MIKE AND DIANE COME TO REHAB!!

Monday evening was a fun night for Ken (and Faye, too)!! Mike (Ken’s son) and his wife, Diane, paid Ken a visit at the Rehab Center. They brought a huge Chinese Dinner: Hot and Sour Soup (of course), Garlic Shrimp, Orange Chicken, Szechuan Style Beef, Vegetable Fried Rice and Lo Mein! We were bursting at the seams. Afterwards, we had to work off all that dinner.

We showed Mike and Diane around the facility.

They analyze the steps that Ken uses for practice. “The rise on these steps is not high enough.” Mike says. “Use the other steps. The rise is more like you have at home.”

Diane works out on the bars.

Mike shows her how it’s done!!

Wow!! Physical Therapy is HARD WORK!!! We are tired!!!

They decided to take a drive!

Ken hitches a ride!! “Get me outta here!!!”

You’ve had enough fun for one day!! Faye rolls Ken back to his room.

What an evening!!

KRISPY KREME – GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT!!!

I was reading the blog of a new friend of ours (Krystle – some of you will remember the family, and particularly her son, Austin, who learned to play Pickleball at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay a few weeks ago). I was amused by her article about Krispy Kreme donuts, describing how she and her husband one day just happened to be where she saw a Krispy Kreme store with the sign lit, indicating the donuts were there and HOT. She had never experienced a HOT Krispy Kreme donut, and when she did, thought she had gone to heaven!!!

I, too, lived in ignorance for most of my life. Years ago, we would buy Krispy Kreme donuts brought to the door and sold for $1/dozen as a fund raiser. They were really good. And, I have had KK donuts lots of times, my whole life. But, I never even heard of a HOT Krispy Kreme. Then, not so many years ago, I was visiting a childhood friend who now lives in San Diego. She was thrilled to learn that Krispy Kreme was coming to San Diego. “Now, I can get them HOT”, she said. So?? She went on to explain how much better the GLAZED DONUTS were when eaten HOT, right from the store. You know what? She was right. From then on, I only get them HOT.

There is a store in Richmond, not too far from the Elk’s Lodge where we are staying. Before Ken had his surgery, we stopped to get some Krispy Kreme donuts. We went inside (you can’t go through the Drive Thru because the hot ones may have sat for a few minutes before you get them).

This has never happened to me before: I told the lady I wanted a dozen “pipeing hot”. I heard her tell her co-worker, “She wants them pipeing hot!” So, she went to the conveyor where donuts were just coming out of the cooking vat. She picked one up with her pick-up stick and dipped it into the frosting and then put it into our box. She did that for the whole dozen!! They could have not been hotter!! Thank you, Lady.

I thought they were the best ever, until, after reading Krystle’s article, I left Ken at rehab last night and drove to Krispy Kreme, on my way home (not). I ordered one pipeing hot one to go. I grabbed my one donut and dashed out to the car where I sat alone and consumed it. Oh, God!!! It was AMAZING!! WONDERFUL!!! That was THE BEST EVER!!! Then I realized, while you are waiting for them to put a dozen HOT donuts into the box, they are already getting cool!!!

KEN'S BIGGEST CHEERLEADER!!

I got a really neat e-mail from Ken's daughter, Stacey. Thought you’d enjoy her enthusiasm.

"Wow Daddy looks good. Go Dad Go. He's gonna show them that he has the stamina of 70 year old or maybe even 65. He looks like he is in good spirits. I can't wait til ya'll get down here to sunny FL. Don't forget your sun screen. Tell Dad I am rooting for him down here and I am his biggest cheer leader. If ya'll need a place to stay instead of the RV (cuz of the steps) I still have an empty room and would love to have ya'll here.

Love you both very much. Stacey"

NEW LOOK FOR HIGHWAY RUNNER BLOG!!

I took my laptop to Rehab today to show Ken the numerous e-mails and good wishes we have received. (And, we thank you all so much!!) Ken happened to ask if they had WIFI here??? I doubted if I would be able to use it if they did, but I gave it a try. Much to my surprise, I was able to go on line using their WIFI!!! I have had sooooo much fun, playing around with our BLOG at my leisure. Of course I could use the WIFI at the TT parks, but they are often very slow and, besides, I have other things to do.

Today I added our picture of greeting as background to the title. Using this WIFI, I get instant gratification!! But, will test it at home using the cell phone. If it takes too long to pull up with the picture, it will have to go.

I’ve also added a BLOG list of BLOGs we follow most often. It also tells which have new postings. Just click on the BLOG I want to view and instantly I’m there. I only put a few on the list because I’m not certain if I will like it as well as the Bookmarks I am currently using.

