THR Mayhip8's recovery thread

[Mayhip8]

Sending love and support to everybody here, particularly to your medical family @ahipgma I hope they stay safe. @ChrissyW thanking you and all the teachers for The continuing support . technology is positive and motivational ally -my two are continuing to use online learning resources and the homework set by their teachers.
they both agree it adds some sort of structure to the day, they’re also in contact with their buddies in forums and online so a different kind of socialisation takes place .
We are getting lots of supportive emails from the school- I just hope it reaches the students who are vulnerable and they Are able to feel supported too.

My husbands surgery was cancelled as was expected, so we both continue to work, I’m still working from home So feel relatively safe, however I do have some office days coming up soon, we will see.

As a family we are managing to get out for our walk each day, I’ve seen a change in the busy ness over the last few days - as if some people are becoming complacent, it does worry me and it’s hard to know how to get the message across without being more disciplinarian -which I think might be happening soon.

Children around here are hiding toy bears in different windows of the houses, for younger ones to do “a bear hunt” and also some are decorating the outside of the houses with pictures of rainbows and hope, we also have a couple of characters who are dressing up in comic con costumes -at various times of the day are running around the neighbourhood to see if children can spot “superman“ to the “hulk” down the road there is a DJ doing an open-air music festival from his rooftop balcony to entertain the neighbours every Saturday three till 8 pm. !!!!
There is a lot of creativity and neighbourhood support so if anything good comes out of this dreadful situation it’s the hope that these things will continue to reaffirm importance of the human touch. It’s at times like these we realise what our real values are.
Anyway @Calgal @Layla @everyone else I’m going to go and get ready for work now.
Thinking of you all and sending love to you and your families.

 

[Layla]

there is a DJ doing an open-air music festival from his rooftop balcony to entertain the neighbours every Saturday three till 8 pm. !!!!

This sounds so uplifting! Music can put us in a good mood and many can use some mood lifting right about now. Enjoy that fun time today, Mayhip.

 

[ahipgma]

How wonderful to hear from you, @Mayhip8 .
My family is well, the governor of our state is recommending everyone mask when going to the grocery store., pharmacy, etc but otherwise to stay in.
Our city lit up it's big buildings in special colors to honor our healthcare workers. My daughters and SIL continue their work. They are all OK for now, we have enough equipment but they are predicting our Apex in the coming 2 weeks. I keep you in thought and prayer as you go in to work.
Our healthcare warriors work.hard but there are still deaths--
Not just old or compromised people either.Demonstrations by song and caring acts lift the spirits, dont they?
I too hope these acts of kindness continue as we recover. Not surprised your hubs surgery was cancelled. I hope he will be OK till it can happen! We faced timed with my daughter and SIL and Ari yelled "Namaw" ( her name for me)
when she spotted me. I miss her so much!!! I hope your students are doing well with their at- home studies, it sure is a new normal as you may know, @ChrissyW.
I'm so happy always to read both your posts and to hear you are doing OK.
Special love and prayers as we move into our Holy Week. Stay safe!!!
And you, @Elf1 . @Calgal , @Layla

 

[ahipgma]

 

[Calgal]

Glad to hear your report @Mayhip8 and that your family is managing to keep safe and sane during this crazy time. I think of you often and was really happy when I heard you were able to work from home. Not so happy to hear you have to go in....stay safe my friend.
Shall we May marvels do a virtual maypole happy dance for our upcoming one year anniversaries? Hmm.... Take care and hugs to @ahipgma and @ChrissyW too.

 

[ChrissyW]

@Mayhip8 and @ahipgma i think @Calgal has a great plan for our virtual maypole dance. Clap for the NHS tonight again, just wish I was closer to the centre of the village to see anche hear it rather than just me and the hubby and the next door neighbour and her little girl . Do you know our recovery last year was a bit of a prep for this social distancing wasn't it? This week feels hard and that possibly why I get angry when I see or hear of those flouting the rules, I treasure my daily walk and worry that selfishness of others will put that chance to have a nice walk in the local area at risk. @Mayhip8 we too have had a window based bear hunt in the village and I'm pleased to say teddy is sat proudly in my window. They are also organising an Easter egg hunt with people putting drawings ir pictures in Windows for the primary school children to find on their daily walk. I love the sound of the superheroes costumes , I'd love to spot characters myself. Well ladies, life goes on, we are blessed to remain healthy and wish this stays so with all of you. Hey, and have you noticed how everyone is getting on to our virtual activities too! Love to all xxx

