fact that I am using a Singer Touch and Sew Zig Zag Sewing Machine that I purchased in 1968 and you have a master challenge.

I am a believer in the saying "They don't make 'um like they used to". And, in this case I am talking about one of my sewing machines. This machine has truly been a work horse through the years. Don't misunderstand me. The new machines certainly have a place in todays fabulous sewing and craft world.

 

Now, back to the subject at hand - - - hemming blue jeans. If you ever have to do this alteration, I seriously recommend the procedure explained at this website, How To Hem Jeans. Look how nice the hem looks with preservation of the original hem. I was able to hem two pairs of blue jeans today and that makes me very happy.

I hope you are having a Great Day. 

It's Not Fair

I so badly want to do some knitting and handwork. But it has almost become impossible with the way my right arm/hand is feeling. I am almost counting the minutes until my medical appointment on Monday.  Regardless of the long range treatment plan, I really would like to have another cortisone shot for some relief for the short term.

I am planning on going to see my Granddaughter at her college in a week or so and I do not want to miss seeing her. She is really looking forward to her Grandma's visit.

This is a simple baskerweave stitch that knits up quickly. But, at the rate I'm going, it will take forever.  

It is too difficult to type much longer. However, I would like to leave you with this picture from my window of this beautiful Magnolia tree in all its fall splendor.

And this beautiful red Burning Bush.



I hope you are having a Wonderful Day.