Life Lately

 

Life lately has been a whole lot of physical therapy over the past two weeks since I was given the ok by my doctor to start walking again.  I have a new brace that locks to allow more range of motion with my knee each week.  I can now sit in a chair with my knee bent which is a big improvement.  I have also progressed from using a walker to using crutches.  Next will be one crutch.  And I have been given the ok to drive when ready.

I am so much more mobile and we have been to two dinners out.  It has been a long two months of staying at home except for doctor’s appointments and I was more than ready to see the gulf again.  I am not ready to walk in the sand, but soon.  We are planning a trip to Michigan to see our new granddaughter, Kennedy and to celebrate Audrey’s 2nd birthday.  We are driving, since sitting in a plane would not be comfortable and I can stretch out as needed in the back seat.  We can’t stay too long, since I need to be back for PT, but will help as much as we can with my limited mobility.  And sit and hold the baby of course.

It has been a hard few months, but there is finally progress being made and will continue to be made.  There are two little girls (and one more on the way) that need me to play, chase and run around with them.

Granddaughter #2

 

This little girl made her entrance into the world three weeks early.  A sweet pea for sure at 5 lbs and 14 ounces.  But, baby, mom and dad are all doing well and getting used to the newborn phase of life at home. Kennedy Josephine is loved already.

Because of my knee injury  and my limited mobility for a few more weeks, I am not able to travel there to help, but my motivation will be high, once my physical therapy begins.  Holding her and helping her mama by mid October will be goal number one.

I will face time, look forward to photos and be as much encouragement as I can be on the phone.  I love living in Florida, but the distance to Michigan at times like these, for someone who jumps on a flight often, is sobering.  But, I will get there very soon.  Sweet little Kennedy needs to meet her Nana.

Mediterranean Spring - Final Stop Rome

Rome - amazing, beautiful and surreal, where you are literally walking amongst ancient Roman history.  It was so fascinating to walk down the actual Roman Road with visible chariot marks, seen when we visited the Roman Forum.  It was moving to see St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s and look up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling.  To enter the colosseum and feel the history of gladiators and emperors all around.  And finally, to have a magical moment one night on the Bridge of Angels with a violinist playing while surrounded by votive candles.

A highlight was a nighttime golf cart tour that took us to virtually all the sights in just over 2 hours.  The driver took us down back alleys, around Borghese Park and through streets cars could not navigate.  If you go, I highly recommend.

We ate so much good food and all the dishes suggested for Rome; Cacio e Pepe, zucchini blossoms, Margherita Pizza and of course gelato.  Many Aperol Spritzs and bottles of good red wine were enjoyed. There were so many interesting restaurants that two days was not enough.  

It is hot, crowded and really kind of dirty like any big city.  I missed the abundance of flowers that we saw in other parts of Italy too.  But, it is a once in a lifetime experience that will stay with me forever.