Where Has The Week Gone?

Wow! Can't believe it's been a week since we've updated our Blog. It's not like there has been a lot going on.

Last Saturday , Sunday, Monday and Tuesday mornings, while Joe and Sharon were still in the park, I headed down to the pickleball courts each morning around 8:00. It was just the three of us, but we had a great time playing a three player rotation. The weather has been extremely hot. Like last year we went directly from winter to summer - skipped right past Spring. So playing pickleball in the morning with just the three of us required several water breaks between games.

Rich rode the bike over one morning to watch. Given our level of play, I know he probably thought he could come out on the court without worry of his healing foot! But he didn't. He said it was too hard to come and watch; it only made him want to play more.

On Wednesday Rich had his follow-up visit with Dr. Feldman. We both anticipated that it would be a quick visit, he would check out the healing progress, change the bandages and schedule another visit in two weeks. Up to this point Rich had really been good, making sure he always had he surgical shoe on when he needed to walk.

Dr Feldman took the x-rays and then removed the bandages. Normally he would wait three weeks before removing the pins, so we were both surprised when he said he was removing the pins today! He said the toes looked very good. He told Rich to relax - and began to remove the pins. I think it probably bothered me more than Rich, although I could tell by the look on his face that it was not the most pleasant experience he's had. Dr Feldman began to turn the pins and at the same time began to pull them out. Rich said, especially on the first toe that it did not hurt, but it was strange because he could actually feel the pin being pulled through the bone. Once the pins were removed, he wrapped both the toes again; this time because there could be some bleeding from the open holes. He told Rich to keep the walking to a minimum, elevate the foot and to apply ice should it begin to swell. By morning, the holes should be closed, he could remove the bandages and SHOWER! Yeah! He told Rich that he could begin wearing a shoe, but to begin slowly - maybe an hour the first day, two the second and work his way back slowly.

Well, we were already in Sebring, so it goes without saying where we stopped for an early dinner. Yes - we went back to Homers. As ususal the food was great, but Rich was a little dissapointed that once again there were no chocolate eclairs. I'm convinced that when they see him come through the front door that they quickly pull them from the table!

Once again the bandages were wrapped a little tight, so the toes swelled a bit, and we applied ice three or four times. During the night there was a little problem with the circulation again, so he sat up and lowered his foot three or four times. On Thursday morning he removed the bandages and enjoyed a long shower.

On Thursday, Joe and Sharon had to go to Sebring to the eye clinic and had to be there by 7AM - so there was no pickleball. Friday I slept in, Saturday they do church and Sunday they left.

During the winter, we had heard stories of a stray cat in the park. We also learned that several of the campers were feeding the stray and some on a regular daily basis. Not a good idea! One day - all those people who were feeding the cat were gone............and the poor cat was left to fend for herself.

We had seen this little grey cat roaming in the park for the past few days, and on Friday she showed up at our place. At first she was a little cautious - then worked her way to the patio and playfully began to rub her body against our legs. She's a very small cat, and a little underweight, but we were hesitant to feed her. Doing so we mean that she would not leave - and we are leaving the park on Sunday. Both of us are animal lovers, and while we have never had a cat, it was difficult to watch this cute little thing be so friendly, and know that she was hungry and not feed her. We also did not want to see her left to fend for herself - luck would not always be on her side. So......we decided that we would feed her for the weekend and on Monday look to take her to the local Humane Society. In the meantime I named her Greyce......... And here are some pictures of Greyce enjoying herself.

A few more rigs came in for the weekend - but no-one that played pickleball. Rich is doing well with the shoes on - and says that the foot is improving a little bit each day. We've continued to do a couple of bike rides each day as well as increase the time walking.

Sunday was Mother's Day - and we went to Nicholas for dinner. We had not been there at all this winter, and we were pleasantly surprised. The salad bar was excellent. Rich had the Pot Roast and I did the Turkey dinner. They too were delicious, and there was enough to take home for another meal.

On Monday morning I called the local Animal Control in Wauchula and found that while they do indeed have a shelter for animals, if the animal is not adopted out within a short period of time they are euthenized. That's understandable, given how small the shelter is and it is run soley on donations. Both Rich and I felt that even if Greyce was not adopted, the euthenation was probably better than leaving her in the wild. But...... neither of us was comfortable with that. I got on line and found a Humane Society in Sebring that has a wonderful reputation for taking care of unwanted and stray pets, and works hard to find homes for them. They were closed on Sunday and Monday - so we are going to take Greyce in tomorrow.

She still won't let us pick her up - so we got a crate from the office and we hope we can lure her in with some food. It's about a 40 minute drive and I'm sure she'll be frightened in the car........but it will all work out for the best. So, we'll call in the morning and confirm that they will take in strays - and then head for Sebring in the afternoon.

NO STOPPING AT HOMERS THIS TIME!!!!