playing catchup............

Hi all. I have been spending fall with my hubby getting things done around the casa and yard-garden. Had a bumper crop of tomatoes late in season and new fall garden is coming in strong. I have been canning and putting up food for winter and holidays. I can not tell you how rewarding it is. I am watching our new front garden walk way of grasses, lavender and flowers growing like crazy. So much so we may have to move some. Hostas need a new home too in the shade. They are huge but getting too much sun and we have decided to move them to the side of the house by our driveway where nothing grows under the large maple. Douglas and our neighbor cut and split wood while his son Nathan kept a nice bon fire going in the metal pit. Then the whole family(neighbors two doors down) came over for a pot luck and fire. It was a great way to end the weekend. It is wonderful having such great neighbors. They heat with wood too so they got two loads.

The lupus education-support program is going well. we had our second session last week. Next week we are having one on avoiding flares and sending people home with homework. The last session I teach will be on what to do when you are in a flare. Part of preparing for this is helping patients get their affairs in order. Emergency plans so to speak. Who to call on, what can folks do to help, advance directives etc. All the stuff we like to put off. So I am hoping this will be a good home work assignment with max benefits.

Which leads me to the next thing. I am having surgery on right hip (2nd replacement) October 19th. I will be in longer this time. Feel free to visit as the blog will direct you when is good time and where I am etc. Doug will keep you abreast, as you know, with his humor. You have his cell and can reach him if needed. The hospital also will tell you where I am. We are going for a private room but I may not get one??? It depends on the day. Mondays are usually pretty good days to get private rooms. Many patients leave on Sundays or over the weekend. So I am hanging pretty well. People have asked if they can help or visit? Douglas will be here. He can always use help in the food department grocery shopping, soups and comfort food while I am in and after I get home. Easy things to heat up and fruit, nuts etc. Beer. Just kidding, well, not really, It takes the edge off I am sure. I will be well cared for with home nursing and Douglas. If I need anything I will let you know. There may be garden work and food to harvest for those of you who like that type of work and healthy food to take home. I am always up for a good book to read-borrow too and relaxing music especially cello. Movies are always good too.

I would like to share a quote my friend Chris sent me by Sir William Osler (1849-1919) when asked the secret to a long and full life? "Contract a chronic, terminal disease and take care of it". Odd quote but you get the point. In class last week a nurse made an observation and commented on how some patients seem to see lupus as a gift and I totally agreed. It forces one to take stock in their lives a bit more than healthy folk. One has to live healthier more vibrant lives to survive. It is a strange gift with many miracles and to "Take care of it" means to heal the deeper parts of ourselves. In this way we leave the earth with a little more wisdom had we not been forced to take care of it. Good Karma !!!!