I wrote that title somewhat sarcastically. “Never a dull moment” should be about fun stuff, but that’s not how I’m going to remember this month.
It’s not as if the weather wasn’t unusually warm for November, allowing for many pleasant outings. It was, and I have no complaints there.
Nor am I going to complain about the unreasonably early arrival of Christmas hype that has been bubbling up everywhere. This shopaholic hasn’t been feeding her credit card this month.
Hospitals however, were a different matter. I’ve made numerous trips to various hospitals this month. Have you paid the fees in a hospital parking lot lately? Holy Sticker-Shock.
Son #2 did in fact break his foot earlier this month, as I wrote about here. With his left foot now in a Boot Cast and unable to drive his manual shift car, Mom had to step up to the plate and trade cars with him.
I’m not sure who was more nervous – me, driving a standard in city traffic for the first time since my 20s – or Misha, having his very rusty mother driving his almost-new car.
I saw my life flash in front of my eyes a few times, but nothing that a glass of wine couldn’t later smooth out.
… but any whining I might have done was short-lived.
While we were attending a Fracture Clinic for Misha in a downtown hospital one week, the following week in a different Fracture Clinic at a north-end hospital, I learned my collarbone was not doing what it was supposed to be doing – ie healing into a bone more solid than a pretzel stick.
It’s been five. freaking. months.
Surgery was scheduled, and 10 days later I had the dubious honour of contributing to our family’s unorthodox tradition of collecting scars and internal hardware. The problematic bone was reset and a plate put in to secure it.
With my arm back in a sling and 18 staples in my shoulder, I’ve joined Misha on the Disabled List for the holiday season. How ironic that he will have to return to Toronto to take me to my follow-up appointment in 2 weeks while Gilles is away … because now I can’t drive at all.
We are quite a pathetic pair.
But back to lovely November … I hope you’ll enjoy these beautiful autumn sights from downtown Toronto and be grateful I didn’t include a photo of my ugly staples.
This post is part of the Changing Seasons series. It is a monthly photo feature hosted by Cardinal Guzman.
Oh dear. As I make my way through the posts I’ve missed I’m hoping for better news than this. At least it’s 2017 where I am meant to be in the future (if we pretend I’ve time travelled back to read this post on time – yeah, let’s pretend that so I don’t feel so bad about being MIA for so long) and the monkey year is almost over.
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Stupid Monkey.
I hate monkeys.
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🐒😠
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Holy cow! No photos needed…I got the visual just fine. Someone needs to capture the two gimps…so you can laugh at it later! Hope the surgery does the trick and the bone mends as it should.
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Thanks Mrs P. So far I’m making really good progress and I’m really optimistic that in another 6 weeks I’ll be whole again 🙂
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Whole…what a nice thought.
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You really are having a year like the Queen’s Annus horribilis …. Roll on 2017
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Exactly … I just need to keep my head down and stay out of trouble for a few more weeks
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Well, I hope you can enjoy a restful December with your men-folk running around after you whilst you sip mulled wine and eat mince pies (actually, do you have those in Canada??) x
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Yes, we do have them and I love them but I rarely get them for the same reason I don’t make or buy pumpkin pie.
I would eat it.
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Oh what a month, Joanne. Hope December brings better health and fewer hospital visits 🙂
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Thanks Ruth. I’m thinking December will be a low-profile month 🙂
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Oh Joanne, that sucks! I hope the shoulder and the foot are getting better and that the cars are in one piece too. Here’s to a happy 2017 I say!
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Thanks Annie! I’ve already got my eye on 2017 … I have high expectations for this year to take the stink of 2016 😉
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Joanne–I am so sorry to hear about this surgery. I go for a CT and surgeon visit on Monday. He tells me the plate in my neck is not going anywhere….he just wants pictures to make sure. Whatever. I hope you and your son’s healing goes well.
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What does he mean ‘not going anywhere?’ Does it mean the plate could actually be shifting?!
Good luck with your follow up visit. I hope everything is working the way it’s supposed to!
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I wondered the exact same thing because, believe me, I feel this plate every single darn day. I am hoping that was just a little ‘doctor’ humor but, to play it safe, I am going to ask him tomorrow.
