Hello to anyone still reading these posts. Good intentions don't get much done, so it has been almost a month since the last one. We have hit some bad patches that slowed us down - particularly me. As the last post reported, I came through the implantation of my medical device just fine and returned home late the next afternoon. However, I did develop some post-op complications the next day with a quick trip to the ER and a rocky several days to follow. Elisa and John were wonderful caretakers! At my 12-day checkup with the surgeon, all was well. However, they informed me that I could not drive for 6 weeks! Wow. That was a blow and has put a real burden on my sister and brother-in-law as well as our friend, Mary Danforth. They have continued to be magnificent in caring for us and providing transportation.
We have even taken it to appointments and left the wheelchair at home. Despite fewer visits to SpoFit, he continues to gain strength and mobility. He had one more 4-day bout with trouble on the stump and now has a good temporary "fix" from the prosthetist. John saw Dr. Motzkin, the surgeon, on July 10 and he is definite that John needs a surgical "revision" to eliminate "redundant tissue" and create a smoother scar for the future. This will probably happen in early September when we feel ready after I get stronger.
It took about two weeks post-op for me to feel
more like myself, but during that time Elisa's family arrived and kept us entertained. Poor things - after living in Utah, this is a very hot place to vacation! A lot of time was spent in family swimming pools and having fun with water balloons.
We gathered at our house to watch the fireworks and celebrate the 4th of July. Unfortunately, a real Haboob - a southwest dust storm - blew in with great force and cancelled the city festivities. It also severely damaged the trees in our "cactus forest" out back.
Thanks to all of you who sent me
birthday greetings.
When the Hoods went home, Ava stayed with us and Serena came from Texas (July 8-15). We had such a wonderful time with the girls. They were so happy to be together, polite and helpful. Those two little girls sure can eat - especially after swimming everyday! We had sewing projects and they used the sewing machine for the first time (at 7 and 8). We even got to the zoo one morning at 6:30, but by 10:00 we were melted.
My brother, Terry, and niece, Sarah, took them on an evening hike up the backside of Papago Mountain near here. So many activities were possible because of our family.
Two days of rest, then Paul, Veronica and Dillon arrived from California! It was so wonderful to have them here with all their energy, lively conversation and, of course, Dillon. He is such a bright, happy little boy - growing up quickly. My family provided great opportunities for swimming and gathering with cousins. Unfortunately, on the third day I came down with a severe intestinal bug which knocked me out. Paul left last Monday night and I am still working on full recovery including the need to gain back lost weight over the past month. 
We rested a bit and the Sutherlun family arrived from San Antonio. So grand to see them again! We stuck to the house with 110+ temperatures - but, of course, there was the swimming. John was able to get into the pool for the first time and declared it "luxurious!" He loved the freedom.
We also had a grand day at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale. This is a new world-class museum worth a visit to the Valley. After five days they took off in our van for California to visit Paul's family and participate in the wedding of Joshua's brother.
We will see them again in eight days.
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When things quiet down - meaning we will be sitting home alone with all these great memories of such happy days with our kids and grandkids - I promise to blog again. Meanwhile, keep cool as possible and keep on praying, dear family and friends.
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