Progress

It seems a small thing but yesterday I actually wrote with my left hand...and more importantly, for me, I have started drawing again. Rather odd that drawing is actually easier than writing but my drawing is more of a two handed effort. My right hand has gotten so much practice lately with fine motor skills that I probably will continue to use it to write as it's faster. I had avoided spending any time at my drawing table for fear I just couldn't do it. I have had to relearn how to handle the pencils and other tools but it's coming along. Such a huge encouragement to me to make another step toward "normal". Oh, the things we take for granted.

Amazon Woman

Well, I could be a spokesperson for Amazon.com! I had been ordering our tea from them for a couple of years but this past week discovered that they also sell Wasa hardtack! This is what BJ and I eat for lunch every day and they sell it 12 packs at a time which comes out $2 cheaper per pack than even off island prices. Then to really top it off, I discovered yesterday that they even sell my Obagi skin care products MUCH cheaper than at the dermatologist's office. By the way, if you are not familiar with Obagi, check it out...wonderful products for the aging face!!...uh, yeah, that would be me.

40 Years!

It's hard to believe we have been together so many years but it was so nice to have such a relaxing place to celebrate. Our anniversary was glorious with fresh breezes, sunny...not humid like we recall our wedding day! BJ is seen here on the back porch of the B&B with his book. Walla Walla gets 300 days of sunshine...gotta have that for all those grapes, but they do not have the humidity that comes with their hot days.

We had a wonderful dinner out that evening. We had a rather poignant moment. I decided to wear my wedding ring on my right hand and wore a larger ring on my left ring finger. During dinner I commented to BJ that I wonder when I can get that wedding ring on my left hand again and so I took it off and tried once again on my left hand and lo and behold it slipped on. I got all emotional as it was the first time I could do that in 5 months. A special gift for that night.

Who Would Have Thunk?

Well, here we are in Walla Walla, Washington, a town of about 35,000 and quite a little jewel. Nestled in the foothills and surrounded by vineyards and endless wheat fields it has a special beauty. We hadn't expected to find this place so charming. This is a picture of the B&B we are staying at. The couple who own it renovated this 1893 Victorian mansion and it's quite something. Very little expense was spared and the suites are just exquisite with antique furnishings. It's a lovely place to spend our anniversary weekend. Today, we headed out to some of the vineyards to taste wine and, of course, bring a little home as well.

There is a lovely park across the street to stretch our legs.

This is a photo of our bed with the painted mural on the wall. The couple who own this B&B also has started their own vineyard as well and we'll be sampling some of their wine tomorrow.

Favorite Time Of Year

This is the time of year when we get the most wonderful moons that come up behind the mountains. Last night we had one of those nights, crystal clear, mountain out and that moon so glorious. I just had to go out and stare.

"Oh My"

Yesterday I made a quick trip off island to meet with the Dynasplint lady per request of my hand surgeon. I got fitted for two contraptions, only one shown here that "helps" extend my wrist. Her first words when she saw my lack of flexion were, "oh my" so I guess that means there is work to be done. The picture shows the splint that will help extend my wrist and I have another that will help flex it. For the next two weeks I will alternate days wearing them for 3-4 hours a day and then after I see her in two weeks, I will start sleeping with it on at night. The surgeon has ordered these for 3 months! The tension can be adjusted as improvement is seen. Who would have thought breaking a wrist could be so complicated!!? I'm really hoping this will help things improve as I was getting resigned to my current wrist's condition as my "new normal". Maybe I will be able to write again left handed someday.

Happy 7th Birthday, Hank

Are you serious??? You can't be serious! It's my birthday and all I get is this old biscuit?? My cousin Oskar got ice cream...I mean, I know I'm drooling and all but still I had hoped for some of that delicious creamy stuff. I know, I know...I have a sensitive digestive system and you were worried you might see my treat later on the floor, or worse the rug. OK, I'll take the biscuit, at least it's a whole one this time not the usual half I get after dinner. But you owe me a serious belly rub later.