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I’ve actually heard of people who could feel their plates – especially if it’s close to the surface. Once the bone was healed, they had the plate removed because it was so annoying.
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I have heard that, too. Having had two neck surgeries within two weeks, I do not lightly say, ‘no way in hell will I have yet another.’ I can live with this plate…I think.
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Yikes! Two in 2 weeks! I’m going to stop whining now.
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This was a rough year for me, Joanne. I am in such a better place now and have much to be thankful for. You are not whining!
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So sorry 2016 was a bad year for you too. It seems we both have a lot to look forward to in 2017 🙂
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We do, indeed!!
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Wow. Your shots of Toronto are beautiful but I think I’d prefer to see your staples! Would you mind a selfy if I’m not too late? 🙂 Sorry to hear about both hospital visits but at least you two are still alive. My experiences in hospitals are usually much more dire.
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haha! You’re the first interested in the ugly photo! 😀
Being alive at the end of a misadventure is definitely under-rated.
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I do know that your family is a competitive bunch, but really……trying to outdo each other on the fracture front is taking it just a bit too far! 🙂 I was very glad to see this post a couple of days ago…I had been checking after your surgery to see when you’d post and assure us that finally you were on the road to recovery. The twist about Misha coming back to drive you to the follow-up appointment though…..OMG you had me on the floor with that one. Your family gets my prize for most unusual circumstances and absolutely most hilariously logical solutions! Here’s to speedy and easy recoveries for both of you and a much calmer end to this monkey year!
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Lol! Glad my rather unorthodox family can provide amusement 🙂
I’m so lucky to have such great friends who have all stepped up to help me, but Misha coming back home was a logical choice.
I had announced earlier that I would be unable to put up Christmas decorations this year and he quickly leaped in with the offer to do it … He’s the family traditionalist 🙂
On this trip home, he’ll be killing two birds with one stone. The 2 of us together putting up decorations should be entertaining 🙂
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Should work out actually…..he can be the arms and you can be the feet?!!! 😉
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The only thing I’m sure of is that there will be ample laughing … I hope! Surely we can’t hurt ourselves more!! Right?! 😀
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Beautiful photos Joanne. Wishing you and Misha a full and speedy recovery. It can only get better from here right?
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That’s the plan. I know I’ve had enough!!
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I hope you recover quickly and smoothly. I’m sure its pointless to suggest you sit back and let others serve you during the holidays?!
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Not pointless at all. We’ve already had the conversation and my men have stepped forward for the challenge.
My challenge will be to let go of trying to control it and allow their version on chaos to reign 🙂
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You can do this!! It doesn’t surprise me your men have stepped up…I am looking forward to hearing how the letting go of control goes!
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Should be interesting …. Not exactly my strong suit 😉
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Bummer.
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Agreed!
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Sorry to hear about this continued grief Joanne. It turns out my Jo has a small break in top of her foot and is in a moon boot too. I’m loving your Toronto pics.
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Oh no! What did she do?
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Someone stood on her foot in Italy. In the last week. She should’ve gone to the physio as soon as we got back. But it was ok then not ok then last week it puffed like a balloon. It’s back to normal now.
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That’s good to hear 🙂
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Oh, Jo, what a month! You will definitely be glad to get rid of the monkeys! They have been putting you through the wringer lately. Here’s hoping that December is kind to you and your family. And stay away from any airport security scanners…
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This Monkey year won’t be over until the end of January, at which point I’ll happily bid that f***ing little Monkey adios.
The finish line is coming into view 🙂
… and I’ll have a forever little reminder every time I travel.
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I so hope that it heals well now.
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Well, now that is some fine mess you and your son are in. But, I’ll bet with a good glass of wine in hand, the two of you can have quite a chuckle. 🙂
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Our sense of humour is still firmly intact 🙂
As I pointed out one day in a post, when you like to live on the edge, you can expect occasionally to fall off.
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Oh no, Joanne!! I have often wished my work days and life would slow down to accommodate my reading blogs and staying “better in touch!” No more than this time, since I didn’t get to send off a proper wish for good surgery day nor wishing this didn’t even have to occur!