 

[Mayhip8]

Hi all
How is everyone?
We are keeping well at chèz Mayhip, Sticking to a sort of routine either getting up at ridiculously early o’clock and going out for our walk, or snoozing to lazy o’clock, enjoying the family brunch which usually includes bacon, or scrambled eggs, or Toasted hot Cross buns, and the first of many cups of tea,

We intermittently return back to our nests and watch the various screens to either work, socialise, investigate or just stare at. I’ve discovered an app called TikTok which is the biggest waste of time ever, but such a great way of passing time and watching a variety of ages undertaking dances or singing or tricky tasks or amateur dramatics displays how many talented people are all around the world. It is slightly addictive however!
We may then go out for a mid afternoon walk if we didn’t do one earlier, and usually that’s the time we nip to the shops if we need anything, we are shopping for our two mothers also and are managing to face-to-face from a distance at least every other day to keep everyone spirits up.
There is a massive amount of goodwill for key workers and healthcare workers around the country, and this lightens a little the discomfort of lockdown and altered living at present .
The new tradition of ‘clapping for the NHS ‘ at 8 pm on a Thugs day night is growing in numbers and noise, as one who partakes in support of my colleagues it is uplifting to see the solidarity of our neighbours (from a distance), as one who hears the claps as a nurse it is emotional and heartwarming and it really does mean a lot.

In the evenings we tend to gather together for our meal if I’m not working and if I’m working I prepare a meal and go into my office area which is anywhere away from the family, I did start using my bedroom as I don’t do video calls, but felt that I didn’t like the energy that was left behind in what should be a place of retreat and relaxation, but we are working it well and I am not going to return to the clinical setting for a few more weeks,

If I’m not working we may do a walk later on in the evening and return for a late supper whislt watching some television programme or other with the hubster . As a mechanic he still getting some jobs, he can’t do The heavy stuff because I’m concerned he may pop his hernia that didn't get operated upon.

We are catching up with all of those jobs that need doing in the garden, deep cleaning rooms one at a time because in reality they didn’t get done last year as I didn’t have the ability to do pre-or post hip replacement. We are turning into a household of screen watching,toast eating,gardening ,deep cleaning, online studying individuals.

So to break the monotony on Good Friday I hosted a simultaneous ‘Zoom ‘and ‘FaceTime’ virtual party. It was amazing! We had seven guests who stayed until the early hours and a few others popped in and out During the party.We all passed round the olives and taramasalata had a few drinks of the old fizzy stuff and it felt as if it was a real party the only difference being I didn’t have to tidy up too much the next day!

@ChrissyW @ahipgma @Calgal @Elf1 @Layla et al - who knew that our situation last year in recovery, would provide us with the experience we need now at this particular time, patience, tolerance, creativity and the shared love of compassionate strangers Who have become very much loved in the family that we’ve evolved into
I think of you all frequently and hope that you’re staying safe

Sending much love and hugs to you all

 

[Elf1]

@Mayhip8 sending big cyber hugs from across the pond!

 

[Layla]

Hello and Happy Friday
I enjoy your posts, Mayhip, you always paint an interesting picture of your daily life.
I hope your hip isn’t causing you too much pain or discomfort as you patiently wait to reschedule surgery.

Raising a glass to you and all other healthcare workers who are way too often taken for granted. Thanks for all you do!
Be safe, stay well and enjoy the weekend with your family.
@Mayhip8

 

[ChrissyW]

As another week apparently starts to draw to a close ( I must admit I'm definetly losing track of what day it is) blessings are sent to all. My daily walk is always a highlight and I'm blessed to live in an area where I can appreciate so much wildlife. Today it was a foal with her mummy, yesterday cows in random field and the most easterly if Easter daily lambs bouncing about causing chaos. Life is difficult but there is so much to appreciate around us. Things will get better and thanks to all who are supporting, aiding or just abiding by the riles to help us overcome this strange version of the world we are living in. Wonderful just to know you are all there, @Mayhip8 , @ahipgma , @Calgal, @Layla and all you other bonesmart friends xxx

 

[Layla]

Life is difficult but there is so much to appreciate around us

Yes, Chrissy! A nice reminder as it’s easy to get down these days given the restrictions we’re all dealing with due to the pandemic.