We’ll try is out for a while and see if we like it!!

THEY WORK YOU HARD IN THERAPY!!

Ken continues to improve and build up his strength at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Virginia. Things are more difficult with the restricting hip brace, but they want him to do everything for himself. So, he has Physical Therapy every morning and Occupational Therapy in the afternoon to help him learn ways to cope.

Here is Ken and his Therapist, Jonell on their way to Occupational Therapy (Check out the Red Hot Chili Pepper pants!!! Borrowed them from his son, Mike, to have something large enough to fit over the big brace. Everyone on staff loved them!!

Jonell works with Ken and puts him through his paces -- Lifting a bar while improving his balance.

Performing a task while standing and balancing.

But he still needs to dress himself. Pulling up his pants!!

Almost got 'em up!! This is not too hard!!!

Now for the "silk" stockings.

Upper body work.

Looks like they are having too much fun!!

Using free weights.

Now we get to the group activities. “Shaking a Cocktail” using hand weights. This is as close as we get to Happy Hour!!!

Batting a Balloon. It’s not Pickleball but its kinda fun!!

KEN MOVES TO REHAB

Good News. Ken was moved to Rehab Tuesday afternoon. We thought several days ago that everything was set, but then learned that Medicare has toughened its guidelines, and no longer approves single joint replacements for Rehab. We were sweating it, but I guess Ken had enough extenuating circumstances that he was approved after all.

They worked him hard today; he had about three hours of physical therapy and occupational therapy, about 1 1/2 hours of each. He was shuffling along so fast, I told him he would be on that Pickleball Court in no time!!! Go, Ken, Go.

LATEST ON KEN'S CONDITION

Thanks so much for all of your kind thoughts!! Ken is doing well now, but you should see his hip BRACE!!! He won't be playing Pickleball for a loooong time!!!

Ken was doing a lot better yesterday (Saturday after surgery on Friday). Then they removed the epidural and gave him pain medicine instead. He has been soooooo sick all day today. Has not felt like eating (and the food is good -- I've been eating it). Doesn't feel like doing his exercises. Has not been walking with the PT. I'm worried that he is not getting any movement.

Learned today that Ken will be going to ReHab tomorrow (Mon), if he is doing OK and if they have room. I was very relieved that he had been approved for ReHab because I don't think I could manage him at home yet.

The Doctor just stopped by and is pleased with the surgery. Apparently, there was a lot more to this surgery than the original hip replacement because some older parts had to be removed before the new ball and socket could be inserted. There was the possibility of some nerve damage in the process, but everything appears to be good.

PS. Ken ate his Sunday dinner and seems to be feeling better (6:15 pm).

HIP SUGERY A SUCCESS!!

PATIENT DOING WELL!!!

Early this morning (Friday 10/31), we arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. Ken’s hip surgery was scheduled for 9:15 AM. We needed to be here at 7:15 AM. He was taken down to prepare for surgery at 8:30, but Dr. McGlynn, his surgeon, had a couple of patients ahead of him.

Mike and Diane came to the hospital at about 10:00 to wait with me, and to be here when Mike’s Dad came out of Recovery. I was glad they were here because it turned out to be a long, long day. Besides, Diane is a nurse and it helped to have her explain all this stuff to me.

We later learned that Ken was not actually taken into surgery until about 11:30. At about 2:30 PM, Dr. McGlynn came to the Waiting Area to explain to us about the surgery. He started with, “It’s about 2:30, so you know we did a LOT.” Turns out, instead of just replacing the ball, he had to replace the ball AND the socket and add some additional screws to hold the apparatus in place. Fortunately, he did not have to replace the shank that went into the femur. He said Ken was awake, talking and doing well. I gathered from what he said, that the new joint is more “heavy-duty” than the previous one, and should be nearly impossible to dislocate. Also, this weekend, Ken will be fitted with a hip brace that he is to wear for about six weeks. This will restrict movement and give the hip sufficient time to heal completely.

We expected Ken to be in his room about an hour after talking with the doctor. But, while in Recovery, his blood pressure dropped and had to be brought back to normal and stabilized before he could be released. It was about 7:30 PM when he was finally brought up to his room with his new hip!! WHAT A DAY!!!

You will want to know, Ken is looking good and strong, and seems to be doing quite well; joking with the nurses; can’t get enough to eat; and is once again in control of the TV remote!!!

Thanks to everyone for all of your concern!!

FLYING-J CASH ALERT!!

Flying-J has changed their policy!! Who Knew!!!