Here’s a lift of my early American Thanksgiving wine glass to send you a proper “Cheers!” and another: “Wish for special, expedient healing, dear friend!” ❤ A prayer sent immediately, too.
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Thank you. I’m sitting here with a half cup of cold coffee, but I raise it back to you “cheers!”.
In the grand scheme, we are very lucky ❤
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Joanne, So sorry to hear you had another set back, while taking care of your son. I am sending positive thoughts and warm hugs your way. heal well. 🙂
xoxo
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Thank you so much for the hugs. Those are always appreciated 🙂
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You don’t need to post this comment, I just found it odd that my link was removed from my comment. Yes, I know… links are bad and mostly spammy. I just didn’t think I’d get busted with only one link 😞
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Really?! Does WP do that automatically? I’ve never heard of that before.
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Maybe it’s just the view in my app. Or more precisely, the lack of view 😉 Although phones and apps have come a long way, they are still not real computers. I’ve not heard of the links getting dropped, only comments with more than 2 links (or whatever you set it at) will automatically go to spam.
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There are settings I can change? I really need to spend more time on the admin side of my blog … someday … in my spare time 😉
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Seems my link was taken off my comment? Odd. One more try…
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The link was there 😀
Cute – I remember that song … but I didn’t know the back story that they had a rep for getting stuck in 2nd 🙂
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I use the reader in my app to read, and it showed it as not there.. odd.
My mother had a Nash Rambler and swore this song was written for her 😉
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Eh gads woman! Stop breaking your pretzels 😉
I hope this time is a charm. Nothing like being laid up for the holidays. I hope you two can feel better soon.
If you’ve ever heard the funny song about a Nash Rambler… this would be me driving a stick shift!
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I’m already starting to get a bit restless. There is only so much Netflix I could watch before I was thinking of stuff I could do with one hand.
With a house full of people at Christmas, it could get interesting 😉
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So sorry to hear this Joanne, but hopefully this will finally set things right. I hate it when my mind thinks I’m 30 and my body makes me feel like I’m 80! Such betrayal. Stay positive, we’re all rooting for you to heal soon! Meanwhile, nice pictures!
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Thank you! I need lots of positive vibes right now. I do feel very betrayed by my body. Hopefully this is it now!!
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Why do accidents seem to travel together? Sorry to hear about your broken bones! Loved the photos anyway. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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It’s just been that kind of year, Susan. I’m well aware that it could be so much worse, so (for the most part) I’m trying to maintain my sense of humour 🙂
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If you’re scared about driving, you should try drinking and driving – it takes the edge off the nerves. 😀
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oh yeah – solve one problem by creating a dozen new ones!
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[…] https://mylifelivedfull.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/november-never-a-dull-moment/ […]
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After Susan crashed to the pavement on her bike last week my first thought was her collar bone but for some reason, only known to her (and perhaps blond women everywhere), she didn’t try and break her fall, or she did, with her helmet (guess it makes sense after all). I’ve been looking after her but don’t think she could have coped with my nursing over an extended period. We’re already fed up with my only culinary extravagance ‘Phil’s fish dish fill’.
Happy convalescing, Joanne, hope you heal well.
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I too have a long history of breaking my falls with my head. I think I’ve single-handedly kept the bike helmet industry in business 😉
I hope Susan is ok and didn’t hurt herself badly. Not being able to do stuff for yourself isn’t as much fun as it sounds
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Oh my sorry to hear about your son’s foot! Hope he heals quickly!
I hope the plate is the answer you need to finally heal your collar bones! Good grief! Is it permanent or temporary?
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The plate is permanent … which means all trips through airport security just got slower
I too am hoping this is it. This has been a new kind of purgatory.
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😦 I hope you reached bottom and the only way to go now is up… or sideways! Sending hugs! xxx
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Upwards and onwards 🙂
Thanks for the hugs! They are always welcome ❤
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MP! xx
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I must’ve missed a post — I didn’t know a) that he’d actually broken his foot after all, and b) that your collarbone wasn’t healing and that you’d need surgery. Awww, I’m truly sorry about these woes. I am mentally sending you two a box of all soft center chocolates. (If the dark chocolate raspberry heart is missing on the top layer, it’s alright — there’s another on the bottom layer.) (If you need that missing one, let me know.) Oh gosh, I hope your 2017 will be much better.
