Fifty Shades of Blue

We dusted the flour off our shoes and headed to Naples the next day, on the train.  In Naples, we rented a car and drove to Sorrento which only made us appreciate the train more.  On the way we stopped to see Herculaneum, another victim of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD similar to Pompeii but apparently a wealthier seaside city of around 5000 people.  It was well worth the stop and easy to access. Very well preserved and so amazing to see a slice of life long ago.  TJ and I have always wanted to stay in an Agriturismo on our travels and Rachel found this one for our stay.  It was amazing! I am ready to add this area to my Italian retreat.  The working olive and lemon farm and accommodation was run by a fellow, his wife (who was pregnant with #2) and his mother.  His parents ran it his entire life and now it is his.  We were their first guests of the season.  We were treated to a full breakfast each day and three course dinner each night.  Everything was delicious and he was so accommodating to our needs and wants, even as far as sharing his 3-year-old daughter's breakfast cereal with one of the boys.  I can't say enough about this experience.  The grounds, the rooms, the views...it was all too perfect.

The view was worth the climb!

One happy customer!

The lemon grove

Perfection!

What a special place!

Pretty sure the view of Capri in the window was not an accident!

Our private sitting area and a view of Capri.

Our main activity here was our boat ride to Capri.  We were blessed with blue skies and smooth water.  I had no idea what a boat person my son-in-law was, but this was his happy place.  It was definitely still the off season, as many/most shops were closed and there was a flurry of activity all over this island preparing shops, hotels and restaurants for the coming tourists.  I can only imagine what it is like in summer.  Idyllic is how I would describe Capri.  It is everything you imagine it to be, personified.  Breathtaking.  I could share hundreds of photos and still not do it justice.  Every cove provided another jaw dropping shade of blue.  I would have loved to swim in those waters, but wrapped in a sweater, a vest and a jacket left me feeling inappropriately dressed.  Someday.  Capri was a bucket list item I never thought I would have the chance to see and can say it lived up to its reputation.

All along the coast

How many colors of blue can you see?

Happiness is...a boat ride

Simply amazing

Coming into the marina

Capri

Why walk when you can all ride in a convertible taxi?

Note to self...come back in April or May.

Faraglioni, iconic Capri rock formations

We spent much too little time in Sorrento and the surrounding area.  Our goal was to show the boys some highlights of Italy and with so much history, scenery, geography it is hard to do an in-depth exploration of it all.  Shoot, I have been to Italy 4 times and still have so much more to explore!  Each time we go we vow to return and so far, we have.  Our hope is that after this trip the boys will too vow to return to Italy or some other equally fascinating country.  

It all seems so long ago, and honestly...it was!  A lot of water has passed under the bridge of life since this trip happened at the end of March.  Yes, I am a bit back logged on the blog.  Hang in there with me, I felt like I needed to close this chapter before starting a new one.  

Fun in Florence

  Four weeks out and I'm still here...icing my knee.  The good news is the crutches, and the "big black brace of torture" were out of business after 2 weeks!  The bad news is, I am still not supposed to walk as far as I want and feel like I am able.  Something about swelling, blah, blah, blah.  I miss my daily moving meditation fiercely!  Counting the days (I hope) or weeks (probably) until a 2- or 3-mile walk is my normal routine again!  So far, a slow mile, for which I am very thankful, is my max.  Range of motion has improved greatly; pain level is low...unless you count those 5 minutes at physical therapy spent on my stomach with a 3-pound weight strapped to my ankle straightening my leg.  All in all, making progress but apparently healing takes more than a strong will and hard work...it takes time.  Tick, tick, tick.

Meanwhile, back to Italy...we took the train from Rome to Florence.  This wasn't my first train ride in Europe, but it is our first trip to rely on public transit as our main transportation.  I may be a convert!  I was hesitant to give up having control of my own destiny but with 7 people it just seemed the most efficient.  I really like being able to stop in any interesting places along the way, but the train was very efficient, and that was important if we wanted to see as much as possible in the least amount of time.  No complaints!  

Time to journal and do a Sudoku or 10.

I have not been to Florence since 2008.  I forgot just how lovely it is.  I need to go back and maybe live my Tuscan dream someday.  With only 2 days there, we had an agenda...David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, pizza and gelato.  We came, we saw, and we ate!  Our Airbnb was HUGE and conveniently located next door to a nice gelato shop, much to the boy's delight!  The location really could not have been better.  Of course, TJ and I had the bedroom at the back of the apartment, away from the street.  I hear from those staying in the bedrooms in the front, the noise from the "open until 4 a.m." bar across the street was constant.  I guess you really can't have it all.  But we came close.

