The Laughing Wolf – Page 9 – Commentary, Punditry, and More

A Christmas Village And Inklings

Or, how I spent my weekend having exhausting fun. I’ve recently begun attending an Orthodox church, which had it’s annual Christmas Village and Market this last weekend. The structure itself was built a bit more than a hundred years ago by a Protestant group, and the Village proper, seen above, is in what was the original sanctuary but converted into general use space when they built a new sanctuary adjacent to it. The Village is made up of different vendors ranging from a man who makes stained glass items to one who does homemade soaps and such. There is even a special shop for the children, where most everything is a quarter, so that every child can afford to shop there.

I missed getting a photo of the bakery and cafe it seems, but there is food available. The cafe side had to raise prices this year for the obvious reasons, but there was a range of options and I stayed as far away from the bakery as I could. Lead me not into temptation…

There was a “General Store” area as well, with a variety of items for sale. This shows about half of it. I also failed to get a shot of the bookstore, which is one of the better religious bookstores in the area IMO. I love bookstores, though they are a danger to my budget.

Where I spent my time was in The Lamp Post. You may ask what a bar is doing in a church, even if it is right now strictly a coffee bar? There lies a tale, and it is part of what led me to visiting in the first place.

Look carefully at the bar. Very English, no? If you are familiar with good fiction, and modern Christian apologetics, you might even find it tugging at a corner of your mind. That’s because it is a reproduction of the bar in the “Bird and Baby” as the Inklings called The Eagle and Child pub where they met once a week. That’s why there are photos of C.S. Lewis (Anglican) and J.R.R. Tolkien (Catholic) on the wall.

I still don’t have the full tale, but somehow a C.S. Lewis museum at a university contacted the Church to see if they would like to have the reproduction. Given that the priest is a fan of C.S. Lewis, he said yes. A group rented a truck and made the trip to get it. I understand some refinishing and other work was done, and it now has a new home where it is hoped it might inspire discussions and conversations similar to what the Eagle and Child did for the Inklings.

There is still some work to be done on the room itself, and with luck I hope to be helping with that a small bit this winter. Mostly decorative, though the Deacon hopes to one day get the gas fireplace working, and they do need to have some rewiring done. Yes, it is possible that the ‘they’ may become a we as I am open to exploring and possibly joining the Orthodox Church. Not rushing anything, but I will say this Church has been amazingly welcoming and encouraging.

We did have a visit from Santa Lucia both Friday and Saturday (if you look behind her you can see the entrance to the bookstore). Saint Lucy was martyred by the Romans for feeding Christians hiding in the catacombs. To find her way around, and to help those hiding to find her, she wore a wreath of candles and white. I did not know of her following in Scandinavia however, in particular Sweden. It seems that during a famine, a ship was seen approaching a town with a woman in white, wearing a wreath of candles, standing in the bow. The ship came in and docked — and there was no one on board. Only much needed food. As a result, she’s extremely popular there. It’s hard to see, but there is a basket being held by our Lucia filled with a special bites of sweet bread which she gives out to everyone present.

There was a very good turnout this year, and I spent most of my time as greeter, explainer, and got into several good discussions on the Inklings, woodworking, and even into differences between Catholic and Orthodox services. Even clean-up wasn’t too bad. That said, I was dragging Sunday and noticed that a number of people who had worked the event skipped Sunday. Monday I rested a bit, but doing grocery shopping via bus and shanks mare yesterday have me a bit tired again.

More soon, but that’s what I’ve been up to since early Friday. My Christmas treat to myself is a book on the Inklings, which may be the first new book I’ve bought in almost two years. I think the last time I bought new books was just before I ended up having the open heart surgery.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

More Soon!

I’m still going, but was exhausted yesterday from how much I did over the weekend. I did indeed help out at the Christmas Village and Market, which turned into the most activity and the most time I’ve been active in a while. Noticed a number of those who were in charge of various parts were not in Church Sunday morning, and could tell others that did make it were dragging. No one actually nodded off, but suspect it may have been close in a case or two.

Today is errands and such, having to take the bus which means a lot more time spent on getting to the stores. Tomorrow should see some soup being made at the least.

Off to the next round, back soon. Will share a little of the Christmas Village, my Charlie Brown tree, and maybe a bit on the world.

