Owwww!

Well, this past Saturday I let my male ego get ahead of my body's recuperation. My oldest and her husband have been great in keeping up the yard work, but there is only so much you can do and still take care of your own place. So while recovering (from the wreck - & if you don't know of the wreck - who are you & why are you reading my blog?) I was noticing some yard work that I figured I could do using only my arms and not taxing my injured leg. Not remembering that it is all one body and related. (I know-I can hear you all shouting - "You Big Dummy!") Anyway, I figured I was okay since I didn't work too awful hard, used my arms, and took frequent breaks. Not thinking about the arms connected to the back, which connected to the legs, etc. (Even though DKW had warned me repeatedly not to do much - I did more than I should - but to her credit she has never once said "I told you so.) Well - I started getting sore in my legs, back & arms that evening and when I woke up Sunday morning I was so sore I was barely moving. I was walking and shuffling my feet like a little ole man and if I dropped something on the floor I left it there because my back was so sore I couldn't bend over to pick it up. I'm feeling better today, but I'm still a little sore. I have learned my lesson though about rushing things.

Everyone have a great day!

Festival Express & I Will Ride Again

The other night I had stumbled on a late-night film on the Documentary Channel titled "Festival Express" about a cross-country (Canada) concert train-trip in 1970 that featured The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Buddy Guy, Sha Na Na and others. All that great music! One of my favorite scenes was Jerry Garcia jamming with some others on the train (as they traveled between cities) and Janis Joplin sitting next to him singing. Wow! Jerry & Janis - blew my mind - 2 of my all time favorite artists together. I've provided a link to the Wikipedia listing for the film above if you'd like to read more about it. I'm thinking I may try to find it on DVD - my feet never stopped shaking during the whole movie.

Well - I'm getting another bike. The picture above is not the actual bike I am getting, but it is the exact model & color of the bike I am getting next month. If you are wondering, it is a 1981 Honda CM 400 C. A little smaller than the bike that I had my wreck on back in June, but still big enough to go back and forth to work and the occasional area trips. Other than bringing this bike back home, I'm not planning on any motorcycle trips out of town that take longer than an hour at the most. Its also a bit older than my previous bike, but I've been ensured that it has been reconditioned and is in excellent running condition with new rubber all around. Plus I should be able to get the required insurance fairly cheap. I'm excited about the bike.

This paragraph I am titling "BRAIN FART OR WISHFUL THINKING". I was doing some checking around for insurance rates on the bike I'm getting and while I was filling out a questionaire I got to the block that asked for my age. Without even thinking, I put down 25. AND filled out several more blocks before my brain put on the brakes and I said "What the Heck?' I mean, 4 of my 5 children are older than that. Sigh - guess watching that movie had me grasping for my youth again. Where did the years go.

Everyone have a great day!

Cooper - You will be missed!

For the 2nd time this year, my dog population is reduced. Back in January, my buddy Harley disappeared. I found his skeletized remains when I started mowing my 5-plus acres in May. Yesterday I had to say goodbye to Cooper. This, in many ways, was a much harder parting. Cooper had been sick and going completely blind for several months now. (He was already blind in one eye when we rescued him 8 or so years ago). Well, I hobbled out to his cage Saturday and could see he was not in good shape. I checked him again yesterday (Sunday 8/22) and could see that he was in pain, not moving well and just generally in bad shape. My daughter dug the grave for me (since I still have leg problems from the June 11th wreck) and went back in the house so that I could say goodbye before I put him down. He didn't suffer and the end came quick. I have to admit it took me a good ten minutes afterwards to stop crying so that I could bury him. (Even now, as I type I'm tearing up.) I buried him (that I could do with just my arms) and went back in the house and broke into tears again as I tried to tell my wife and daughter that it was quick and he didn't suffer. It will probably be a while before I think of Cooper and not tear up. Its harder losing a pet when you have to put them down. Even if you know that it better that they not suffer.

I think that once I get physically able I will take down the pen where Cooper resided. Not only will it make mowing a little easier, but I think it honors his memory a little that no one else has his cage.

Goodbye ole pal!

