Improving

Our week included some good news for both myself and Nati, the cat. A winter storm rolled through. A new cat video was created.

For me, the highlight of the week was a trip to the Mayo Clinic to get a 6-week inspection of my rotator cuff surgery. That went well; the doctor is pleased with the results so far. He had me do some hand exercises and movements with arm and elbow to test pain levels and strength. All seems well, and I was given the go-ahead to shed the sling and begin using my right arm for a few more tasks. (Restrictions on the weight I can lift or pull remain in effect.)

I can now eat with my right hand, brush my teeth, and get dressed without Pam’s help. I can’t raise my arm very high so washing my hair is still a one-handed affair, but I hope to see improvements over the next few weeks that allow me to do more with my right shoulder. As it is, this week was a big step forward. I am glad to be rid of the sling.

Nati the cat had a vet appointment. It has about 3 weeks since her operation and she was due for a follow-up inspection. The vet indicated that Nati is doing well and is ahead of where a “normal” cat would be at this point. Make no mistake, Nati is still something to look at with great chunks of hair missing from the side of her face and neck, but new cells are forming (red in color) and there is no evidence of infection. She continues to eat and eliminate, but has low energy levels and does not seem to be interested in what is going on around her. Only time will tell if she can fully recover and have a good life.

Due to requests, I have created another kitten video. Stirling and Vienna play with Mr. Spring, one of their favorite toys.

We received about 4 inches of snow from the latest storm, but melting is already underway and the sidewalks and paths we cleared are already melting off. I was able to run the John Deere LX 176 with the snow blade and clear off the sidewalks, but it was a bit of a chore as I had to operate the blade raise / lower lever and steer with my left hand instead of using both hands. Good thing the snow was fairly light and easy move. In addition to our walkways I clear out around two sets of mail boxes so the carrier can deliver the mail without any problems.

Note the ‘cat paths’ to the right of the above photo. We clear several of these to allow the cats access to the heated water bowls and food Pam puts out. Another series runs to the east of the garage to the alley and back to the oak tree water dish.

We had mild weather early in the week and the yard was almost bare of snow. Both of us got outside for short periods of time, enjoying the spring sun and warmer weather that – almost – felt like spring. The only drawback was mud tracked in by the dogs after their outside excursions. Pam had to trim the dogs’ footpad hairs and put some old paint cloths in the laundry room to keep mud from being tracked through the rest of the house.

We have not heard from the contractors we spoke with about this year’s projects so I will have to start calling again this next week. We would like to get the outside tasks done this year, but will have to see how that goes. In addition to the “tower project” we have some under-eave repairs that need to be done. A few spindles in the porch railings need to be replaced along with some porch floorboards. Some of that I may be able to do, but the tower and eave repairs will be beyond what I can do this year.

We have not heard from Bob the Builder who, last fall, said he would tackle the upstairs bathroom this spring. We would like to get this last major inside project done this year – it would sure be nice to have a shower upstairs.

I have a dental appointment in the upcoming week which means a trip to Mason City. This trip will include a stop at Super Cuts as my hair is getting pretty shaggy. A stop at the Mason City Walmart is on the agenda as well. It will be a busy day.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Penny

Two robins arrived at the bird feeder this morning. Come on, Spring!

Happy Trails.