Quick Friday Update

Weather is doing a number on me, which bites on more than one level. Had hoped to do some baking today, wanting to experiment with smoked brown sugar in some chocolate cookies. Thinking it should pair well with dark chocolate. Not looking good for that. Was able to make a fresh batch of chili-lime mayo yesterday, which is a start towards being able to do real cooking again.

Also, no matter how I feel, plan to go help with the Christmas Market and Village at the church I recently started attending. I’m still limited in what I can do, but thing is I can do a bit and want to help out as they have been most welcoming to me.

Started active range of motion work yesterday and am happy even though feeling it a bit. So happy to be able to do it. Few more weeks then we can kick it up even more.

Got some sleep for a change, but between weather and melatonin, had some of the weirdest dreams in a while. One set included the Indiana Guard Reserve (state guard, not national) being federalized (! though it has happened) to go deal with an alien incursion/landing (in southern Indiana?). Some of my least favorite officers active duty or otherwise popped up in that one either as themselves or combined into one character. Throw in a civilian contractor who wanted everyone to use the old green cylinder duffels and was refusing to transport anything else (or weapons), and it was wild.

Especially as the “leadership” was assuring us that looking sharp and strong words were all that were needed, as the aliens were an unknown group called the Posleen. If you read science fiction, you know them. Two of us had a clue, but… I can live without more dreams like that for a while, thank you.

Also, if anyone expected Hamass to do anything other than refuse to follow the rules, kill multiple in a terrorist attack, and otherwise launch multiple rockets against Israel while under cease fire, please hang your head in shame. If you honestly are surprised corporate media is pinning all the blame on Israel, please put a paper bag over your head as you stand there in abject shame. I really didn’t expect them to release those women, especially since they are all of an age to be considered spoils of war. Forget the exact proper term for that type of slave, but…

More soon.

GOTH Matrix

I mentioned yesterday that I want to implement my GOTH (Go/Gone To Hell, the plan for when it has gone to hell and plans A-Z are out the window) plan to move out West early next year. Between texting with a friend and some exchanges elsewhere, thought it might be good to lay out the plan and the decision matrix behind it. Or behind them, as I actually have a couple of them, one for getting out West and one just to get out of Indy at need. Let me explain a bit.

The fact is, I do agree with those who have recommended I move out West for my health. I felt much better out there, and loved the area around Tombstone in particular. However, a two week trip is not enough time to explore, then explore in detail, any one area. The good GOTH plan for moving out West is basically to get out there, then explore and move to a final location if and as needed. The ultimate GOTH plan being, of course, to load up as much as possible if things come completely apart in the world and head West.

I do have a GOTH plan to stay in state and just get away from Indy at need. This would be activated if health issues cropped up that needed to be addressed or required long-term care. Since my insurance would not transfer out of state, I would need to stay in state but want to get out of very blue Indianapolis. I want out regardless, as the current administration has turned this city into a hellhole where I end up praying for the dead and wounded each morning. May rant on that a bit more later.

Thing is, the decision matrix behind each is much the same. While I do appreciate suggestions on where to go, they have to be evaluated in context of the decision matrix.

First Block: Housing Cost. After getting hit by lightning, I did take early retirement from Social Security (SS). I do have a small stipend to go with it, but pretty much wherever you draw the poverty line, I’m at or below it. Yes, I have filed for disability and am now in the kabuki dance that process has become. Initial claim denied, things dragging along while they wait for you to either die of natural causes or suicide. After all, the death benefit is a pittance compared to what they may have to pay out if you win your case. Yes, I am cynical at the racket and lawyer enrichment program the process has become. Not joking about the hoping you die in the years they drag it out either, as they really are hoping for that.

So, I have a limited range I can afford in regards rent, which is what I probably should do while I go out, explore, and look to settle. That said, I got some advice back a couple of years ago and have taken what steps I can to restore my credit rating and otherwise make myself a candidate to buy a home. Don’t have a down payment or anything, just working the score and to hopefully get where I might can build up such a payment.

Now, what I’m looking for is someplace where I can live and have all my stuff that is in storage there, whether still in storage in the house/garage or where I can use it. I miss my books and kitchen gear! It would be nice if I had some semi-secure area in which to do a bit of gardening. In fact, would love to build and use some raised beds for herbs and various vegetables.

