Hi SS, yes <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi SS! HoFS is doing better in increments. I posted an update on SYMC. Here's what it said:

The papaya, kiwi, pineapple smoothie (with yogurt and honey and ice and vanilla) was quite tasty. We didn't have any brewers yeast, so I didn't add that.

The incision wound is looking better. There's only about 1 1/2 inches (out of maybe 7 inches total) that is still open. Of that, about half is closing up quickly and looks pretty good, and the other half still has further to go.

And, also in the good news department, HoFS is moving around better. He's able to sit for a fair while (as long as his leg is up) in places other than the recliner, and he even made it all the way down the hill (about 100 yards) to sit in front of the bonfire for a while on Saturday night. Significant improvements, to be sure.

Insert for the campfire thread: Golly, it was nice to sit in front of a real fire. Well, okay, not "sit" exactly. More like chase DD around the campfire, then stand where HoFS can reach the marshmallows that I made, then play with the boys and DD while they climb on things, then go get the bug spray, then play hide and seek, then make another marshmallow (somehow I didn't get one the second time I made them. Not sure who got those), and then take DD up to the house for bath and bed. Err, okay, the IDEA of the bonfire was nice, anyway....

Returning to our story, HoFS still can't stand still for very long, but I got my first couple of REAL hugs this weekend for the first time in a long while.

And he cooks a mighty fine-tasting steak. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It seems clear from the looks of his leg that the clot and other things going on in his calf still have a ways to go, though. The calf is more or less back to its usual size, but there's still a large area (about the size of my hand, say) that's still hard and hot to the touch. I have no idea whether that's where blood from his knee ended up, or whether it's blood that is backed up behind the clot.

As you might imagine, his pain levels appear to be steadily dropping as well. He still ends up hurting quite a lot after any kind of walking or standing -- more than five minutes is hard, I'd say -- but it backs off fairly quickly after he's able to sit down again.

In other interesting news, his feet, which were calloused and cracked, are peeling and becoming very soft. And a dry and irritated spot that he's had on his back ever since August is also healing. Interesting, isn't it? Dunno if either of those will return after he becomes active again.

I'm guessing that he hasn't lost any more weight in the last week -- we fed him pretty well this weekend and he looks about the same as he did. Now he and I have just got to get a whole lot more sleep, and we'll be doing really well.

Note on the weight thing: I guessed wrong. Another four pounds since a week ago. That makes a total of almost 35 pounds, if I remember right.

I've been where HoFS is, and I didn't like it either. I was "Cranky" my W says. She was being kind when she used that term.

Get some sleep J, and keep on.

Happy trails.

SS

PS - Faithful
GOOD !!! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Cranky, huh? HoFS hasn't been terribly cranky. Frustrated and very sad sometimes, though.

I've now gotten more than 8 hours of sleep two nights in a row. It makes a difference to one's outlook. I was completely incoherent on Tuesday. Now, I'm just tired.

In other news (http://www.marriagebuilders.com/ubbt/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3025939&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1), I am either a troll or a "drive-by visitor from another web site." Perhaps it's just me, but that's the funniest thing I've read all day.

It's too bad that Longhorn decided that's what I am. And it's the first time, that I'm aware of, that I've ever been put on ignore. After all these years, someone decides that I'm controversial because I think a parent and child should not be separated from one another except in the direst of circumstances. Oddly enough, this reminds me of making the front page of the Washington Post for the entirely mundane experience of becoming a parent. In this strange life I've had, it seems that only the most mundance things I do are newsworthy or noteworthy.

It seems like there's a lesson there somewhere. Hmmm. I think the lesson is that I need to spend more time playing out in the yard. That's so mundane that surely I will eventually be a zillionaire from doing it. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think a fellow MB'r or two have me on ignore as well.

The ignore function is really cool because someone can post and post all day and you don't even know it until someone else comes along a uses the quote function.

And yes go out to the yard and enjoy your beautiful flowers and little girl. Get some sleep too, would ya? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

RARRRRR!

Uhm, why am I reminded of the plastic dinosaur who was trying to learn to roar in Toy Story?

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and Weaver? Yes. You're roughly the sixth person who's taken a physical or virtual look at me and said, "Geez, get some sleep already!" So I'm trying. Really. Watch me. I'm going to go to bed now. Promise.

*sigh*

As soon as I get my brain to shut down.

He reminds me of a "ferocious" little puppy who you just can't help laughing at.

I wrote the following for GB after a somewhat painful sharing of our pasts.

To my imperfect (and therefore perfect) friend.

You asked me what of you I would change, if I I could.
And I replied that I would no more change a hair on your head
than I would upset the cacoon from whence the butterfly emerges,
lest I harm his wings and cripple his transformation to flight.