I hope you, Mayhip, ahipgma and Calgal all have a nice weekend!

 

[ahipgma]

As May 1 and all our hipversaries draw near I'm so glad to read you and all your loved ones are well. My family even our health care workers are ok so far for which I am so thankful!
Very true @ChrissyW nature is exploding all around us. There is a birds nest in the eaves of our house and Mama and Papa are building and flying all day! All our blossoming trees are in the midst and everyone is taking nature walks as that's about all we're permitted to do! So glad this isnt Christmastime, as a friend pointed out.
Summer coming is so encouraging.
We are slowly moving to re opening our huge country bit by bit, I pray we dont get too big a surge when we do!
Hubs can work from home indefinitely.
My biggest blessing was retiring from bedside nursing after my hip surgery.
Glad your respite continues for a while @Mayhip8 ! I still have pain and stiffness of my legs, nothing too bad, I think it is my new normal and it still is better than before my surgeries. Your attitude is so positive and your family so supportive, Mayhip, you have the best circumstances to wait for your next hip op, and you are watching over your hubs hernia I'm sure!
My mom has not been out and away from her house since Feb. 20, my brother and I bring her groceries as many of us are doing and Ari at 2 has a new favorite word -- "no". Remember those days?
But to read your updates have so lifted
my spirits today, and the fond remembrance of our support of each other and our great "trips" did too.
Continue to be well and safe and in good spirits!
Love to all

 

[ChrissyW]

Just dropping by as I'm about to look at whether getting some swelling around the old wound is ok as I'm walking lots and last night noticed a very slight swell! Just like old times. Stay positive everyone xxx

 

[ahipgma]

Hoping it's ok! @ChrissyW will keep you in my prayers. Been saying a lot of them lately! Spring is beautiful but the strangest I can remember.
Stay safe and well!

 

[ahipgma]

Greetings to all.
2 more days till the anniversary of my friend Hip #1 coming in to my life. And then all yours follow in rapid succession! Can you believe it?!! If some one with a crystal ball would have told me our present situation I'd have been astonished!!
@ChrissyW our parents here are struggling some to teach their kids while they work from home. I'm sure they know now more than ever the value of you good teachers!!
And dear @Mayhip8 I'm sure there as here our healthcare workers are heroes
Please stay safe and well. I hope you and your hubs are hanging in there as you wait for your surgeries to be sorted out
A dear friend of mine is having an arthroscopic knee procedure on your anniversary, Mayhip. It's the first day elective surgeries are allowed to be performed again in our region. They call them elective but people do wait in pain till they can have them! My hands need to be looked at, and my cataracts are getting blurrier but I'm not able to be seen yet....
We walk every day. And today here its 70°!! First hot day of the spring!
Time to change out to some summer clothes but I'm horrified, I love to bake and have been eating far too much of it. Maybe warmer temperatures will spur me on to lose weight.
We are staging our openings of business here. Meanwhile we are a country without things like haircuts and pedicures and eat -in restaurants but as long as we stay safe and well we're blessed. And prayers go across the pond too...
@Layla @Mojo333 and @Elf1 I hope you are all safe and well, and Elf we have a @$%th birthday coming soon!
Couldnt get thru our life time without a pandemic, huh?
Love and blessings, good health and safety to all.

 

[Elf1]

@ahipgma I'm doing well, thanks for checking. Shhh on that bday thing!

 

[Mayhip8]

@ahipgma Happy Anniversary
just popping by to send my love and thoughts to you especially, a year seems to have passed so quickly! It’s actually incredible what’s happened since your surgery and during your recovery. You have done so well, you showed such patience and fortitude, and gave so much reassurance to myself and others in the past 365 days. I hope you’re having a little celebration with yourself and the family that you can meet up with if possible.
All is as well as it can be here, I’ll pop back later, as I just need to go and put the tinsel and ribbons on my crutches are reaching stick for that May Day dance we promised ourselves.

 

[ahipgma]

Oh @Mayhip8 always uplifted by your celebrating spirit! Since we cant "travel" like we used to, we can just send virtual hugs all around . Be healthy and safe!