I would consider an apartment or space in a senior residence if such location tolerated cigars, drinking, and was run by people who believe in preparedness. So long as I have my stuff and the the ability to do a small bit of gardening, and not have to put up with strict rules…

Second Block: Red area only. If things go as they seem to be going, blue cities and areas are going to become deathtraps. If you thought the summer of love a couple of years ago was bad, I’m very worried we ain’t seen nuthin yet (name that song!).

Third Block: Medical. Wherever I do settle down needs to be within about thirty minutes of a decent primary care facility. I hope not to need such, and really want to avoid doctors and hospitals as much as I can, but that’s not likely. On top of that, I need to be within one to two hours of top-level medical care. The local can treat routine, but if there are heart or other issues, I need to be within transfer distance or easy driving distance.

Fourth Block: Gun and Defense Laws. Thanks to people like Guy Relford, Indiana has some of the best gun laws in the nation. There are very few place I can’t enter while carrying, and our Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws are very good. I really wish we could get the law changed to allow you to protect your property/place of business, but don’t see that happening soon. Also, municipalities can’t do their own thing and override state law on firearms and self-defense. So, looking for as close to what we have here in the areas where I’m considering moving.

Fifth Block: People. As much as part of me would love to go be a desert hermit somewhere, I do need to be around people. I need to be where people can and will check on me. I also very much want to be around people who are into being prepared and share some similar interests. Which means I need to find people like some of you, or members of Baen’s Bar, the MHI crowd, etc. I also want enough community where I might could even look at dating. After all, I might find some sweet young thing with vision problems or such that might be interested in me. I can dream.

Sixth Block: Resources. The area needs to have a decent grocery store and be within reasonable driving distance (again, one to two hours) of specialty/larger food centers such as a good international grocery. Decent food is nice. It would be nice if they have the same pharmacy I’m using, but that’s workable. There also has to be a Y or gym that gives seniors a discount and has what I need for my workout and health. Also, looking at some fairly distinct religious options. If the area has a couple of other specialty options (cigar store, cough), that’s a plus.

Seventh Block: Water. Area needs to have decent water and no near-term water/aquifer issues.

Eighth Block: Border. Given all that is going on with the Southern border, prefer to keep my distance and ensure that where I do end up is defensible on several levels.

There are a couple of other minor qualifiers, but that hits the most important ones. Now, let’s take a quick look at how this plays out.

New Mexico is out, particularly given the current Reichsgovernor. Pity, there are some wonderful locations there and I love the area north of Santa Fe. Dean Ing used to highly recommend Ruidoso and the area around it.

Benson, Arizona is one area where I’ve looked. If I win the lottery and can convince the owner of the Titan missile silo to sell, I’d head there in a heartbeat. Near Tombstone, decent/acceptable primary care, easy transport by ground or air to advanced care in Tuscon, gym, don’t have to try to surf space debris down to it, etc. Drawbacks are primarily in the resource area, and the fact it is a blue area. Water is also an issue. They have a rental tax that pushes things out into barely afford/can’t afford area. Yes, there are nearby cities that don’t, but the resources, people, and water problems just get worse. Sierra Vista has a higher cost of living than I can go right now. The border is a huge issue for the area.

I really love the area around Ft. Davis, Texas. Alpine fits many aspects of the matrix, but between the border and being more than two hours to get to major medical and other resources…

Right now, two places that are under consideration are San Angelo and Abilene, Texas. Both offer a lot of good resources and fit pretty much all the right boxes in the matrix. Abilene is ahead in some ways because it has a few more resources and is a bit closer to Dallas/Ft. Worth.

I really would like to visit the area around Winslow and Flagstaff, Arizona as there may be some good options there.

One option that has been suggested by several parties is to find some place to store my stuff and use an RV to explore. The primary drawback to that is finances, but it would be a good way to go. If I can find a way to do it, it would be well worth doing I think.

In terms of in-state GOTH, the same considerations apply. I would probably need to be within one to two hours of Indy, probably not too far from either I-65 or I-74 south of Indianapolis. Well away from Indy and the ring counties (I have a very impolite way of referring to the area). North does nothing to mitigate weather and there are resource issues. South, while sparser pickings, seems to be the better option.