Just discovered the hard way that Flying-J no longer gives RVer's the Cash Price when paying with a Credit Card! You MUST pay with Cash!!

We have been using Flying-J for RV diesel fuel for years. We have always used our RV Real Value Club Card and a Credit Card when paying. And, Flying-J has always considered "Credit-Same-As-Cash"for RVer's, as well as giving a discount of 1 cent per gallon.

This past Monday, when we paid for diesel with our Credit Card, we were charged the full price (almost 10 cents per gallon more). [Note: Cash Price = $3.31; We paid $3.40]. I questioned the cashier and was told that they recently changed their policy and no longer grant RVers the Cash Price when using a Credit Card. To get the Cash Price, we had to pay with cash. It was too late after having already charged the purchase. It would have been a big deal to try to get a refund!!
We are just glad we only bought 100 gallons this time!!

NEW UPDATE ON KEN’S HIP/KNEE SITUATION

HIP SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

How quickly things change!! This morning, Tuesday, Ken saw his Orthopedic Surgeon to see what to do now!! Dr. McGlynn had reviewed all the events of last Thursday and the X-rays taken while Ken’s hip was dislocated. The doctor was really concerned about Ken’s hip and would not even talk about the knee replacement until the hip has been repaired, as quickly as possible.

The hip replacement is made up of three parts – the top part screws into the hip bone, the bottom part goes into the thigh bone, and the center part is a ball that fits between the two and into the cup of the top part. Dr. McGlynn proposes to surgically remove the ball in Ken’s hip and replace it with one of a larger size. While this repair is not like a hip replacement, it is still going to be major surgery. Following the surgery, he will fit Ken with a hip brace that he is to wear for six weeks to give the hip a chance to heal completely. This sounds exactly like what the doctor in Gloucester had proposed.

Looks like our trip to Florida will be delayed a few weeks more!!

The knee replacement will just have to wait until next Spring, if it is still a problem then.

Thanks to you all for your concern!!

CAL – TO THE RESCUE!!!

We decided it was time to break down and get a DVR!! So, a couple of weeks ago, we asked Direct TV to provide us with their standard DVR. (We opted not to get the HD version.) Their tech came out to our rig while we were in Richmond and set up their big, new Direct TV Dish and installed the DVR for use with the two TV’s we have. Now we can watch one program while recording another. What a great idea!!!

However, we also have a relatively new TrakVision on our rooftop. We wanted to be able to continue using it as well; particularly when we are staying at a new location for only a night or two. Then we would not have to set up the DTV Dish. The tech said he had wired everything that way; but, it didn’t work. And, we also have a DVD/VCR that we wanted to continue to use to watch rental movies. Of course, when the tech left, that didn’t work either.

It just so happened that our Pickleball friend, Cal, is an expert in these things!! Who Knew??? He came to our rescue -- pulling wires, disconnecting and connecting, testing, @@#%%&$$@, retesting, discarding wires, testing @@#%%&$$@ and retesting again!! We would NEVER have figured it out, ourselves!! Now, thanks to Cal, everything is working the way we want!!!

Thank you, Cal, for being such a great Friend!! And thank you, Diane, for living the life of a Satellite Widow for a few days!!!

FISHING IS NO.1 PRIORITY FOR SOME

Recently ProLine Boats sponsored a fishing tournament in this area. A group from TT Chesapeake Bay participated and brought home a lot of fish. Billy, is an avid fisherman; fishes all the time, but he did not participate in the tournament. The fishermen gave some of the fish to him for a big fish fry coming up in November. We caught up with Billy at the fish cleaning station, filleting the Blues with the precision of a TV surgeon. You may remember Billy as providing the expertise when we were painting the lines for the additional Pickleball Courts (Article 9/7/2008). I keep telling him he needs to reset his priorities so he can spend more time on the Pickleball Courts, but he thinks he has it right -- fishing is still his Number 1!!

DINNER AT EL RANCHITO

Playing Pickleball is not the only thing we do!! We all got together one evening for a wonderful dinner at El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant in Gloucester, VA. No two-for-one Margaritas this time, but I think we would all agree that the meal was delicious and plentiful!! And a good time was had by all

We clean up pretty good, don’t we?

[Front Row: Faye, Diane, Linda, Vickie, Krystal, Austin, Mickey
Back: Cal, Roger, Dennis, Bob, ??, Barb and Ray]

PICKLEBALL CONTINUES AT TT CHESAPEAKE BAY

We can’t quite believe it, but it's true!! We still have a really good group of Pickleball players at the preserve. We play every morning and some play in the evenings as well.

