Frustrated with the pain and inability to get around as much as she wants, Mrs. Major decided to go ahead with knee replacement surgery–on both knees at the same time. She’s scheduled for replacement on May 15, one month from now. “Bravo!” I say. Read more
Tag: Family
Mrs. Major Wimps Out
Mrs. Major has bad knees. She’s been taking cortisone shots every three months in them for almost a year in order to reduce the pain she constantly feels. Convinced that she was ready for surgery, she went to see the surgeon to set up the surgery…hoping to have both knees done within the next three months. He talked her out of it. He told her it was her decision, but when she pressed him for his opinion, he said, “Wait.” So she’s waiting.
With the shots she can make it from the car to the store, or the golf cart to the swimming pool, but forget about a day at the mall or the museum or the gardens. We recently went on a cruise and just the walking on the ship was painful. She’s going to tough it out until she can’t stand it.
One of the reasons she decided to wait is the doctor told her she’s too young to have the surgery. 😀
Cute As Peas
At nearly a year old, my grand-niece, Jadyn, couldn’t be cuter. She lives out on the Left Coast with her mom, Jennifer, dad, Eric, and sister, Taylor. Taylor is cute, too. One day, I’ll post a picture of her. Jadyn has grown so much since we saw here in person in January when we went to Charlene’s mom’s funeral. Hello, Jadyn. Love you, Uncle Mike. 🙂
Back
Yes, we’re back from vacation. Weird calling a trip to the beach with friends a vacation when we’re already on an extended vacation in The Villages. The trip was a huge success. We relaxed, caught up with our friends, and I got to play with my friend Hannah, their 8 year old daughter.
This afternoon we went to see an orthopaedic surgeon for Mrs. Major’s knee. We were pretty much expecting that they would recommend knee replacement. But she was offered cortisone therapy. So she took it. We’re praying it works.
I encourage you to take a trip over to The Daily Detour. He’s a minister at a church in Indianapolis and has a great Christian perspective in timely issues. The above link is to an article titled “The Tragic Necessity of Violence,” and is required reading for anyone in the military, for anyone with a relative or friend in the military, and for Christians. It’s recommended reading for all others. Check out some of his other articles.
Happenings
About two months have elapsed since I last wrote of our life happenings. So, after a review of my calendar, here’s a summary:
My kid brother, Tim, who lives in Oakland, CA, came for a visit. He stayed for a few days…we had a great time catching up…his daughter, Anne, is now a freshman at Stanford University…and touring The Villages. Tim was facinated with all the historical plaques around the town squares relaying the fictitious history of the area.
Said goodbye to our good friends Matt and Rachel Anthony. They left for Seattle, WA, to plant a church. Just when we were beginning to get really close . . . God speed.
Attended the annual Belvedere Babes Christmas party. The Belvedere Babes are women who live in our village, Belvedere. They gather for lunch once a month and have a Christmas dinner to which the husbands are invited. This year we went to Vic’s Embers in Leesburg. Nice digs.
Changed the batteries in our six smoke detectors and one CO detector.
Had dinner at a neighbors. They are Thai and fixed the most scrumptious Thai food. Yumm.
Had a Christmas party at our house. This is a tradition and a gift to our neighbors. This year we hung sheets on ropes all around the garage and decorated the tops with lights, making a nice cozy room. Charlene fixed cheese, crackers, and veggies to start. Black bean soup and potato soup and turkey and ham wraps for the main course. And lemon squares for dessert. Of course there was plenty of homebrew, wine, and soft drinks to go around. Great success.
Then we made another trip to Indy for Christmas to enjoy the company of our offspring. Stacey’s beau Todd cooked marvelous meals while we were there. The weather was even good enough for Dave and I to get in a round of golf.
Arranged for our screened porch to be enclosed with acrylic windows. They started work yesterday.
Mrs. Major’s mother died so we went to San Jose, CA, for the funeral and to support the rest of the family. The ceremony was simple but very nice. Helen had been in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in the second world war, so she had a military honor guard to play taps and fold the flag. One of her granddaughters read an original poem and I spoke.
Played many rounds of golf.
Mrs. Major participated weekly (except when we were gone) in Operation Shoebox, an organization that sends “care” packages to our military folks in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Participated in weekly worship at Village View Community Church and as youth coaches in the youth group. I’m also in the youth band which leads worship at youth group.
Got a bridge in my mouth. Got my teeth cleaned. Got some lab work done in anticipation of my annual physical next week.
Ordered Mrs. Major’s anniversary present: a one hour massage.
That’s about it. Soon I’ll resume my news/dah oh?/culture/beer/etc. posts.