Rants on the hellhole Indy has become, the Indy GOP (the party of higher taxes and bigger government — seriously, when the Dems say you need to cut taxes…), and related issues can wait for another day.

If you have suggestions that fit the matrix, please do sound off.

Yes!

Just got back from my visit to the surgeon, and I am cold but happy. In fact, I’m very happy overall. Things are indeed moving along, and we do seem to be further ahead on things with the left shoulder compared to the right.

The incision has healed very well, no issues and in fact it did better than the right incision. Cleared to use moisturizer (a no-no during healing), which is great as much of the rest of the body is dry and itchy. Don’t think the back scrubber I bought will work well for that, but who knows.

For all I’ve complained about “only” doing range-of-motion work, the ROM is extremely good for this soon after surgery. We are now cleared to do “real” PT, for me to start back to the gym on that and my lower/core and cardio, and to use the inversion table. Once I talk to the therapist later this week and we map out a plan, the plan is to move out in a smart fashion.

I have two major goals for the next six to twelve weeks: get the shoulders into the best possible shape I can, and to get things where I can start to actually try to move out West. The recent fronts, along with this morning’s cold and snow are simply reinforcing that desire. It will take at least a year to get the shoulders where they need to be, but given the loss of mobility was gradual and over the course of years, that’s somehow appropriate. Recovery from the surgery is just the first part, the second is stretching things back out and rebuilding both strength and ROM lost over the course of years.

One reason for some of the recent silence is that I’ve been having to deal with some issues related to my care. The surgeon is part of Community Health Network, and they (like most of the larger networks) tries to take over ALL your healthcare. On top of the lack of care on the night shift after my most recent surgery, someone dropped some new diagnoses into my profile this month, including that I was suffering from Chronic Systolic Heart Failure (HCC).

This was news to me, and news to my cardiologist. To make it even more fun, it wasn’t done by the surgeon or his office, and so far no one can tell me who made the diagnosis and on what basis. Given that I had to spend about seven years getting a false diagnosis of cancer removed from the Community system, I’m not even going to try to fight it this time Unless I develop symptoms, the plan is for my cardiologist and I to push forward with their current treatment plan. It did, however, make for several interesting days as this all came to light pretty much last week. Yeah, trying to get answers and things dealt with during Thanksgiving week was so much fun…

Oh, since I turned in my survey and comments on the care in the hospital, haven’t heard a word from Community about being on the patient advisory board and wanting my feedback. Strange. *grin*

I can highly recommend the surgeon and his group, I just have some issues with Community and with Community East hospital. The surgeon and two others I’ve dealt with in the practice on some other issues have been great. If you need a good ortho practice, or have shoulder issues, let me know and glad to recommend them.

Meantime, I’m going to be moving out on PT and trying to get set-up to work on moving. Doing all the meals ahead was a great idea, but now the larder is bare and I need to restock it, stock up on some other essentials, and do some general preparation work including stocking up on Vitamin A to keep the bad pew-pews away. Any help on these areas would be very much appreciated!

Someone has made me a very kind and generous offer in regards some training, and I hope to be able to take them up on it in a few weeks. I tried racking someone’s pistol a week or two ago, and it did not go well. At the rate I’m progressing, however, it may only be another week or two before I can rack and do. Really looking forward to that.

The car is running for now, though I do need to get it to the mechanic to figure out where the coolant is leaking and why, and get it fixed. For right now it’s not leaking much, at least as long as I have the heater engaged. Will be taking the bus as much as possible as I want to reserve the car for PT and other essentials.

So, for the most part we are go! Now in some areas I may be limping, but we are moving forward. Hopefully I can build some momentum and get moving literally and figuratively. Here’s to hoping the new diagnoses are indeed just BS, that things keep going well, and that I move from limping to walking to running in the days ahead so I can implement the GOTH move plan early in the new year.

Keep your friends close and your things where you can find them in the dark. Be Prepared.

Belated Happy Thanksgiving!

I had planned to post Thanksgiving, but got sidetracked with mostly good issues here. As I noted, I went very non-traditional since I still can’t do real cooking. That will hopefully change soon…

I did take the time to truly give thanks for all in my life, particularly the good. One thing for which I am very thankful is each and every one of you who come here to read, to comment, and to encourage. You are very much appreciated!