[Front Row: Jerry, Katelyn, Mike, Barb, Vickie, Austin, Jeff and Roger

Back: Rita, Gilbert, Ron, MikeE, and Dennis]










The next generation of Pickleball Players.

[Katelyn, Jeff and Austin]

GIRL POWER!! On some days, the girls rule!!

Diane after an especially rewarding shot.













Barb and Faye after winning over Dennis!!! YEAH!!!

ANOTHER PICKLE PINNING CEREMONY

What a great group of new (and almost new) players at TT Chesapeake Bay. We decided we needed to have another Pickle Pinning Ceremony for those who had not received their Pickles to show their love of the game. Eleven new inductees.

[Front Row: Austin, Monica, Jerry and Linda
Back: Bob, Ron, Vickie, Rita, Jason, Ron and Ray]

ANNUAL SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AND DRAGON RUN DAYS

A BIG EVENT AT TT CHESAPEAKE BAY

A view of the Piankatank River from shore. To the right the River flows to the Chesapeake Bay about 12 miles to the East. To the left is the Dragon Run that winds for miles and miles inland.

We really enjoy this annual Festival. It’s a very popular event at the preserve, with all kinds of seafood prepared by the staff, crafts by the members and friends, and ecological displays about the Dragon Run, a tributary to the Piankatank River. We had the soft shelled crab sandwiches for lunch.

And later, cracked Blue Crabs with beer for dinner!!

UUUUMMMMMMMMMM

UPDATE ON KEN’S CONDITION

He’s OK – feeling fine – doing great – up and at ‘em – bursting at the seams – ready to go!! Can’t keep him down!!! No after effects at all following the ordeal on Thursday. Actually, the worst thing by far, was the after effects of all the medication given to him at the hospital. They popped his hip back in place and now his hip feels fine – no pain, no weakness at all. He has an appointment with his Orthopedic Surgeon (the one who replaced his hip in 2000 and was scheduled for his knee replacement) on Tuesday AM to see what’s next. We are hoping he will be able to reschedule the knee replacement soon enough so all the pre-admission stuff will still be applicable.

I told my son, Barry, it was a lot like a shuttle launch. All the preparation and count down to the last minute, and then have to abort!! Let’s hope we can start in the middle of the countdown this time and do not have to start all over.

Will keep you advised.

KEN'S KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY -- IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!

Ken’s knee replacement surgery scheduled for Friday, 10/17, has been canceled. The reason?? Ken had a mishap early this morning while packing up to move from TT Chesapeake Bay to the Richmond Elk’s Lodge. He twisted the wrong way when reaching under the steering wheel. The ball of his left hip replacement (circa 2000) popped out of position!! He could not move!!

We called 911 and they switched us to the Gloucester Ambulance Service. By 9:30 AM we were in the emergency room of Walter Reed Hospital.

This has happened two times before –in Cottonwood, AZ and in Indio, CA. Both times he was taken to emergency, sedated, hip popped back in position, and we were gone.

Not so this time. Because it was the third time, the doctors were very concerned. They would not set the hip in the Emergency Room. We had to wait for an Operating Room was available. At 3:30 PM they finally released Ken to come home. What an exhausting day!!!

In the meantime, I contacted Ken’s Orthopedic Surgeon in Richmond who had done the hip replacement years ago and is scheduled to do the knee replacement surgery. The decision was that we would have to cancel the knee replacement surgery and set up an appointment (Tuesday 10/21) to review the hip problem.

[Ken’s hip is OK now.]

MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION GOES ON AND ON AND ON!!

While we were at the Elk’s Lodge in Richmond, I decided to make a Birthday Brunswick Stew for myself. Ever hear of Mrs. Fearnow’s Brunswick Stew? It’s made in this area and distributed in the southeast. My recipe was close to Mrs. F’s.


[Right is my sister Beryle and husband, Harold.]







I invited my siblings and their families to help us eat it. And, my daughter, Stasia came up from North Carolina for the occasion. It surely did bring back some old time memories.

[Left is my brother, Nelson and puppy, Buddy.]







When we were young and growing up, we lived on a farm. Several times a year, Mom and Dad made a BIG Brunswick Stew for friends and family. Back then we had to pick and shell the butter beans, pick and shuck the corn, pick and peel the tomatoes, kill and clean the chicken, and so on. It took the whole day, adding ingredients and stirring, stirring, stirring. It was soooo good.

[Here is my sister, Jean and husband, Bob.]





Not the same for Faye’s Stew – grocery store chicken and canned ingredients according to the Fearnow’s recipe. Still it took all day adding ingredients and stirring, stirring, and stirring. It was really, really good. UUUUMMMMMM!!