FaceBleccchh! (And Recovery news)

Okay, I was watching CNN this morning and saw another news report about a new scam being perpetrated on FaceBook. Yet another reason for me not to join it (as if I needed one). Every time I have ever heard about FaceBook, someone has gotten in trouble because of something they posted and another scam has been noted coming after users. I have enough troubles without looking for more. NO FACEBOOK FOR ME. I have plenty of ways to be in touch with those that I need to be in touch with.

Today, the hospital bed has left my livingroom. Woo Hoo! I reiterate, it is so nice to being back to sleeping in my own bed again.

The neurosurgeon (that saw me for my spine and head injuries afte the wreck) said yesterday that as far as he was concerned my injuries were healed and I don't need to see him again unless I have problems. So I have therapy scheduled for the next 5 weeks or so and I see the orthopedic surgeon (for right knee & leg) on September 23rd. Hopefully, when that date rolls around I will be sufficiently recovered that he too will release me. At least that is my hope. My recovery continues at an above normal pace - but I am cautious. I don't want to risk more injury.

I am happy too, because on Friday (Aug. 20) high school football starts here. While expectations are not too high for this year's team - there is always hope. Unfortunately, of the 11 games that SHS plays, 6 are against pre-season top 25 teams in the state (including the opener). Oh well - they are still my alma mater - and win or lose I support them.

Everyone have a great day!

Another Long-Awaited Step

Last night, for the first time since the night before the wreck, I was able to get into and sleep in my own bed again. Heavenly! It was great to actually be able to talk and sleep next to my bride. Our first anniversary comes up in a couple of months, and while we have been talking everyday, its not the same as that talk you have as the day is ending and you drift into the evening.

One thing this accident did, was make me appreciate more the myriad of little things that happen every day and make up this thing we call "life". It will still be weeks (if not months) before I get close to being back to normal. (Though my normal - others may consider crazy). But I will make the journey, and thanks to my family and loved ones I know I don't make that journey alone.

Everyone have a great day!

I'm Back Baby.........

Okay. Not to the extent that the wolf in this picture is, but I am (at least to me) finally seeing progress. I had an appointment first thing this morning with the surgeon that basically rebuilt my knee after the June 11th wreck (see previous posts for details) and for the first time I am allowed to put weight on my right leg. It makes using the walker so much easier. Yeah, I have to keep using it for a week to 10 days, but if I do okay I can then move on to my cane (much easier to get around). Barring any unfortunate incidents, I should be be able to start driving again after my next appointment with the surgeon on September 23rd and maybe around the end of this year/first of next year I will be up to riding a bike of my own again!

Everyone Have a Great Day!

My Animated Life

Okay! Yesterday as I lay back in my hospital bed (which I hope to get out of soon) at home and surfed the channels, I landed on the Boomerang/Cartoon Network (DirecTv channel 298) watching one of my perennial favorites, "The Flintstones." I go to thinking about how cartoons have been involved in my life. Since I was born in 1955, my earliest cartoon memories are of shows like "The Flintstones", "The Jetsons", "Rocky & Bullwinkle","Secret Squirrel", "Underdog", "Wacky Races", "George of the Jungle", and "Space Ghost". In the 70s (my teen & early adult years), my viewing dropped a bit, but I still watched things like "Scooby Doo", "SuperFriends", "The Groovie Goolies", "Captain Caveman", and "Thundarr and the Barbarians". Then, in the 80's (as my children were young) I was once more immersed the the cartoon world. Shows like "He-Man", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Transformers", "ThunderCats", "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors", and one which remains a favorite to this day (and is a UK import) is "Danger Mouse". Then in the 90s I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and life interfered with my cartoon watching, but I did have a few favorites such as "Ren & Stimpy", Pinky & The Brain", "King of the Hill", and "Futurama". The funny thing is, is that now that the first decade of the new century is coming to an end, I don't watch many new cartoons, preferring those of the last 50 years. (And believe me, I looked.)

Everyone have a great day!

NO WHINING!!!!!!! and GUILTY PLEASURES

Man! I feel lately like I need to have that tattooed on the back of my hands to remind me that in spite of the setbacks since the wreck - I'm a very fortunate man. I have a wife and children that love me. Where-ever possible they have helped me out. I've put in this blog before how much DKW has stepped up for me and I can't say it enough. That said, I want to also put out an overdue "BIG THANK YOU" to my oldest & her husband for stepping up and taking care of the mowing for me. This is no small task - since all told its around 5 acres. This was a big worry since it was/is something I usually do. I do appreciate their efforts but am looking forward to the time when I can once more do it myself.

