every once in a while...

 ...I have some good news!  Today, for the first time, I walked with just a cane.  I know!  Amazing!  

(the other day I walked a few steps with the cane holding Char's arm, but this time it was just with the cane)

My PT session, since I know you are all dying to know the deets, was rather up and down, or more like down then up.  I started out with some heel slides, then lifting a 3 pound ankle weight with the straight leg raise, then the PT stretched the leg and bent it, manipulated the knee, which was very tight.  He said there is too much scar tissue around it and I have to start massaging it, which I didn't know.  It was not pleasant when he was bending it and pushing on it, then he measured my bend with me on my back and my knee up...100.  He asked what I had previously, 117 on Monday.  hmm.  I then went on the bike, and was feeling extremely down, like, was I going backwards? 

Then over to do leg lifts, then leg presses, then a new one with the resistance band.  Then, back for another measurement of the bend...and it was 118!  This was good news.  But, we weren't done yet.  He handed me the cane and said to walk.  It was scary, I will admit.  I thought my knee was going to give out.  It didn't.   I walked up and down the room a few times,  so, I was a happy camper.

Then, Paul and I headed to Aldi for my second shopping expedition in 6 weeks!  It was better than the last time, but my knee got wobbly and unsteady a few times.  I think it was tired.  It was nice to go up and down the aisles though, and get peppers and apples and sugar for the peanut butter fudge I plan to make for Christmas.  We got stuff for tacos, which Paul made for us when we got home.  We also stopped at a grocery store which had this in the ad:  6 packs of Coke products for:  buy 2, get FIVE free.  The two were pricey, almost $19, but that was the price for seven 6- packs.  I know it's not healthy, but a Coke Zero or Diet Coke once in a while is so good.  We thought it would be fun to have for Christmas.

Home...ahh, home.  It was nice to get out, nice to drive home in the dark and see all the Christmas lights, and to spend time with Paul, but it was SO nice to get home.  I had only one cup of coffee today, I usually have the second one after PT, but it was too late, so I had a cup of tea instead, it was so good.  I made it, Paul brought it to me in my chair, while he put away groceries and made dinner.  How can I complain?

Char and Cam were home from work, so I wanted to show them I could walk with a cane, but I am super tired out right now, maybe later.  It took a leap of faith, now I have to keep that going!  

There were three boxes from Target here when we got home, yay, more presents to wrap!  In one box was one small gift,  and one package of Christmas paper plates, how do they make any money?  It was a big box, too.  

So it's quiet in here now, the girls are here, Paul is cleaning up, the tree is twinkling, the cat is purring on the arm of my chair, and Sunny is lying on her dog bed next to the tree.  It's warm in here, with the mini-split humming, and I am content.  Life will be speeding up a little bit as we head towards Christmas, but I am not going to fret.  What gets done, gets done, right Billie Jo?  (She's at Afternooncoffeeandeveningtea, and she's a good example!). 

Saturday evening there are rumblings of happenings here, then Sunday is a Christmas celebration at church, with a nice dinner, and music, and lots of fun and fellowship.  Then as Christmas approaches, I want to get some fudge made and some cookies frosted, and there are things to clean and rearrange, which I will need help with.  The guest room needs a vacuum, as Suzanne and Zech are staying with us for a few days, over Christmas!  I am very excited.  :)

You all have a really good evening, and thank you for kind words and prayers, let's hope and pray my knee  stays strong and steady so I can make progress, and get rid of this walker!!!  Thank you, my friends!