[And here is my kid brother, Chip and wife, Biddie.]









[My niece, Deb (Beryle's daughter) and her husband, Jeff.]















[Here is my daughter, Stasia who drove all the way up from North Carolina for her Mother's birthday!]











[And here is the Birthday Girl, herself, and husband, Ken!!]



We all had a wonderful time!!!








MIKE AND DIANE TAKE US OUT FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!

On Wednesday, October 1, Mike and Diane took us both out to an enormous and delicious dinner at Zorba’s Greek Restaurant in Richmond to celebrate my birthday (October 2). We had a wonderful meal starting with Mussels Marinara and Burchetta. We need not have ordered the appetizers because portions for dinner were huge and we could not begin to eat it all – succulent Baked Pasta for Ken and the Birthday Girl, Eggplant Parmesan for Mike, and Beef Tenderloin with Wine Sauce for Diane!!!

Thank you Mike and Diane for a wonderful Birthday Dinner!!!

A TRIP TO THE DENTIST

When we were out West in February 2003, our Pickleball friends, Brian and Ilene, were talking about going to the dentist in Mexico. We thought it sounded like a good idea. Let’s give it a try!! They recommended their dentist, Dr. Patricia Vicente, “a sensitive & understanding dentist”, in Los Algodones, MX. So we went to Yuma for a few days; walked across the Mexican border; and met Patty Vicente. She was great. We saw her regularly whenever we were out west. In addition to routine care, X-rays, and cleaning, I needed a crown and Ken root canal. All this was done with little discomfort, maximum speed, and minimal cost.

Thing is, we’ve been in the East for more than two years and have not been able to see our dentist in Mexico. We decided to bite the bullet and set up an appointment to see our dentist in Richmond, Dr. Alan Padgett. Now, Dr. Padgett is a great dentist and very nice gentlemen whom Ken met in the Army Reserves years ago. But, this dentist is very thorough and could always find something to fix every time we saw him. And, he’s expensive!! We were expecting the worse!!

After extensive X-rays and a thorough cleaning, we both passed our exams with flying colors and high praise for our excellent dental hygiene!! Everything was perfect!!! AMAZING!!!

BUT!! Just a few days later, Ken lost a tooth. We thought it was the cap put on by Patty in Mexico. But, when we returned to the dentist, it was not the cap. It was a broken tooth. The dentist filed it down and bonded it. Now Ken’s teeth are fine!! But, Dr. Padgett is still expensive!!

So, you western travelers who have been going to Patty Vicente in Mexico – you’ve got a good one!!

PS. If you happen to run into Brian and Ilene, tell them our story. If you have their cell phone number, please share it with us. Have not been in touch with them for awhile.

SUNDAY MORNING PICKLEBALL

Our Pickleball group was small this morning (Sunday, September 29), but we had a good time. Wanted to show this picture because it’s the first time I’ve worn my new Tournament tee shirt!! I’m so proud to have the first one!!

Players from right to left: Delores: The genius who designed my great tee shirt. Mike: Loves the game so much I think I’ll call him “Mr. Pickleball.” Me: I love my new tee shirt!! Keith: Loves the game but also enjoys other things like “Rooting” on his golf cart!! And Ron: Just came to the campground a couple of days earlier. I discovered that Ron has many talents besides Pickleball, such as guitar, vocals, keyboard. In fact, Ron led the campground Karaoke Night on Saturday evening.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY -- FAYE, JIMMY, AND DIANE (Absent)!!!”

Hate to say it, but, I’m having ANOTHER birthday coming up on October 2nd!! Our daughter-in-law, Diane, celebrated her much younger birthday last week. And, our friend Jimmy recently had a birthday, too. We decided to have a joint birthday party.

Diane was going to bring soup. I was providing grilled cheese sandwiches, and Jimmy’s wife, Delores, bought the Birthday Cake.


And then it RAINED!! Delores and Jimmy and Ken and I were the only ones from our group at the Campground. All of our other friends stayed at home. What to do?????

Delores had a great idea. Let’s cut the cake anyway!! OK!!!






I brought the makings for grill cheese sandwiches (perfectly grilled by Delores)!!











And Ken made his delicious Tomato Basil Soup.



We four had a fun and tasty dinner together.














Followed by delicious Birthday Cake.







Then I had a HUGH surprise!! Delores had made a birthday present for me!! You will never guess what it is!! All of you Pickleball players will be SO JEALOUS!!!




She had printed a tee shirt for me. The picture came from our BLOG -- The 2008 Thousand Trails 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament!! What a surprise!!



THANK YOU, Delores, for the birthday celebration and the perfect memento!!!