Had PT this morning, then ran some errands and had my tires pumped up at the tire place as one had dropped very low. So low I borrowed the landlord’s air pump to get it up enough to get to PT and the tire store. Right now, the coolant leak is behaving but still trying not to drive it that much.

I haven’t done much for Christmas in the last few years, as I’m renting a room and the landlord actually does a pretty good tree. Even if the cats do start singing ‘Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, Your Ornaments Are History’ as soon as they see it go up. However, for a number of reasons, I decided to do a small one in my room. So, today I found a Charley Brown tree for $6 and am going to see what I can do. There will be photos.

Not sure when I will get to post tomorrow as I have my six week with the ortho tomorrow morning early and I am hoping he gives the go-ahead to push into “real” PT. Have a few questions for him, but the goal is to get release to go back to full PT and the gym.

I’m also trying to find out who put some new diagnoses in my file at the health corporation where he works. You will be hearing a bit more on this, as it wasn’t him and right now no one in his office can tell me who did it. Considering that the diagnoses in question are in the areas of my GP, cardiologist, and maybe one other — and it’s news to them — well…

Oh, keep an eye on Gaza as I started hearing a few days ago that some of the hostages were being held by other factions who were refusing to give them up to Hamass. Yes, there are some other factions there, though they usually keep a low profile, and several of them regard Hamass as wimps. Sucks for the hostages, but will say one thing for which I am thankful is that so many have been gotten out. I seriously was betting only about a dozen were still alive, very glad to be wrong on that.

Lots to cover in the world and I am looking forward to getting back to it. More soon!

Current PT

Never occurred to me that some might like to know more about the PT. So here’s what we are currently doing. The initial instructions given at the hospital was to do one or two sets of 10 of each; but, my therapist and I changed that up a bit at the start. Instead of sets of ten, I do each of the following for two minutes:

back and forth pendulum of left arm, arm dangling as I bend forward
side to side pendulum, same
arm in circle, same
NOTE: arm movement is generated by whole body movements, and I am thankful that video cameras are not allowed given how you have to move the body while bent over. I am NOT twerking, I swear.
backwards shoulder rolls
shoulder blades together, then lowered
regular shoulder drops
Bicep curls w/2lb weights
Reverse curls
“motorcycle twist”
reverse “motorcycle twist
hands with thumbs up, palms facing each other, move so palms down
hands with thumbs up, palms facing each other, move so palms up
Isometric 1: forward punch into inflated ball
Isometric 2: elbow back into inflated ball
Isometric 3: elbow to the side into inflated ball
Isometric 4: hand to the side into inflated ball

Once that’s done, the therapist does manipulations of the joints and some massage to help loosen things up. Then I sit and enjoy my ice pack for 12 or so minutes. At home I also have some squeeze gel to use to help improve hand strength and reduce swelling.

Additional Thoughts On Gaza

FM had a good comment on my previous Gaza post, and my reply forms a good bit of today’s post. The question has been what the everliving did Iran and Hamass think they were doing with Tet II, especially with the recordings and broadcasts of the rapes, torture, and murders?

There are two things to consider on that. First, they didn’t consider the audience. Rather, for cultural reasons, it never even occurred to them that most sane people would react in horror. They had no concept of any audience other than radical Islamists like themselves. To them, the videos would be a message of power for Hamass and a message of terror for Israel. The sight of what was done would drive Israeli’s away from the land, turning it into a ghost land they could then take over. They also counted on their allies and other useful idiots to run cover for them in the media and on the world stage. The allies and idiots are trying, but as Sarah notes, it’s not really sticking.

Second, they didn’t stick to plan. This may seem a little out there, but it does make sense. Thanks to Evergreen Intel, I found this article in The Times of Israel that puts forth the idea that the original plan had been to push towards Tel Aviv but the music festival surprised and distracted them. Instead of pushing on to pose a threat, both the initial assault and the follow-on wave of “civilians” got pulled into the easy rape and killing of those at the festival. This eliminated the ability to pose a threat that would have focused military and political leadership on Hamass and Gaza.

Why do that? Maybe because an Israel focused on the threat and the need to take back military bases and settlements would have diverted attention from, and pulled resources away from, the north, allowing Hezbollah and others to attack lightly held positions. With that going on, who would have been surprised if the West Bank might not have gone up in flames? Others? Best case, Israel would be destroyed. If not, fighting a multi-front war would have allowed Hamass to fall back with hostages to negotiate from a position of power in the worst case.

