August retreat...

After the pace we kept these past few weeks, our energy drained this weekend and we retreated to the lakes. It was a late start for us, but we arrived in time for a quick campfire and roasted marshmallows before we fell into bed. The boys have preferred to camp out in the same room as us so its been cozy.

I even forgot my camera.  But my cell phone filled in nicely.  Rick took the boys on a fishing, tubing, jet skiiing adventure while I read upstairs inside.  With the windows open I could hear their conversations and felt close by.  I read uninterrupted for hours.  We left our cell phones in the kitchen, our computers behind, and slid off the radar quite easily.

I'm a week and half out from surgery.  Each day I do a little more.  My skin pulls tight when I reach too far, stretch too far, the incision lets me know when to stop.  So my left hand prevails with some wimpy right hand help.  

Clothes continue to be a challenge, although not so much in how they look, no.  Its how the seams inside the top rubs underneath my arm where the incision extends into my arm pit.  So far I have a trio of tops that work, concealing somewhat the bulky drain, or my JP, and not cutting too tightly into my armpit.  Fashion has taken a back seat to comfort for now.  Which seems to fit my stay at home status with the boys.  I still can't drive- way too much pull on the stitches- but hopefully by Thursday when they come out I will get the go ahead.  We're ready for a bit more freedom!  

Hey, another bracelet photo!  This is the lovely Rachel from Alaska, who is the granddaughter of Willy and Terry Shercliffe.  They sent me the actual photo and I told them it was too bad I couldn't scan it and use it.  Looks like someone figured out how to scan and I am so glad to add her in with the rest of you!  Thanks Rachel!

Aren't they pretty?  As if her home made chocolate brownie cupcakes, a card and generous gift of money weren't enough, my Godmother and Aunt Carol brought these over as we were dashing off to the lake. I'm so touched she thought of me when she saw this and ran it right over...  

I am still so moved by everyone's gracious and generous acts.  Having masses said for me, being put on prayer lists, writing personal and encouraging notes, delivering meals- (all of last week my book club friends delivered food to us), cleaning my house, offering to do laundry.  

5 months in and you all haven't left my side.  Thanks for making a girl feel special and most of all very loved...