Now about the whining. I've been trying to catch myself when I start to gripe about my knee and/or leg hurting and for the most part I think I do a good job - at least in public. But sometimes I forget at home and those that have heard it the most get more of it. Sorry! The walker I have to use right now (since I'm not supposed to put any weight on my right leg) is the subject of a lot of the whining lately. It does its job, but I hate it. I'm so looking forward to walking again. I go back to see the surgeon a week from today - I'm hoping to be allowed to start putting weight on the leg then and graduating to a cane. So, I resolve not to whine about the walker for one more week.

Guilty Pleasure! Well last night I had a restless nights sleep. Once when I got up I had a little bit of the munchies. There was fresh french bread on the table. (I rarely eat bread since my gastric bypass surgery 5 years ago & my going from 315 lbs to 165). And I wanted it! I took a slice and slathered it with margarine! OOOOOOO! It was so good! It took all of my willpower now to shove down a second slice, but I ate a few fresh cherries instead. Fruit is better for ya , you know.

One thing I want to throw out may seem small, but to me its huge. For example, this morning DKW was not feeling too well when she got up to take me to work and when that happens I make a point of telling her how much I appreciate everything that she does for me. She replied "I'm proud of you" - which was not the reply I was expecting. I asked "What for?" and she said that she was proud of me going to work and trying to get things back to normal - all the time with a broken leg and the least she could do was take me to work." Well - that really made me feel good. And its not the first time. She is always telling me that she is proud of me for small progresses that I'm making in my recovery. I can't emphasize enough how much this encouragement has helped.

Everyone Have a Great Day!

SEMPER PARATUS ! ! !

On August 4th, 1790, the United States Coast Guard was signed into existence as the Revenue Cutter Service by Alexander Hamilton. So tomorrow is the 220th anniversary of the US's longest, continuous sea going service. I retired from the Coast Guard in 1992 after serving a tad over 20 years. While I wouldn't want to do it again, I am proud of my service and do have many fond memories of the various places I went (some of them even historical - sort of). Remember the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill - I was there for a bit. I'm also proud to say that one of my children is currently serving in the Coast Guard and has currently served (I think) going on 7 years. He's currently stationed in Miami (I know! Its tough - but someone has to do it.). (This illustration is "No Way" an official USCG logo - I just thought it was cool.)

Anyway - SALUTE - to all those serving on active duty - no matter which branch. But especially (this month) to those in the U. S. Coast Guard! And if you don't know - my title for this entry is the Coast Guard motto -hich is latin for "Always Ready".

Everyone have a great day!

A Slight Retraction......

Last week I blasted SyFy network for their getting away from new, scripted series (among other things). Well, over the weekend they released the news that they have coming seven (7) new scripted series. If half of 'em pan out - I'll extend my retraction. Read it here.

Also, this week there is a Warehouse 13 / Eureka crossover on both shows that I am looking forward to. So - kudos to SyFy for this!

SOOO WRONG message sent here

This is just wrong

Funny/Creepy Stuff to Pass

Taking a page from my sweetie's blog - just some stuff I ran across I thought I'd share:

R U Ready for SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!

If you have to ask - you don't know me! This coming Sunday (August 8th) is the first NFL pre-season game of the 2010-11 season. The fact that its 2 teams that I normally don't care that much for (Uhm - except -again - those that know me know that I absolutely HATE the Dallas Cowboys!) doesn't matter. The NFL is back baby! Training camps are (or will be) going on this week for all the teams. On August 20th, our local high school has their first game (GO Yellowjackets!) and 2 weeks after that (on Sep. 4th) Mississippi State has their first game! Hot Dog! I am pumped for the gridiron!

But if you asked DKW, she would inform you that I've actually been watching fooball for weeks. Thanks to the NFL Network (and DirecTv) I been watching live Arena Football League games on Friday nights and live Canadian Football League games on Saturday Nights. The Arena league is actually to the point that they are starting their playoffs this week. The AFL championship game is actually the same night that SHS has their first game (Aug. 20) so I guess I'll tivo it and watch later.

Everyone have a great day!