I like to Babble

The picture is just one I took last spring and it is to remind us that in a couple of months it will be warm and green again and we can smell the flowers. Enjoy


Thursday was just another day here in the land between the Squaw and the Skunk. Except that I had to get dressed before noon and go out to see the doctor and pee in a cup. I really do love my doctor. You see several years ago he saved my life. Over several years I had some really bad habits as far as eating and drinking things like real coke and orange juice. I had quit smoking twice and had gained an enormous amount of weight. I had a 60 inch waist at one time. Yes I did. I did not go to doctors except when I had to go for the every three year school physical.

To make a long story somewhat shorter my sister was in a really bad car accident and I was driving back and forth from Des Moines to see her, teaching school full time and taking care of a lot of things. I got sick. You know how the caregiver doesn't take care of himself? That was me. I developed an infection in my leg and it got bigger and bigger and I ignored it. I had to purchase a new home so my sister who wound up in a wheelchair could live with me and have it made handicapped accessible. (Little did I know that I would wind up needing the modifications) - I signed the papers and wound up really sick. My cousin took me to the hospital and it turned out that I went in with a 600 blood sugar and flesh-eating bacteria which had to be cut out.

Anyway Peter (my doctor) got me the right help, oversaw everything and he and the other doctors saved my life. I was in the hospital with a leg wound where they cut out the bacteria. Now I have a scar that runs from groin to knee and another one on my calf. Dr. Hardy was my surgeon and he was the kindest gentlest man ever. As he would debrede the would I would jerk and he would say "sorry" - it really bothered him.

I took early retirement and the next year I wound up back in the hospital with an ankle fusion operation. Since that time I have lost a lot of weight (still need to lose more) - But my diabetes is pretty much under control now. I do not have to take any meds for it and I really watch what I eat and my blood sugars are pretty good. But I still go to see my doctor a couple of times a year just because he wants me to and because he is the nicest guy around.

Then tonight it was Lodge night and we initiated two new members into Arcadia Lodge. Really nice guys and the degrees were well done. I got to give the long Apron Lecture and I only left out two lines (I have only done it perfect once in my life) - Rusty came up and gave the Third Section slide lecture and did an outstanding job and Marty had beef burgers after the meeting. It was a wonderful evening and day. Tomorrow will also be a great day as will Saturday. I am so very fortunate to belong to two great lodges with brothers I enjoy and am very grateful for. Tomorrow night we do a second degree at Specialis Procer and will have a catered meal following the meeting. Trevor is coming this week-end and we are having lunch with him on Saturday. Life is good. I hope things are going well for you and thanks for stopping by. ARTYAL. Hugs, j