However, plans created in bubbles rarely work when dealing with realities outside said bubble. Make no mistake, Hamass (and the mad mullahs) live in a bubble. They have turned Gaza into a multi-generational bed of terrorism and militant islamism that is now well documented and shared around the world. From cradle to grave the people of Gaza are raised to hate Israel, the U.S., and others, and trained to kill. Don’t believe me? Check out this poll and the decent analysis here. The idiotic bleatings in regards a two-state solution won’t work with the mindset within Gaza. Think the poll is off? Check out other polls and previous polls, as the numbers have been extremely consistent for years.

It wasn’t the intention of Iran or Hamass, but what they did accomplish outside the bubble was to wake up a lot of people. Not just to the reality of Hamass and Gaza, but to other things as well. Things like the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense. Things like the rampant antisemitism within progressive/Marxist politics. Things like speech and other actions having consequences. Things that are working to derail a lot of progressive/Marxist efforts here and abroad.

The latter has been a rather rude awakening for many, who performed the progressive virtue signalling (or flat-out psychotic rage) of ripping down the posters of those kidnapped by Hamass, or making antisemitic remarks. They are used to being those protected and cancelling others. They are really not liking it now that it has consequences for them.

Am I worried about the current “pause” and prisoner exchange? Yes. Those trying to hamstring Israel as it rightly (and righteously) works to eliminate Hamass (including the Biden Regency) want either the status quo or for Israel to be destroyed. Period. The status quo is for continuing the terrorism and for Israel not to be secure in its own borders. The ultimate destruction of Israel is a cornerstone of the progressive/Marxist mindset. My take on both is that both are evil.

My hope is that the government of Israel knows what it is doing. Part of me hopes they are placing those prisoners they release for this into a place where they get the chance to die with the rest of Hamass. Otherwise, the pause is just another chance for Hamass to rearm, resupply, and work to have their patrons find a way to try to return to the status quo. For all I don’t think that’s going to happen this time, I also don’t want to see Israel take any more casualties than it has to. I also don’t want Israel to find itself where it can be pressured or pushed by those who wish it ill (and I do include the Biden Regency in that group).

Hamass went full Tet, and the above gives a theory as to why they went full Tet. For now, may they reap the whirlwind and be utterly and completely destroyed.

21 November Update

I really wanted to post yesterday, but life moves at its own pace. I keep getting asked if this time is different: smoother, easier, harder, etc. It is different, but while some of that difference is not to my liking, most of it is.

I’ve said it before, but it seems like things are progressing faster on the whole. My regular physical therapist and I have talked about it, and given that we haven’t been able to start what I call “real” PT yet, we’ve made some amazing progress on range of motion. We have to keep reminding each other that it’s only been a month, and we can’t start real PT until six weeks. Yes, I am counting down the days… That said, we are already getting some results that I did not have until several weeks after the start of real PT.

The increase in range of motion means that I am doing things sooner than before. My ability to get a shirt or coat on has gone from struggle session to almost normal. I can tie shoes again. With the cone of shame, er, sling gone, it makes it easier to pin things so I can work on them with my right hand. I’m still not up to real cooking yet, but I am able to cook eggs for my breakfast now since that is mostly a one-handed process. Figure it’s going to be at least two to three weeks before I am up to knife work and all that’s required to do real cooking.

Officially I am still not supposed to pick up anything other than a piece of paper with my left hand/arm. I am (mostly) being good about that. Makes it hard to cook, do laundry, or many other things. While I’m doing very well on range-of-motion, it does not mean I’m anywhere near where I was or where I hope to ultimately be. Which makes some normal activities, like bathing, a challenge as you can’t reach some places. Still toying with the idea of zip tying a scrub brush to the useless hand hold (the top part is not anchored) so I can scrub parts of the back I can’t yet reach.

Where it has been not-fun interesting is with sleeping and discomfort/pain management. Because we started me on PT sessions earlier than last time, I had to go off the good pain pills in less than a week after surgery. I’ve taken some at need, but mostly I can’t take them as I have to be able to drive. It’s not 24 bottle to throttle, but I prefer 12-16 at a minimum. The idea of trying to drive while on drugs and with one hand (one arm was in a sling for the first four weeks) is a non-starter for me (and the doc).

