The simple removal of the screws, I am allergic too, in my right foot, turned out to be more than I anticipated. My body was ticked off at the coating on the screws and formed excess scar tissue, which made my toe go crooked. On Feb. 8, not only did the screws have to be removed, but the scar tissue as well. What was supposed to be a 2 day recovery, has turned into a 4 week one. 2 more weeks of keeping my foot elevated in the chair. It feels like more of a challenge mentally, this time around. My mind was prepared for 2 rounds of chair time, but not 3. I wasn't ready for another 4 weeks off of work. I find myself much more impatient for the hours to pass quickly. I want all of this to be done with.
Our daughter didn't need to come and help us this time, since the surgery wasn't as major, and I would only be bound to the chair for 2 weeks, instead of 4. I have a weeks worth of meals in the freezer, and by week 2, I can be up 25 minutes of each hour, so I am be able to do simple meals. It turned out to be good that we didn't need her help, since all 4 kids ended up doing intervals of the 4 day fever. Thank goodness they are doing better now.
So what does one do when they spend so much time in a recliner with their feet elevated? I have been knitting, making energy saving, felted dryer balls. I had planned to put a picture of them here, but for some reason, my computer won't let me upload it. I can only post pics that are already on my photo page. Perhaps I will be able to go back and add it in later, when I figure out what is going on.
I have also been making story bracelets that tell the story of Jesus and his life. Each bead and charm stands for an event. It begins of with a blue bead, and the star. The written, narration that comes with each bracelet, goes like this;
Blue
bead – One night
Star
charm – There was a very bright star
3
beads – That was followed by 3 wise men, or kings
White
bead – They followed the star to a stable, where they saw the baby
Jesus, God's own son, lying in a manger.
Wooden
bead – Jesus grew up to be a carpenter
Fish
charm – And a fisher of men
12
beads – He called 12 disciples to help him spread the good news
World
bead – Around the world
Black
disciple bead – But one disciple betrayed him
Black
bead – And one dark day, Jesus was crucified
Cross
charm – Hung on a cross, where he died
Red
bead – And shed his blood
Clear
or white bead – To make you pure
Angel
charm – On the 3rd day he arose
Blue
bead – And went to heaven
3
crystal or glass beads – Where he rules as part of the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit
Heart
charm – And he did all this because he loves you, and wants to live
in your heart.
A wonderful and easy way to witness . I encourage those that buy one to wear it each day. People will notice it and comment, and when they do, it gives the wearer a wonderful opportunity to share the awesome story of Christ's sacrifice for us, in an easy and fun way.
Time is also spent watching NetFlix movies and reading. A good opportunity for some additional time in prayer each day, too.
Since I have a bit of money from selling the bracelets and dryer balls, I can buy some of the bike bling, we have been wanting. I guess I should change that to say, "Bling I have been wanting." As long as the bike works, Tony has a comfortable seat, food and water, he could care less about "bike bling." Obviously, I don't share in that attitude. I was excited to have enough dollars to buy several things I have been yearning for.
March is usually when we start to get things ready to ride, so now is as good of a time as any to shop for the "bling". First on my list was a compass for Rollin. I finally found one that didn't cost a days wages. Now I have to figure out where on the trike to mount it. Seems like that is always a challenge for me. Once I figure out where I want it, things get harder because I need to ponder, just how to get it to stay on, in the desried position. A compass or bike light, that point to the ground, aren't of much use.
I have been spending time on the online forum I am part of. It is called BROL, (Bent Riders On Line.) Great resource for all members. We share our experiences and knowledge with one another. One of my BROL buddies from WA will be riding PALM this year. Looking forward to meeting him.
For the last 2 years I have been looking for a good wind resistant jacket for riding. The one I use now, doesn't do much unless I have a few layers under it, which makes for a lot of extra things to stow, if the day warms. A jacket that will cut the wind and not take up a lot of room will suit the bill, just fine. Someone on BROL mentioned a good one that they got at Wal-Mart for 15 bucks. It only seemed to be made in Mens sizes, I ordered a size small, and I am expecting it any day. Delivered to the house for an additional 97 cents. Hard to beat that deal.
Update; Feb 19, 2013.
My jacket came today. Very good quality, well made, with 2 zipper side pockets. Light weight enough than it can roll up pretty small. Tony liked it so well, he asked me to order one for him too. I asked him it was bling, he replied "No, more about comfort and warmth." What ever it's called, I don't think we will regret purchasing them. Besides, now we will match. :o)
Some one else on BROL mention converting a dog back pack sold by Outward Hound, to a great side pannier for trikes. They even posted pictures of how to do it. I ordered a set, even though I won't be able to convert them for a few weeks. I think that using a size XL will be just the right size to put my Camelbak in. I have had such a hard time finding a place to mount it. (Told you that is a problem for me.) I had it behind my seat, but I I can't fill it to full capacity when I have it there. I tried under my seat too, but find it very difficult to get in and out easily. This side pack should solve the problem of where to put it. Again, my apologies for no picture. I'll try to post one when I have things up and working.
Had brief meeting with the driver that will pull our camping trailer on PALM. The look of excitement on his face as he leaned forward to hear the details, warmed my heart. It was great to share our excitement and anticipation, along with how things work and what to expect.
Needless to say, all of this is bringing on a few symptoms of riding fever. A longing to see cotton ball clouds drifting across the sky, hear the birds spring serenade, look for little spots of green, see the farmers working in the fields, and watch the buds pop to life.
The weather forecast today is predicting a 2 day storm of snow and ice. Yes, it is STILL winter.