 

[Mayhip8]

So in these early hours of Monday 4th of May, I’d like to take us on an imaginary journey to a place that means the world to me, it fills my heart with love, my soul with longing, Wales. UK.

My homeland, my Hireath
It is a spiritual journey that that wraps me in love and support one that I wish to share with you my beautiful bonesmart buddies.
Imagine we have disembarked an ancient steam train at the seaside resort of Aberystwyth, during our journey we were served with champagne in crystal flutes by waiters and waitresses wearing national costume, the gentle lilt of the welsh accent floated around us since boarding to arriving at our destination.
We shared a Victorian carriage resplendent in oak wood seats the softest leather covers adorned with silk cushions.
The gentle ‘rom pa pom‘ of the train passing over the tracks allowed us to sink into a sense of relaxation, where time was meaningless.
We luxuriated in the chance to see each other face-to-face to talk,chat, laugh ,cry and be together in one amazing sister and brotherhood.
As we leave the station and walk to the seafront,we stand and watch the waves lapping against the shore, looking to our left we see the Victorian pier reaching out into the sea beyond, at sunset the starlings on the pier come alive and dance the Murmurations against the backdrop of the orange sky -theatrically and artistically creating visions of astounding beauty.
To our right we see Constitutional Hill the funicular railway carries passengers to the top so they may stand and see the coastal path as it stretches from the LLYN peninsular of North Wales down to Cardigan Bay in the south .If the skies are kind one can often see the Isle of Man and I’ve heard say some have seen Ireland on the clearest of days
Back in the market town of Aberystwyth the freshness in the air is refreshing,the cool breeze floats around us as we decide to head inland to the village of my families home.
Imagine as we step into a horse drawn carriage,a Welsh tapestry blanket covers our knees, the fresh wind blowing in our hair,we are comfortable and together we share our stories of our here and our now and of our past, our hopes and wishes and dreams.

We traverse down country lanes, the late sunshine glistening through the trees, casting sparkling iridescent shadows through the glades of ferns , daffodils ,bluebells and oh! what is that I see ? Is that a fairy dancing on that toadstool?
I’m sure she is waving her tinsel adorned stick at us!
As we approach the village there is near silence, the gentle breeze lilts in the treetops, the gentle birdsong welcoming us as we look beyond and see the farmland and mountains that surround the stone built cottages, meadows are lush with the new green growth of spring and the summer promises it brings.
Lambs frolic in the fields as they find their new feet .A foal nestles against its mother looking towards us,feeling safe and secure as we pass.
We get down from the carriage and take a moment to breathe in the freshest of air, the gentle babbling brook flows beneath the bridge as we look forward to the vast open space before us.
I feel we have a stronger bond having spent the last few hours together in person, and I am moved to be able to call you my friends and to have brought you to my homeland.
In the village there is an Inn that is run by the friendliest of landladies,she has prepared for us feast of delicious Welsh produce,( alongside a few Giddy cocktails.) as
we spend the next few hours celebrating life and love and our futures knowing that we will always be together in whatever form we choose.

At night time dwindles into the wee small hours we are shown to our our rooms. Rich Egyptian cotton sheets, the firmest yet softest of mattresses, cashmere and silk bedding to snuggle into as we drift off to sleep
darkness all around outside, the only glint of light being the full moon that shines to light our way.( Seriously I remember it’s so dark that if you put your hand in front of you when you’re in bed you can’t actually see it!)

Knowing that when we wake in the morning will be because we are truly rested, gentle birdsong, distant sound of sheep,cows bringing their music to the valley nudge us from our slumber - pain free now our shiny new hips allow us to plan explore the surroundings -nothing can stop us now !!
As we spend our morning settling into our few days away together we know that life is good.

Sending love and hoping that we all remain safe
@ahipgma @Calgal @ChrissyW @Elf1 @Layla @Mojo333

 

[Layla]

You’re a wonderful storyteller, @Mayhip8
I crashed your party and went right along on that little journey. It was relaxing and fun. I may revisit it next time I‘m feeling stressed.

I hope you’re hanging in there with, Righty, and you’re not suffering too much discomfort.
I spy an anniversary coming right up...will stop by again in a few days to wish you a happy one.