Tuesday, September 20, 2016

anniversary, mri update, and a catastrophy

September 15, 1984 when we were just "kids" in our early 20's, we said "I do" in front of our beloved family and friends. My sister was my maid of honor and one of our good friends ~ the guy who introduced us two and a half years prior ~ was our best man. Thirty-two years of marriage...we've been through just about everything together, both good and bad. Like I was discussing with my aunt this weekend, when you say "for better or for worse" in your vows and you're just starry-eyed kids thinking everything is going to be just perfect because you're in love, you have no idea what the "for worse" part even means. We've had financial troubles, illnesses and surgeries (that'd be moi), problems with kids, and numerous other stuff...and have gone through the deaths of Brian's mother and one of his sisters; my father and grandparents; and worst of all, the death of our oldest son. If we can make it through that, we can make it through anything.


As you know from my September 11th post, we had gone to Shipshewana, IN for a getaway weekend in early celebration of our anniversary. But because our anniversary was the 15th, Brian took the day off and we spent the day in our go-to place: Evanston. What a perfect day to walk around to our favorite shops, grab a bite for lunch, then relax at our favorite beach park. We spread out a blanket in this area and laid down and closed our eyes while listening to the waves in the background. Like Brian said, he could've stayed there all day.


Our view of beautiful Lake Michigan...


A trip to Evanston wouldn't be complete without a stop at Secret Treasures. I found this cool bracelet, just right for fall. And yes, that's my pant leg and foot that is photo-bombing. That's what happens when you take an arm selfie.


Love the pretty button clasp in back.


The only other thing I found at Secret Treasures was a small yellow McCoy planter, which I put on the window shelf in my office.


I had also mentioned in my September 11th post that I was going for a MRI on my knee, as the orthopedic doctor suspected a meniscus tear. Well, it was confirmed. And the news I got was worse than I expected: I need arthroscopic surgery. I thought I could get away with waiting until next spring, since after the surgery I will need a lot of physical therapy. I wasn't too keen on the idea of going back and forth to PT several days/week in the winter, especially when I'd have to walk with a weak knee on the snow and ice. But, wouldn't you know it, ever since I saw the doctor my knee pain is worse! There's no way I can wait until spring. And from what I've read online, it's not good to wait because arthritis sets in. I was upset about the news at first, and the anxiety of the thought of another surgery (I've had two in the past, but that was for "female" stuff) and a painful recovery and then all that PT had me awake at night, but now I'm OK with it and thinking I just want the surgery over and done. It's inevitable - and the problem and pain will only get worse with time - so why worry about it longer than necessary?

 (Sunflower and mexican sunflowers in my neighbor's yard)

I have always wanted some kind of outdoor cat run for my kitties so that they could enjoy the fresh air and chomping on grass, but we never knew how to make a simple run. When I saw a cat run on another blog, I emailed the blog author and asked where she got it. She told me it was just metal crates from Home Depot and that they snap together with plastic fasteners. Perfect! Brian set it up in the front yard the other morning and Zippo and Clementine seemed pretty happy out there.


Monkey, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the cat run and clearly showed his displeasure.


Brian and I were sitting on the front porch, watching Zippo and Clem enjoying the run; sniffing the air and munching on grass. Zippo then started pawing at the cage and biting the metal bars. Next thing we knew, he stuck his head through one of the squares! We ran to Zippo and tried to get his head back through the square, to no avail. Zippo was freaking; I was freaking. Brian ran into the garage for the wire cutters. Zippo was actually strangling...I could hear gurgling in his throat. I was hysterical while Brian was trying to cut the cage from around Zippo's neck and in all the chaos, Brian got bit. Zippo got loose and was fine; Brian's finger, not so much. He had a couple of wounds on his pinky finger, so he washed it with soap and water, then held a clean towel on it for awhile to stop the bleeding. Then we put antibiotic ointment on it and bandaged it well. Later, our beekeeper friend told us to use his honey on the bites instead. We had totally forgotten that honey has naturally healing properties. 

("Sorry I bit you, daddy")

All's well that ends well...human and cat are both fine. 
Hope you're having a good week!