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LOL!!! I’m sure I can forgive you for the missing dark chocolate raspberry heart when you’ve so generously given me the rest of the box 😀
Now that I have my appetite back, these will be much appreciated … at least until I step on the weigh scales next 😉
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Never a dull moment indeed Joanne. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Enjoy your lovely autumn days.
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Sadly, our lovely autumn days have moved along and now there’s white stuff on the ground. Even my cat doesn’t want to go outside
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After all you’ve gone through, I hope your healing proceeds smoothly. Good luck to you.
As for having to pay parking fees at hospitals, I’ve never heard of that before. Seems flint-hearted to me. Maybe this is one area of access to medical care where the U.S. has a rare advantage over you guys.
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The gouging at hospital parking is a bit controversial here. Personally I think it’s disgusting.
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You must be following the English hospital parking custom. The last thing you need to worry about is feeding the meter when visiting hospital 😦
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I feel badly for people with chronically sick loved ones regularly having to visit a hospital for tests or treatment. It’s stressful enough without the financial burden of shamefully high parking fees.
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Hope you are now on the path to swift healing. You’ve been a real trooper!
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Thanks! You’re saying that because you haven’t been subjected to my bouts of whining 😉
I’m feeling good about this though. I think the worst is behind me and in the grand scheme of things, I can’t complain.
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Joanne, I’m sorry you had to go through surgery, but hopefully it will fix the shoulder good as new…in time for next biking season. In the meantime, you and Misha just have to take it easy and stay out of trouble. Happy holiday season!
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Staying out of trouble might be a tall order for this family 😉
… But yes, I have high hopes that now I will finally heal. Up to now, it’s been a long, slow grind to nowhere.
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Joanne I had not realized you already had the surgery! 18 staples! Good grief I hope they put in some bionic implants while they were there. Sending healing and positive vibes your way my friend. Hopefully the spring will see you strong and active again! Xoxo
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I was surprised by how quickly I was scheduled. The surgeon put me on an “trauma” list and I literally got a call the day before giving me a time slot.
I’m not sure what I could gain from a bionic implant in my collarbone … But being able to lift a heavy pot off the stove would be kind of nice 🙂
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Well lifting cars, heavy pots all kind of the same. 🙂 Hope the recovery goes smoothly! Xo
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Thanks 🙂
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The photos are beautiful Joanne, but I wish your news was better. I’s sorry to hear about your collarbone, more than anything. You’ve been dealing with that for a long time now. I hope the surgery helps the bone to heal and that your back behind your handlebars in the spring. I do have to say that your son looks a little like an Imperial Storm Trooper, in that boot. I’ve been in one of those (older version, I broke my foot in 1988) – it’s no fun as I’m sure your situation isn’t.
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LOL! … And he has the physique of an Imperial Storm Trooper too 🙂
I know I have 6-8 weeks of healing time ahead of me, but I’ve waited this long, so I can be {somewhat} patient over the next 2 months. I’m finally feeling like there might be an end to this misadventure.
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I hope so !
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The early arrival of Christmas each year always makes me glum – it’s not that I don’t love the season of lights and stuffing stockings – it’s the worry of disappointing loved ones that eats at me. Hospitals are no fun. Last year – or was it the year before? – I had exploratory surgery on my bladder and kidneys which left me in diapers for seven days. They found nothing wrong, thank goodness, but talk about embarrassing. Your nether regions sanitized and explored under flood lights by a team of twenty year olds. And I had to pull the damn catheter out by myself! Never a dull moment is certainly right. Take care!
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Jan, that’s terrible!!!! … All of it, but having to remove your own catheter is the final insult. I’m so glad to hear the results were all negative though. Yikers! I can only imagine how stressful that was 😦
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Oh my gosh! Joanne, you have my deepest sympathies! At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor. And yes, thanks for not adding the staples pic. The other day my friend posted a picture of his ingrown toenail on Facebook. Why? Well, happy Thanksgiving in any case!
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Yeah … Too much information
Actually I’m relieved that the bone has finally been reset and now has a chance to heal. It’s been too long.
