Enjoying my leftovers

The other night before choir rehearsal I was talking with Laurie and Carol about what it was like for Laurie to nurse those three boys when they were infants. Laurie described it as the best weight loss program in the world because no matter how much she ate, it went right back out into her boys. I reflected on my time in the hospital after having Justin, the nurses constantly in and out with food for me to eat. Even Popsicles to keep my fluids up. It was too much, too much, I say!

Well, I am feeling that way these past two days, eating a little something every little while to speed my healing, including having a form of breakfast. To keep myself hydrated, I had some fruit juice pouches left from the lunches I packed for the choir girls. I poured them into a glass mixed with my bottle of Diet Sprite. Plus water. Justin had some bottles of Gatorade left here which I put in the fridge to tap into when the juice is gone. I am determined to regrow the bone which was lost with this goofy tooth thing!!      
                                                 

The other day I cut the ham from the bone, as best I could, and then froze the bone for future soup. The ham was portioned into baggies, some of it being kept out for ham salad. After a few attempts at assembling the meat grinder attachment for my Oster Kitchen Center, I got it together. A nice portion of ham salad was made which is ideal for a person whose had oral surgery. What was not frozen is in the fridge and reheated to eat with the remaining garlic red potatoes from Sunday's feast. Sorry about the garlic, Dr. Smith!

To cleanse my palate, a nice portion of raspberry sherbet will be enjoyed before bed tonight. I have leftover raspberry Jell-O in the fridge, too, but it has actual berries in it, complete with seeds, which would not be advisable right now. Might end up tossing the remainder of that salad. Nuts!

                                   

Justin had expected to come by today after working with his father but he sent me a text message saying he was not coming. His father was going to be able to help him move some of his belongings from storage to the new house, and he has to take advantage of the vehicle and the help. Better watch the tender backs through all this! 

Last night was a good night with no pain at all post-op. Only used two over-the-counter type of pain relievers, one immediately upon getting home per doctor's orders, and a Tylenol before bed last night. All that hassle with the prescription meds and I didn't even open the bottle! I am incredibly thankful about that, 'cause I sure did expect some discomfort after all that carving around he did in there. 

              Looking from my railing down to the 2nd floor

We had rain here during the night and into the morning, which seemingly prevented the workers from coming. About midday, Connie called to ask me if she should wash  my doors again. I gave her the go-ahead to try but it doesn't help very much. Washing the walkways sure does keep the dust down, less dragged into the houses. Those who have the darker wood floors must be pulling their hair out by this time! So glad my floors are lighter in color, except for the tile in the foyer. I used my mammy floor mop to clean the dust up before Easter but for now, it can wait until a good vacuuming can be done!

It's over....

...well, almost over. My nose is still numb, my lip feels fat making it difficult and a little humorous for drinking from my can. No straws! Gentle swishing when brushing my teeth and no spitting, let gravity remove the tooth paste. And don't eat peas (it seems they slow healing??). Otherwise, I am good to go with most other foods, with only a few limitations for a while. That is the good news...

The less than good news is that when Dr. Smith was carving around in my gums at the end of my tooth, he came upon a surprise. Instead of just bone or whatever he was cleaning out, he found a mass. No one likes to hear that! This includes me. Oh my! 

Afterwards he talked to me about everything he worked on, explaining that he found more than expected, and by law must send it to UF for analysis. In his two decades of doing this type of work, he has seen only 3 or 4 results which were not benign, and of those, he could tell by looking at the mass what the situation was going to be. He truly believes mine is going to come back as being inflamation build-up and that is what we are going to hope for. 

Part of me wants to be totally upset by the waiting, but the rest of me is confident in his history with these things.  It will be two to three weeks before we get the results back, but Friday I return to have the sutures removed. As of today, I don't like surprises!

I was sent off with a prescription for pain medication which I took to Wal*Mart to have filled. Strangely enough, the pharmacist announced they had neither the name-brand nor the generic medication on hand. And they sent me on my way! She told me to check around at other pharmacies, but this medication is well-known. How odd! 

Truly I didn't feel like shopping around but went to CVS just down the parking lot where they could not have been nicer. The pharmacist himself handled my order and seemed to hurry it up knowing I was still numb from my dental work. I tried to say my phone number but it came out blubbery. He laughed and found it on the paperwork. I think I was smiling back, but I don't know for sure!

As of right now, my top lip is still numb but the gums seemingly having feeling back again, I am doing okay. I trust that will continue throughout the day. It is recommended to use a towel on my pillow for sleeping in case I drool and some blood comes out. Guess folks have had some problems with ruining their pillows or something. I go pretty easy on myself over things like this but will follow his recommendation. 

He said to make sure I eat, no matter what I feel like, as my body needs the nourishment for healing. Good thing I made that big batch of ham salad yesterday using some of my leftovers from Sunday. 

