New Parts for Us (Phannie doesn’t need any)

Yes, I am aware that I haven’t posted anything for a while but we have an excuse.  As I mentioned in an earlier post as an upcoming event, Sandy has just finished the last of three planned surgical procedures, the most recent being total knee replacement.  If you’re wondering, her full list included carpal tunnel surgery and a septoplasty (repair of a deviated septum) all within the last five months.  As in her recovery from similar surgery on the other knee a couple of years ago, progress is slow and painful—perhaps more so this time because this knee was in much worse shape.

Somewhat coincidentally, I am looking at hip replacement surgery myself as soon as Sandy is well enough to help me shuffle around afterward as I recover.

I’m not sure how we managed to need all these body repairs at the same time but we are grateful that we don’t have worse health problems; we know too many people who do.  Having been blessed with good health for 65 years, I guess I shouldn’t complain about the prospects of having my very first surgery soon (a tonsillectomy when I was a kid doesn’t count).

I have a new respect now for whoever first said, “If you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.”  It’s amazing how poignant this old bromide has become since Sandy and I have been confronted with our wicked new nemesis, Mr. Arthritis.  

Another reason to get these expensive procedures out of the way is the uncertainty of our having access to them if Obamacare stays around.  Big Brother might just tell us we don’t have enough quality years left so…too bad!

Dear friends Jim and Terri came by this afternoon and brought a delicious dinner of homemade enchiladas; it was muy sabroso!  Thank you!

Sandy with her knee elevated and Terri

Jim (sorry for the poor photo composition)

Jim and Terri took a tour of Phannie and seemed to enjoy looking around as they saw in person all of her features that I had mentioned in my posts.  As we walked through the coach, I couldn’t help but feel sad that our travel in this fine rig has been circumscribed for a while. 

Yesterday I fired up Phannie’s engine and the Onan genset then ran through the gears.  I do that every couple of weeks when she isn’t being used and, so far, this seems to be working well in keeping Phannie’s systems exercised.  Since we have full hookups in her RV port, battery upkeep is not an issue.  We probably won’t be taking her out for a couple more months as we continue our recovery.

For our blogger friends who are still enjoying good health and mobility, I would encourage you to savor every day and offer a prayer of thanks for this and all the rest of God’s wonderful blessings.