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Oh, What a pain, literally and figuratively. Darn, so sorry to hear that you are still dealing with that collarbone, Joanne. Hopefully, this will do it. Beautiful photos, I especially liked Juliet’s vine covered balcony with the beautiful doors. Take care of yourself and Misha. I hope you both get pampered.
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Glad you liked the photos. I’m rather enamoured with that house and have taken many photos of it. Unfortunately I’m always there in terrible light and get few photos that are useable … So I have reason to keep trying 😉
I have my fingers crossed that this is the final chapter on this year’s big misadventure.
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What the what? How awful that you are once again out of commission! Let me know if you are still up for lunch next weekend. Of course I will do the driving😉
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Hi Lynn – I see you’re hiding behind anonymity again 😉
I noticed our lunch on the calendar next weekend. For sure I can’t drive, but hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can still get together!
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Ha, yes, I think I have figured that one out. When I visit through facebook, I come up as anonymous! Go figure!
I am sure the weather will be nothing I can’t handle so let’s touch base re: timing that works for you & where you would like to go. Just call me James!
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Excellent! I better start scouting around 🙂
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Oh dear Joanne I hope you heal up soon! What a crazy time for you and your son! I used to drive stick too but hadn’t in 10 years or more when I needed to move a friend’s car around the block- as you said it’s like riding a bike- I was amazed!
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Thankfully we still have our sense of humour 🙂
,,, and the good news is I now know I still have enough coordination to drive a standard!
Hope you are having a great thanksgiving 🙂
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Oh my goodness! Feel better soon!!! Sending hugs! 💖
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Thank you! Hugs make everything feel better 🙂
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Bring on December…and lots of good healing for both you and your son!
Donna
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Thanks! We both could use some healing vibes!!
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I’m so sorry that November has been a less than stellar month for you. I can’t say that I’m surprised about your collar bone, though. The X-ray you shared a few months ago didn’t appear to be of a bone that was healing well. It sounds like you are now starting from ground zero again? I guess neither of us can plan to go quickly through airport security ever again. Healing thoughts are being sent your way.
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I agree – we asked for surgery back in July, but there was a stubborn insistence that we give the body a chance to heat itself.
Although I’m back at square one right now, it’s a huge relief that finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
It is a light, right? Not on oncoming freight train?
I was thinking about the joys of flying in the future. I’m not going to complain though!! Hardware in people our age shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
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Definitely a light, not a freight train.
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whew!
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What if somebody draws ivy around your staples and you take a photo of this? 🙂 Just a funny sunny thought. These doors are magnificent. Let’s hope for a hilarious December.
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That is a fun thought! hmmm – maybe for December 😉 I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands, not able to do much …
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Pretzel stick! LOL! Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh…five long, painful months of waiting and for nada! Grrr.
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The thought of a pretzel stick made me laugh, so I’m glad someone else got my humour. I should have guessed it would be you 🙂
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Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.What a month! Hope you’re on the mend–both of you. Had to laugh at Joe’s comment about the electromagnets. Do keep that in mind. 😀 😀 😀
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Honestly, this year just keeps on giving …
… but I will a point of following Joe’s advise 😉
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Once again do I wish we would live closer. I would happily drive your around like Mrs. Daisy, because I LOVE, just LOVE standard shift cars. That’s the European in me, I just can’t help it. It’s the ultimate driving experience. Afterward, I would gladly help you with the wine drinking.
Be better soon – both of you – and stay in the house for the rest of the year. 🙂
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The one thing I’ve learned is that it’s like riding a bike … you don’t forget.
The thing is, I’ve become lazy. This has made me realize how much I was used to driving on “auto-pilot” .. something I can’t do in a standard!
Now it’s a moot point. Misha’s foot will likely be healed before my collarbone.
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That’s true. I guess I just don’t want to drive automatic.
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These are beautiful images Joanne 😀 My advice to you is to avoid walking under open ladders and with your new metallic collarbone stay away from any powerful electro magnets (like the ones used at scrap metal yards) 😀 Hope you feel better soon my friend.
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Have you been watching Transformers lately? 🙂
Son #1 asked if I had any Super Powers yet … maybe the two of you were watching the same movie 😉
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🙂
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