Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Catching Up a Little

For all of our readers wondering where we've been...

For all of the bloggers we follow, wondering where are our comments ...

Sometimes we wonder ourselves. There are still 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week. It shouldn't take any longer to read or write a post than it ever did before "S" day, but let me tell you -- it does!

Three weeks ago I had a knee replacement surgery. Since then we've only skimmed the surface of the Internet, keeping up with emails and a few blogs. With therapy sessions three times a week for both Suzy and me (she's working on back and shoulder problems), home exercises supposed to be twice a day, and sitting with ice packs on back or knee, a lot of time is used up. Besides that, all that stuff -- including the pain -- wears you out.

And then life goes on! There are the periodic doctor's appointments in Tucson (100 miles round trip, plus waiting time), the necessity of certain shopping adventures, and home chores. Something has to give, and, I'm sorry to say, it has been the blog.

So, what have we been able to do? The mesquite tree next door to us is a wonderful shade tree for the summer, but it has two faults. (1) It has sharp thorns about an inch and a half long, and (2) it tends to spread. Because of the spring winds here in the desert, the spreading thorny branches scratched along the side of our bedroom, right by the open windows, keeping Suzy awake at night. It was time to grab the loppers and get that fixed.

We're watching our garden grow. "Grouch" is holding a new planting of geraniums.
From 2010 Post surgery
The cactus garden is swelling, both old plants and new.

The yucca out back is sending up its annual offering.

And Mama Quail brought her brood of at least a dozen chicks to our site to teach them how to scratch. (Some of the little buggers were hiding, so you won't see 12 of them here.)


Meanwhile, Papa Quail has set up a command post on the roof next door!
From 2010 Post surgery
Our 50th anniversary celebration is coming up in five weeks, so we are working on making changes to our much-too-adventurous plans. Because of financial and other limitations, fewer family members are going to be able to be here, and those that come will be able to stay only a few days. But we will still be able to meet Darren Keaton Plain, our first great grandchild!

For all you bloggers and readers, you are all invited to attend the potluck dinner on Saturday afternoon, July 31, here at the Benson SKP Saguaro Co-op. Lots of vacant sites are available for daily or weekly rental. Even if you aren't a SKP member, let us know you are coming and we'll get you in as a paying guest. Just bring a dish to share, and you'll be very welcome!

So that's where we are along the path of ... Our Life on Wheels!

14 comments:

  1. Praise God ya'll are alright. I was wondering what with the wildfires and all. I leave this Sat. to be the nurse at home for dad who is 81 to have knee replacement..
    I know things will get better for you..just don't do to much!!
    The quail are darling..We use to have a lot of quail in East Tx growing up..then came the fire ants..it wiped them out.:-(

    Later..Cindy and Walker

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  2. Thank you for the anniversary party invitation, Jerry and Suzy. I wish we could join the celebration. 50 years! Now that's something to celebrate!

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  3. Please don't apologize! I certainly understand how following blogs/writing comments can take lots of time and you just don't have it right now. It is good to hear from you again and glad things seem to be healing nicely for you. You write when you can and we'll read. :)
    Sounds like you are planning a wonderful 50th Anniversary!!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
    http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

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  4. Good to read you again, Jerry. Those quail are so cute, especially the babies. Your cactus garden does look good. How exactly do you go about planting one of those with the 2-inch long spikes? :)

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  5. Good to have you back. Great pictures!

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  6. Sounds like things are busily bustling about in Cochise County's beautiful Benson. Looks like you are up & about with the post surgery knee & not even a scratchy old Mesquite tree can keep a good man down & it sounds like the Quails are quite quick in the Cactus. Did you just say, Cwacktus:))

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  7. Nice to have you back!!! I must have clicked over here a hundred times......only to find no jerry..

    Hope you both are getting your health back....It just takes more maintenance as the years go by...

    Wish we could make the BIG party. Our hearts will be there tho...

    Hugs to you both!!

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  8. It's good to see you blogging again, Jerry. I know how busy all those other things can make you.
    I love the quail photos!
    Wish we could be there for your anniversary celebration. I'm sure it will be quite a party.

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  9. Great pics of those little quails! You look pretty mobile while hacking down those branches with those loppers! My knees are o.k., but my shoulder would kill me if I tried to use those things like you were doing!

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  10. Jerry and Suzy,

    I hope your recovery continues on a speedy path (as mine did). However, even moving quickly, rehab does cut into your normal activities but good to see you are up and around and getting back in the swing of things.

    We will miss your 50th but will be there in spirit! Where has the time gone?????
    hugs,
    Joy and Phil

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  11. I would LOVE to be there to celebrate with you but unfortunatley I won't be able too. I'll be there in spirit though!!

    Donna Daniel

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  12. Jerry is a great example of "You can't keep a good man down!"..I love those Quail with their Talulah Bankhead hats (assuming you and Suzy know who that was!)..Thanks for the invite..If we were in the Hiker near you we would be bringing Calico Beans to the potluck!! HAPPY 5OTH ANNIVERSARY!!

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  13. First time I have looked at your blog and photos and I am impressed .. ok maybe I impress easily I dont know .. just wanted to say great job

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