You might as well have asked if I would stunt your growth
with misguided critisizim, or choose your path for you, or burden you
with chains so heavy that you would be paralized from their weight.
How could that be loving.

Later I thought what arrogance I would need to possess
to even want to change what God had created in His perfect design,
when instead I could put my hand in yours and we could soar together
on a journey so complete that even the angels would squeal with delight.

~~Cathy

Weaver, careful, you're going to convince me that the crazy first few weeks of romantic love are a good idea again. And we can't have that, now can we? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm going to grill steaks with HoFS tonight. Y'all can come over if you want. And we could have margaritas. Why margaritas? Well, as my brother said, "What's wrong with the icemaker?!? Nothing -- as long as you want three or four margaritas every night."

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Yep, I'm inspired.

Let's do steak shish-ka-bobs with baby portabello shrooms, eggplant, tomaters, peppers. Yum!

I love margaritas, shaken not blended. Had a really good wine in Green Bay, Old Vine Zinfindel (red). It wasn't sweet like I thought Zinfindel's were, it was absolutely, mouth watering, delicious.

Oooooh, that would be so much fun! I ahve Paige this weekend and we'll have some fun too, don't know what yet though.

Have a good time J and HoFS!

I hope it's o.k. to post this here, as I'm not a "usual" around the campfire. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

JustJ, I just wanted to say that I think you show tremendous grace under fire. I appreciate that kind'a thing. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Lori

We should rename her Grace because she defines the term, hey Lori?

Anybody check on Appy lately?

Weaver, you make me jealous! I love a good Old Vine Zin, and haven't had one in ages. The shishkabobs sound fantastic. I'm gonna do Real Simple tonight: Steak with seasoning, corn on the cob, watermelon, red wine (because I forgot to get beer), and smooches.

I think I may sit on HoFS' lap the entire time and feed him morsel by morsel. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

AtPeace, you and everyone are more than welcome 'round the campfire. Thanks for coming over! And thank you for the compliment. It has taken me many years to be able to respond calmly in most situations, and it's still hard sometimes. I've learned that the most important thing is to get grounded before you say anything.

But calling me Grace? Dear me. Y'all never saw the spectacular tumble from the first weekend HoFS was back in my life, that's for sure! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Blah. Today an old friend visited for a bit. Boy was I glad to see her. Then she told me she heard my ex is pregnant.

Honestly, I didn't care. <--- LIE

Must have registered on my face, 'cause she instantly said, "Oh, god, I shouldn't have told you. Do you want to kill me?"

It's been two years and man do I wish I didn't care. Unfortunately, my imagination has been on a tear since my friend left.

GC

Yo - bro.

Wow. I know what you are saying.

I have finally gotten to a point where I really feel like it is better that I do not reconcile. XW has done plenty to warrant that feeling (in all respects)(ironic word choice there). We are still in the same house. Different rooms. As I was headed to my room last night, I heard her talking to "somebody from work". For 30 minutes or more. The part of the conversation I heard included her explaining her favorite dish and restaurant.

It does not hurt like it once did.

But it does.

If it were not for the kids - I could do without seeing her again. But I love her mom and her dad, and her sister, and her family.

My wife died over two years ago. The woman I call XW is not her.

Dude - if she treated you like mine treated me - be glad she is having kids with someone else. (I know - that's harsh...)

I love my kids and I think that it is important that their mom is a big part of their life. It is now very complicated.

What do I tell a woman when I meet one (yea, right. Like that is gonna happen !) that I find interesting, and wanna go have a coke?

Still - I wouldn't wanna be in your shoes.

Yuk.

far

{{GC}}

FAR, I don't know how you do it, being in the house with her. I know you place your children's needs before your own.

I shouldn't talk about my ex. It's been too long. But like yours... she was bad. I still haven't figured out where to put her, so she bounces around endlessly in my mind and never sticks anywhere. It's crazy-making.

My band had a semi-fun outdoor gig yesterday. At an art fair. A little chaotic, no official sound guy, the whole experience. I love playing outside because you can really turn UP.

GC

I'm so sorry GC. My heart aches for your pain.

((GC))

To make you smile...my 16 year old called me Saturday morning to play the guit fiddle over the phone to me. You'd like Z. You have similar souls I think.

- Kimmy

Ah, playing guitar over the phone...

I had another good experience this weekend.

My main acoustic, which my father bought in 1961, was badly in need of repairs. She'd never been taken to a shop, ever, in 45 years, and the last 20 of those years she was played almost daily.

The guitar was in the shop for six months. Got it back on Saturday.

The repairs cost more than most new guitars, but it's a valuable instrument.

Daddy. It's haaaaaard to put down. It's never played like this before. It's huge.

GC