On another note, the air is thick with dust today as the guys are trying to clean up the area using leaf blowers. I can see the footprints on the tile in the courtyard and into my house. I am less okay with the dust than I am with drool on my pillow for some strange reason...

A post-Easter post

So far this a.m., me waking up early and under my own power, I have not heard from the geese. I think I should go down to the river's edge and wake them up, see how they like it. Can't you just see me out there, honking at the geese? Oh, my neighbors would just love me, and likely donate pots and pans in my direction!

I found myself awake with a feeling of apprehension, whether from a dream or because of my pending dental work later this a.m., I am unsure. The morning news is not helping any either, having heard already about the missile strikes in Gaza, potential for another crash in the stock market (get cash on hand, folks!), and the breaking news that couples of mixed faith have a higher propensity for divorce. No wonder I feel apprehensive!

***

Back to Easter Sunday now---after my guests had left, with Justin on his way to the new house, I laid down on my bed with the little laptop in front of me. One of the first e-mails I opened was from the choir director at FG, my home church, featuring a video of the choir. Yes, it was the "Hallelujah Chorus" playing on my laptop! My sister, Lynn, and niece, Alayna, were to the director's left, and to Lynn's right was my other friend, Christin. Oh my! The tears just flowed and I could hardly speak as I dialed Lynn's phone number. 

She was already on her way home from the family festivities but could hear some strains of the anthem over the phone. Hopefully she was able to see it on her computer, which sometimes doesn't stream well. It was just the perfect thing after our full day of celebrations. Lynn told me she wasn't aware it was being video-recorded so it was a surprise for her as well. 

After Gretchen had given me the flower pots in memory of our loved ones, I was trying to think of ways to be able to show her this video. I know what I can do----take my laptop along to Bible study on Monday and tap into the Wi-Fi (which I thought we didn't really need...) and play it. Great idea!

When I got to church Monday, Mike was already there and he gave me the code to get onto the Internet. I fired it up on my little computer for Gretchen and others to see/hear. Some gathered behind us to look over our shoulders. At the same time, though, Mike pulled it up on his computer which was plugged into the 55" TV on the wall. Voila! There was the First German choir plus guest singers, big as life on the wall.               

If you can see the music stand, center, you will see my niece, Alayna in yellow top, and next to her is my sister, Lynn in dark clothes. Next to Lynn is Christin, in the peach outfit. At Christmas 2011, I was able to join this choir in the "Chorus" which was so awesome!

More of our folks were coming in yet while we were watching the video, including Pastor with some of his family visiting from out-of-town. They came in as it was wrapping up and as I was mopping up. I can't help it---just blows me away. He introduced them to us and I told his cousins they just missed the video of GS's choir singing the Chorus. She said she caught the end of it, and her husband said, "I don't recall seeing the pipe organ in the church..." Busted! I told them it was actually my home church in WI, with my family members contributing. (At the 2nd service, Lynn's daughter, Lisa, also joined the choir to lend her voice). Gretchen very much enjoyed it and said she was glad she risked coming across the bridge even with the threat of rain. I am so glad too! We brightened each others days on Sunday and Monday, and for that I rejoice!

This April morning....

What an amazing greeting this a.m., after the geese honked me awake. I could not be more happy about that! 

There is a pair of geese who have taken up residence in the river outside my windows and doors, serving often as my morning wake-up call. Sometimes I don't mind, but other times, I would prefer to not wake up so early!

For the Easter feast, I bought canned Arnold Palmer tea, which is mixed with lemonade, making it taste more like lemonade than tea. I thought Mike S. would like it but he actually came with a bottle of PowerAde in hand. Since I simply forgot about Mike C. drinking regular Coke ("We have lunch with him every single Sunday..." Yes, Justin, I know, but I wasn't thinking!!!) I offered him an Arnold. Oh, I felt so badly about forgetting his soda choice. And I didn't know he was not a pineapple eater, either. Oops! But, I do like the tea and am enjoying it today. It is calorie-free and quite refreshing!

Worship on Good Friday was very good, entering in near darkness, the choir in our robes. It was Laurie's first time singing for the congregation and she did great. A welcome addition to the choir. Pastor joined the choir for the Holy Week anthems which supported our sole male singer, Sterling. Sterling also accompanied Robbie on a anthem that night. Robbie led our choir in an offering we rehearsed in depth, and our efforts showed, if I do say so myself. 

At our final rehearsal on Wednesday, in a section where we had troubles with cut-offs, someone jokingly suggested singing it acapella. The 'joke' became reality with Robbie being able to direct us properly and not have to accompany on that portion of the anthem. It was a stunning affect, and really brought home the text: "What wondrous love, what perfect grace that God sent His Son to die in our place..." Powerful!

