Let me start with the
doctor. I had a good appointment with my surgeon today—lots of praise, but I
came away feeling a little let down. I asked if I was where I should be, given
what my condition was pre-surgery, and he said “Absolutely.” Pointed out my hip
had been deteriorating for a long time, I had a major bone deformity, and I
hadn’t really walked for six months before surgery. He was, he said with
restraint, pleased with my progress. As we left, he, not an effusive man, said,
“You’re beautiful today,” and I know he wasn’t referring to my looks. He was
saying I’ve made beautiful progress.
But I think I went in
there thinking I was healed, this surgery stuff could be behind me, and it’s
simply not so. He said he expects full recovery for me to take at least a year—and
I’m only six months in. No, I cannot cross my legs. If I bend from a sitting
position, I am to do it slowly, with my left hip bent open, because I’m still
in danger of dislocating it (x-ray shows it is perfectly in place right now).
And the biggie: he was lukewarm
about letting me drive, especially since I drive a VW Bug, with a lower seat
than a traditional car. He demonstrated how I’d have to get in and out, a
technique I don’t really remember. On the way home, Jordan said every instinct
in her was opposed to my driving, so I will wait.
I guess I’m not as
invincible as I thought. Lesson learned
Other than that, a
pleasant day of working and eating, mostly the latter. My daughters and I went
to Pacific Table for lunch. A splurge lunch of crab salad (with avocado,
Manchego, tomatoes, sautéed shallot, and a good vinaigrette) plus a dessert of
sinful ice cream sandwiches
Tonight, a friend from
the seventies came for happy hour with me, Jordan, and Megan. Nancy’s three
children and mine grew up as family friends, so it was great for my girls to
get to visit with her. Turns out Megan often distance-works with the husband of
one of Nancy’s daughters—small world.
Jordan fixed a
magnificent spread, which was our dinner. My contribution was the salmon
spread. We talked about everything from kids and surgery to murder and had a
delightful time.
Now two boys are out here
practicing their cursive writing. I never knew it would be the occasion for
such hilarity—old-fashioned, uncontrollable giggles.