16 comments:

  1. Lots of excitement going on! Those kitties have minds of their own.

    So sorry about your knee... I know the surgery will be very easy on you as it is done through a needle and you don't have that whole surgical/sutures sort of thing. Thank God!!!

    Again, Happy Anniversary!

    Jane

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  2. What a scary thing for poor Zippo and for you and Brian. One time I stepped on Tucker accidentally and he bit the back of my leg. I did wash it, but less than 24 hours later, we were at the clinic for antibiotic and a tetanus shot.
    Sorry to read about the surgery, but the sooner you get it done, the less chance of having to deal with it in winter weather, right? At least I hope so.
    Oh, and belated Happy Anniversary wishes!

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  3. Oh no! Poor Zippo! Poor Brian, too. I can just imagine how that played out. Happy anniversary once again. Each passing year certainly has its joys and its challenges. I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee when I was in 8th grade. Still have the three little scars to prove it. Knee pain is no fun at all and the surgery is easy -- even moreso now I would think than nearly 40 years ago when I had it. I'm still very careful about both my knees now though. It's been years since my left knee has popped out of place and I do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen. Man oh man is that the worst pain ever. Take care! Tammy P.S. Love the bracelet

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  4. I'm sorry about the knee surgery and PT coming up. That's nothing to look forward to, except that you'll be well when it's done. Plan a project (e.g. series of books to read or movies you'd like to watch) to reward yourself during that time of PT, and maybe it will go by faster. Your Lake Michigan looks beautiful, glad you had a nice anniversary day there. Prayers for you surgery and PT.
    Mary

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  5. Yikes! Glad Zippo is OK and Brain will be. You take it easy but get that surgery. Hugs!

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  6. How soon will you have the surgery? If you have it now, your PT might be over before the snow days kick in.

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  7. Cat bites HURT -- Poor Brian! Good reminder about honey, tho. Also sorry about your knee surgery, but I like your attitude -- might as well get it over with since it is inevitable and you will be on the other side of it before you know it. Sending happy thoughts your way. Love the kitties' new run.

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  8. Oh my goodness. That sounds scary. One time many years ago, our kitty got his head stuck in a vase. It was not fun for anyone involved. I hope that Brian's finger heals and your surgery goes by quickly.

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  9. Sorry about your knee. Congrats on so many years of marriage♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

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  10. I was reading and thinking what a great idea that run was for the cats. Maybe not...huh? Although I think my cats would actually freak out being outside.

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  11. Hi Melanie, I saw your post title on another blog and had to stop by! Lots going on, some good, some not so much. I had miniscus surgery a little more than 2.5 years ago. It wasn't bad, but make sure you do the therapy after. It's important, but I think you know that.

    That must have been scary thinking your fur baby might die! Thank goodness it all worked out (except for a painful bite).

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  12. So sorry about the bite that is horrible. Glad kitty and Dad are fine. Happy Anniversary, marriage is not a piece of cake like we would like to think when we are young. You have made it through some really tough times together which has made you much stronger.

    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  13. Melanie,
    I am so sorry that you are going to have to have your miniscus repaired. My husband has had this same problem and had surgery to repair it in both knees. I know that following through with physical therapy is very important so the knee won't stiffen up.
    Your kitties are so cute-they are ever so fortunate to have you!
    Have a lovely weekend,
    Jemma

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  14. belated happy anniversary, and very sorry about your knee. I hope the surgery goes well, and your recovery is uneventful.

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  15. I'm sorry to hear about your knee, Melanie! Hope they can get that repaired for you soon...no fun!
    That "catastrophy" must have been scary! Hope the bite heals soon and your kitty is okay!
    Glad you had a nice anniversary...love the wedding photo! You have gone through a lot as a couple and seem like a very supportive, strong couple. xoxo

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  16. Any chance you can have your surgery soon, and have the therapy well on the way before winter sets in? I had this surgery, and the therapy was not nearly as extensive as I had for knee replacement. Honestly, arthroscopic knee surgery is pretty low key. Try not to worry.

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