Dearly Beloved,

It’s the end of a busy, back-in-the-world kind of week and I must say it’s good to be back! Went to two awesome theater performances this week: Piaf and Beautiful (the Carole King story). Both were wonderful and the singers they chose to play the parts were spot on and had amazing voices and stage presences. I was happy to be able to sit through them and actually took the stairs out of Beautiful on Wednesday!

Yesterday, our neighbors, Bill and Marybeth King hosted the annual Oktoberfest party and we had over 30 people come to share good food, beer, wine and conversation. It was a wonderful gathering. Big thanks to the Kings for hosting so we could have this special event this year! Thanks to all of you who were present for being there and your tasty contributions. We missed those of you who couldn’t make it, but you know, there is always next year!

It felt like a “coming out” party for my hip. Everyone was curious about how I was doing. It was so great to hear everyone say they were surprised by how well I was doing at 4 ½ weeks after surgery. Especially because this week has been one of my hardest. My progress on my walk slowed considerably and I am still using a cane and limping due to a lack of strength in my gluteal muscles on my right side. I’m working hard to strengthen them, but it is slow and painful. I also know that it is getting better, just in slower increments and this is pushing my impatience buttons! I also think that I’m subconsciously afraid of hitting a wall like I have in the past. I remind myself that this is new territory and to just keep patiently and steadily doing my rehab exercises.

I did see some improvement in my flexibility that was encouraging, like I can now touch my toes again both when standing and sitting! Next week I should be able to trim my gnarly toenails-yay! (The simple joys of life I used to take for granted.) Maybe I’ll get really crazy and shave my legs…

I didn’t get my website/blog set up, but maybe by next week.

I hope this finds all of you well and enjoying a great weekend.

Love to you all!

Rhonda