                                                    

Again, the congregation left the church in silence, and before long, I was on my way home again. Justin was gone to the other house to work on putting some of his things away, to free up bins for more packing at home. He had not eaten my 2nd Big Mac from the previous night's dinner (Buy One/Get One!) so I reheated it for my dinner. A reflective service and a satisfying meal, perfect after my impromptu lunch with Lee. 

I know I have said this before but GS does Holy Week and Easter well! To Him be the glory!

The feast of Easter

Here I am at home, posing with the fresh cut flowers from Gretchen. In memory of her two sisters, and Timmy. She presented them to me accompanied by a lovely card. So Gretchen!

The dining room is ready for my guests!

From left see Mike S., Judy, Mike C., David, and Justin around the table. There is some serious dishing up going on here!  

During the service this morning, Pastor announced that David's (center) grandfather had passed away the previous morning. I had been keeping up with this through his mom, Judy's daughter-in-law, but I guess he went suddenly. Having had a stroke and such, he never quite made it all the way back...now celebrating with the Lord!

Another view of the table and guests, and yes, even Timmy's portrait! Tonight is Justin's "last night in nursery" as they say in "Peter Pan", as he officially moves to Mandarin tomorrow. If that is the case, why is there so much stuff remaining in his room???? He said he will get it over time---I hope not too long!

Easter celebration at church

 At our Easter sunrise service this a.m., Darwin served as acolyte

The new Paschal candle, 2013, with the nails inserted

 

The family of our Navy member, Corey, on the left, came to visit him for Easter, leaving the warmth of New Ulm, MN to come and freeze on Easter morning! I heard one of the girls say as they walked up to the church, "I think it's outside...." They had a blanket in the car, and Dad surrendered his suit coat to another of the bare armed girls. It was 57 degrees but a cool 57! 

We gathered indoors after the service and were warmed with hot food and great fellowsip, prepared by Mike 'n Mike

                     Some of those enjoying breakfast together

The chancel is dressed, ready to celebrate Easter and the Lord's Supper. At lunch, Mike S. commented that he looked up and noticed the brass cross was not in place before worship. He had not read the service folder which described the procession with the brass cross and Paschal candle. It was quite poignant a procession.

We rejoice over the confirmations of two new members, a husband and wife, today

The Easter cross, fashioned from the trunk of the Christmas tree, decorated with fresh cut flowers

A quietly busy day

Good Friday was just that---quiet! For the most part, there was hardly any outside racket as the workmen were off for the day. The guys working above me did not, by comparison, make much noise either. You know it's bad when the noise outside annoys the workers upstairs! Two floors above the fray and they are bothered by it---interesting. We are partial to our own noise, I guess.

I had gotten myself up and showered, dressed for the day, which would normally begin with breakfast at The Club. Just as I was about to leave, Pat sent me text message saying she was not coming, wishing me a blessed Easter. Tina had told us last week they would not be there either so I opted to head to the store instead. Beating the rush, as it were.

Publix has the best bakery so I headed to Fleming Island to get the potato rolls and few other things needed for the feast. They had soda on sale so I stocked up on that, as well as getting some Arnold Palmer tea to serve as Mike S. is a tea drinker. While at Publix, I met my neighbor, Herve, who was also shopping for the weekend. He said he likes to shop earlier in the morning when the store is still quiet. Personally, I don't mind a busier store, but some do not.

When I got home, I managed to carry most of my bags upstairs, leaving the canned stuff for later. Connie offered to help me but I refused this time. She was going to try to wash the building since the guys weren't there, and she asked if she should hose my doors for me. I had told her I wanted Justin to clean them but knew it was fruitless to do so. Her efforts were also fruitless as the dust is thicker than a hosing would take care of. This job will require physically wiping the ironwork after the guys are long gone. But, I appreciate her efforts!

Since more dust would not be generated outside, I decided to get busy with the Pledge inside and tackled the dining room first. Love the smell of the lemony Pledge! As I was moving into the living room, still occupied by Justin's things, I got a text message on my phone. It was Lee, wondering if I was yet at breakfast. Nope, I told her I was at home. She wanted to meet for a 'last minute lunch' and I was so there!!! After I changed from jeans into dressier slacks, I cantered over there to meet Lee.

The dining room was not busy but we were not alone either. It was nice to catch up with her, having not seen each other face to face since our dinner with Linda J. The day was bright and sunshiny, with the river looking so pretty. A great view for our lunch. Lee's horoscope said to have dessert and even this unbeliever had a piece of dessert for the occasion!

On the way back from lunch, I stop to chat with Bob who was sunning himself at the pool. It was finally getting warm enough to do so, for him it was, anyway! I was still dressed in layers, of course. He asked about my mom, which is sweet of him. He is looking forward to pool days again, as are his grand kids. Oh my, me too!