Helen, I've just caught up on your thread and can't believe all the excitement I'd missed! Huge congratulations on tackling your 13 steps (I have the same # to my painting supplies) to indulge in some painting, aka, "Me time, and alone! This is HUGE! I've slapped some paint on canvas from about week 3, but nothing of consequence resulted. However, I still found it very therapeutic! It just puts us in an entirely different realm, one that isn't knee or body-centric. I never think about the end result, just go with the flow and see what develops.
I have a mortal fear of flying, stinging insects, especially yellow jackets, so can only bow down in respect to your incredibly bold, warrior-like moves in slaying those nasty, flying beasties! With a gimpy knee and and only a fly-swatter, no less! I'd kneel if I could, but perhaps a curtsey will suffice?
I really hope your DH is ok after multiple bites? Mine would be in the hospital due to allergies; ugh!
Like most here, I had huge sleeping difficulties the first 4-5 weeks or so, but I just couldn't remain in bed and stare at the ceiling. I find that crazy-making. Instead, I'd get up and prowl around the house a bit with my super, squeaky walker. When the knee and I would tire of our nocturnal walks, I'd get on either the living room sofa or hubby's ratty, old recliner with a book, my ice and some pillows. If the timing was right, I'd pop a pain pill. Generally, within an hour or so, I'd fall back asleep (often sitting up) for at least another hour or two.
In many respects, I found those sleepless nights the worst part of recovery. They seemed interminable and I believe all that sleep disruption does negatively affect our outlook and emotions. Daytime naps were great, and I certainly took them, wherever and whenever, but....there's just nothing like a good night's sleep. If you are as lucky as I was, your sleep should improve radically fairly soon. I *think* I hit 5 hours of solid zzz's at around the end of Week4, and things just progressed from there. I did not achieve this in bed though until about the 7 week point. The bed(s) just weren't user-friendly for me at that time. I certainly gave them the old, college try, but even when pain wasn't especially bad, I just couldn't get comfy. Hubby's old, ratty recliner was definitely my best sleeping buddy and that's what led to me purchasing a nice, new recliner for when I will tackle Knee#2, lol.
I think we all find the lack of independence humbling, frustrating and sometimes depressing. One of the happiest moments for me was when I got back behind the wheel at Week Five. Ironically, I don't typically do a lot of driving, because I don't have to in an urban neighborhood and also because hubby likes driving more than me. But, I sure loved the freedom driving brought back to me! Oh yeah, and I'm still riding a high on that every time I get in the driver's seat.
So, soon, you will be experiencing that as well, and it's a really big milestone to anticipate with glee!
I love the mental image of you *supervising* the landscaper from your post on the sidewalk, lol. Yesterday, my landscaper was here to mow and I don't typically go out there while they are working, but I had seen a weedy bush I wanted removed and so I navigated the 13 stairs, with cane, and walked with him to the offending weed, using my cane as a pointer. Every fiber of my being wanted to pull that miserable thing by myself, but....I live on a steep hill, so I had to control my most severe yanking urges; hah! Did I say I actually like pulling weeds? Hahaha, yes, I do!
Here's to a better day, free of yellow jackets, and any other unwanted experiences!
United States
Nothing hurt, I was just AWAKE. 