To complicate things a bit further, I have refused to take the acetaminophen that is prescribed. Hate that stuff. So, have been taking ibuprofen “as needed.” By my standards I’ve had a lot more discomfort this time, but not a lot of pain. Ergo, I probably have not taken the ibuprofen as much as I should have. Not ideal, but livable.

The biggest problem has been sleeping. As I wrote before, I had to transition back to the bed because I was tossing and turning in the recliner. Falling out would be bad, tipping it over would be worse. Sleeping in the bed is another thing that has happened ahead of schedule, with it happening 3 or more weeks sooner than with the left.

Normally, I would take that as a positive but the body is really not yet healed to the point of normal sleep. My body wants to sleep mostly on my sides these days (I used to describe myself as a rotisserie sleeper in that I turn about a quarter turn every so often so that I eventually turn completely around), and neither shoulder is happy with that for long. Trying to sleep on my back also can get uncomfortable. Even using melatonin and other tricks, I’ve only been getting about three hours of sleep before waking up. Sometimes I do manage to get back to sleep, sometimes not, and I’m learning what I can and can’t take to help based on what time I wake up. More often than I care for I’m doing good to be running on 3-4 hours sleep on any given day, six is a wonder, and eight hours of good solid sleep is still a dream.

It will get better, and I think once we can do real PT, that will also help. Hoping to get clearance next week to start back at the gym on lower body and core at least. That too should help with the sleep issues. It will get better, but it is hard to be patient in this case.

So, overall I am ahead of where I was last time in most areas. I think/hope that this will hold true as we move into real PT, which puts me on a good recovery path. Healing from the surgery (both cases) is in many ways the easy part. It’s trying to regain the strength and mobility that were lost in the years before the surgery that is going to be the challenge. There’s a reason that they warn that shoulder replacement recovery takes a year (or more). Thanks to your help, I have what I need and am working with a good physical therapist (and team) for in person.

Who knows, I may even learn some patience out of this. Not likely, but miracles do happen. My methodical determination will come in handy in the days ahead. I feel like I’ve been wimpy on PT so far but results say otherwise.

Even if I could do real cooking right now, there is no way I would try to do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner just for me (no, I would not be inviting the cats to join in). Too much and too much chance of waste. In a week or three I may do something with some salmon in the freezer, looking at a dark rum or bourbon glaze with black Hawaiian salt and smoked sugar when I’m up to it. For Thanksgiving, seriously contemplating left-over pizza, or if the historic diner nearby has meatloaf special tomorrow getting that and having it Thanksgiving. It’s not the food, though I want to have something different and good, it’s that I have options and much for which to be thankful.

More soon, came across something interesting on HamAss and there are some other things going on in the world that I would like to discuss. I may get to some of it later today, but it was a rough night so no guarantees. Up early tomorrow as I have a very early PT session, but I hope to get something up later in the day. We will see.

Onwards.

Congratulations SpaceX!

For all I would have loved for Starship to have hit fractional orbit and then landed in the Pacific, for a second integrated test flight it was a success. Frankly, that they pulled off the hot-stage separation is amazing, and it was not something I was counting on seeing.

As it is, it happened. All the engines lit and stayed lit until shut off on the first stage, and everything was nominal until after the hot-staging. All the engines appeared to be functioning normally on the second stage right up until the self-destruct engaged. I’m curious as to why they had that system on the second stage, and if they plan to continue to do so. The initial word seems to be the pad is good, so no major repairs or upgrades needed (we hope).

Best of all, they seem to have gotten lots of good data that are going to allow them to go in, figure things out, and make improvements to the next system. Lather, rinse, repeat. It really is the best way to develop new systems. Getting things to orbit, especially with a system significantly larger and more powerful than the Saturn V, is not easy. Just look back to the early days even before NASA, where launches rarely worked as planned. Some of the videos from the Navajo (Nevergo) and other early rockets are quite spectacular.

It didn’t end in the Pacific, but it was a good mission in terms of data. Here’s hoping that they can analyze, adapt, and try again as soon as possible — esp. if the Biden Regency will get out of the way. Earth is the cradle of humanity, and it’s past time we left the cradle.