Musical Milestones

Since breaking my wrist October 19 and surgery to put in a plate on October 27th, I have achieved several milestones this week. I can take off a shirt by crossing my hands and gently pulling up on both sides! I can lift light objects and even use my left hand a little while putting on socks. There are still so many things I can't do, but I'm stretching the tendons and working them several times a day, specifically with music in mind.

I am able to play the piano now, and can reach an octave with my left hand (albeit, not without some discomfort)!

Brittany suggested I try the ukulele instead of the guitar or banjo. Yesterday I failed miserably, and today I can play two chords: C and G7! I am thrilled! Here is my joyous rendition of Clementine!

BYU vs UMass

Yesterday we had tickets to the BYU/UMass football game, thanks to Tim Whipple! It was a beautiful day, and about 20 warmer than the game we saw last week!

We had fun sharing the day with our friends, Chuck and Renee, who are always fun to be with!

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We were introduced to the pleasures of Cougar Tails there. They are giant maple bars, my favorite kind of donut!

BYU won 51-9, which meant I didn't have to have my stomach in knots like I did last week during the Iowa/Michigan game!

QuiltAnthropy Auction

Friday night Ed and I went to a quilt auction to benefit refugees. It was held in a beautiful barn owned by some neighbors of ours.

We were fed a hearty dinner to get us warmed up to get in the mood for giving.

We enjoyed the comfortable, cozy atmosphere and the opportunity to visit with some of our new friends.

We're still waiting to see if we are the new owners of a Halloween themed quilt, which we bid on in the silent auction!

Leukemia

Many of us were shocked last Tuesday by the results of the presidential election. I'll never forget the additional shock I received that day. I was in the hospital waiting for the results of a blood test and CT scan. The doctor looked me in the eye and said, "You have leukemia."

I couldn't have been more stunned! Other than a broken wrist and some minor abdominal pains I felt fine! I still feel fine, despite being on medication to reduce my white blood cell count.

The doctor doesn't know what form of leukemia I have. Early results pointed to CLL, but another test indicated MCL, which is a lymphoma. The CT scan showed no enlarged organs or lymph nodes, with the exception of the spleen. I am now waiting for the results of a bone marrow biopsy to determine what form of leukemia I have and what treatment that would require. We should get the results around Thanksgiving, and after that I will begin chemotherapy treatments.

We realize there are many new drugs out that are very effective in treating these diseases. We also realize that it is a serious disease and there are no guarantees. Ed has asked some family and friends to join with us this Sunday to fast and pray for me. I have felt your love and prayers already, and if you would like to join with us on Sunday in whatever manner you feel you could, it would be appreciated! Even just sending a few happy thoughts our way would be great. Send some for Ed, too! This is much an ordeal for him as it is for me! Thanks so much. I love you all!

Home Again

We arrived home in Alpine this afternoon. Coda was pretty happy to be home. She was so afraid we were going to leave her again that she sat up or stood up in the car the entire 8 hours!

I was very faithful with my hand exercises, and got a ball (as recommended by my good friend Martha Boon). It had 8 exercises in the instructions, and they were very therapeutic.

The happiest part is I am now able to type this entire blog posting with two hand typing! Hooray!

Drivin'

Eleven hours n the car today was a long drive! I spent it all lounging in the back seat!

Ed and Crystal did all the driving, listening to the cool sounds of Whistling Prairie all the way!

We were happy to make it to Denver in time for dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with Verlene. She had the bed all ready for us, and we were ready to hit the hay!

Coda had fun with Brandy and Holly, but was pretty happy to see us again! It made us think she really loves us!

Amana Colony

We had some time this morning for a little cat therapy before going sight seeing. Drizzle let Crystal cuddle him. He's loosing his hair again, and looks cute and rat-like.

Ed had some fun with Flurry, who we think has lemur-like legs. He's soft and furry.

We spent most of the day at the Amana Colonies, the home of the original radar-range ovens. They were a German communal society established in the 19th century.

Now they have a woolen mill, a furniture factory and lots of arts and craft and gift shops.

We also had a very filling family-style dinner a the Ox Yoke Inn.

We enjoyed stopping in at West Music, where Amanda works. She's in the flute department, where they sell expensive Miyazawa and Sankyo flutes. This one is made out of gold! Amanda is taking lessons and played a couple of songs for us on the flute. She was happy we were able to recognize them!

It has been great to see Amanda's new surroundings. When she tells us stories in the future we'll be able to put them in their real settings!

We got home in time for a little more cat therapy before bed. I had both cats crawl on my lap and was able to scratch them with the stiff fingers of my bad left hand! I was very proud!