Recovery time

What a wonderful place to recuperate, recharge and heal.

I realized that it doesn't quite feel like our own yet or like home. The setting is beautiful and relaxing but the house is not quite right yet. We met with a painter to discuss new paint for the inside and refinishing the outside redwood siding. New paint and carpeting, plus some more personal items will make a difference.

Meanwhile I am walking without a cane only 2 weeks after hip replacement surgery.

Wonderful weekend away

We had a fabulous weekend, very relaxing and I was able to forget about the upcoming surgery this Wednesday.

I have never seen so many mushrooms of various types and sizes. There are new trails on the property and I suspect the local mushroom hunters have been helping them selves to the bounty. We didn't actually see anyone while we were there. Steve purchased a few "Private Property" signs but we didn't have time to post them. There is probably not much we can do until we put up a fence.

Without a fence I worry that Casey is wandering too far afield. She is facinated with all the scents and definitely wants to explore. On Sunday she took her own sweet time when we called her, hot on the trail of something. A fence is expensive but may be necessary sooner rather than later, especially with two dogs. Eventually I will need a deer fence anyway for the garden but we had hoped to save our money until next year.

Anxious to be in the woods

It has been 3 weeks since our last visit, a week longer than intended. I wonder if the critters (including the slugs) have left the new plantings alone.

This weekend I really need the quiet and solitude. I am scheduled for hip replacement surgery on my right side next Wednesday. Although I have been assured that it is a common procedure with few side effects, am in good health (still fairly fit), and have an experienced Dr. and hospital; I am still feeling anxious and fragile. Last night I had an awful nightmare so I know that there is a lot going on under the surface. I think I will feel better at the house in Ft. Bragg. The sound of the wind in the trees will calm me. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough that we can take Casey for a walk on the beach and I can limp along. This last week has convinced me of the magical properties of Aleve. Tylenol just does not do it, but is all I can take 7 days prior to surgery.

Our plan is to come back up for the Fri/Sat/Sun of Thanksgiving weekend. This weekend I want to get the house more comfortable for that stay, I don't know how if will feel that soon after surgery. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile I don't think we can pack another item into the car. I'll post pictures as the house develops some "style".