Like I said, Huge!

Rachel in the noisy window for perspective.

Once we got settled in our huge apartment, we went about 4 doors down the street for lunch.  We were starving!  Glad we visited the place for lunch because as it turned out, they were closed for dinner...and the food was delicious!  First order of the afternoon was to see David at the Accademia Gallery which we had pre-purchased timed entry tickets, one of the advantages to come out of Covid...no standing in long lines to buy tickets.  On our way, since we had the time, we stopped in to tour the Basilica of Santa Croce which was between our apartment and the Accademia.  We were also very lucky that the piazza and the basilica were relatively empty. 

Funny thing, I can't count the number of times we found ourselves in churches with beautiful courtyards attached or in a beautiful piazza and I would find the boys, seated on a bench playing a number game with their hands.  I still do not know the name of the game (Chopsticks maybe?) or exactly how it is played, but they played it in countless amazing locations.  Who needs electronics when you have two hands?!

Monte Cassino 
Meanwhile, John is contemplating life after Italy.

Piazza Santa Croce

Basilica of Santa Croce courtyard

Florence did not disappoint.  David glowed in all of his marble glory.  The weather could not have been nicer, making everything more beautiful.  I managed to take a stroll along the river and caught the golden hour!  My daughter and her family climbed to the top of the Duomo for a rewarding view.  TJ and I walked to the top of Piazza Michaelangelo for our rewarding view.  We had dinner at a very local restaurant, no English spoken, and it was delicious!  The gelato next door got a couple visits from the boys.  

Because you can never see too many photos of this iconic bridge!

The icing on the cake...or the pizza pie, was our pizza and gelato making class.   You know how sometimes you book things online and then wonder if they will be as good as they look or if you will end up feeling like you got taken to the cleaners?  Leading up to the class I found myself feeling that way.  From the very nice medium sized bus that picked up our group of about 20 people and drove us into the hills outside the city to the aperitivos set out to greet us, to the science-based explanations along with entertaining commentary about making the pizza and the gelato, we were captivated.  The location of the farmhouse was classic Tuscany.  The staff, very professional and entertaining.  The wine...flowing.  The food, delicious.  They boys had a blast; their parents had a blast, and their grandparents had a blast!  Totally worth it!

Under the Tuscan Sun

Luigi was ready and waiting for us.

Mad scientists at work

hand crushing the tomatoes

Such a lovely facility!

The boys had so much fun,
 they even volunteered to help clean up!

So many choices of gelato.
One of each, please!

Grazie!

Rome, Ruins and Rooftops

 Time to take a little vacation!  After over 2 weeks mostly spent in my house, I need to get out...even if it is virtually!  I have been saving our trip to Italy for just this purpose and I'm going to spread it out over several posts to make it last even longer.  Come along with us if you like, the pizza and gelato were excellent.  We spent 9 days in Italy at the end of March (and it is very hard to imagine that was a month ago!) with our daughter, her husband and their three sons on their spring break.  I think I can safely say, "A good time was had by all!".

How much do I love this?
I could end the blog right here and feel like all the bases have been covered!
Being up there with Capri, David and candy is high praise!

TJ and I arrived in Rome a day earlier than my daughter's family because we have more time these days and wanted an extra day to acclimate...so we could keep up with the youngsters.  We arrived at 7 a.m. and could not check into our Airbnb until 4 p.m.  A minor inconvenience which resulted in us dragging our luggage back and forth over cobblestones for several blocks to the Luggage Storage facility.  That is one way to stay awake after 4 hours of airplane sleep, but I don't recommend it.  

Back and forth, clackety clack went the wheels.

We stayed in the Navona area, which is near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon with narrow, cobblestone streets.  It is probably considered one of the more "touristy" neighborhoods which was perfect for our multi-generational trip. Very picturesque and historic, full of small restaurants with sidewalk seating, cute shops, little food stores, near many major "thing to see and do" and peaceful enough at night to sleep well.  It was a perfect place to expose three young men to Italy.  "Cobblestones be damned!" said the lady with the torn ACL wearing the knee brace.  Our arrival day went as most arrival days go.  We just put one foot in front of the other and kept moving until we checked in, showered, went to dinner and collapsed!  

Here we sit with our cobblestone weary bags waiting to meet our host.

Dinner at Taverna Angelica
 We celebrated our 30th anniversary here, with good friends, many moons ago.

Traveling abroad after over 2 years of "lockdown" was so exciting.  We felt like our dreams for retirement actually may come true someday.  We were exhausted and giddy all at the same time.  There is something about ancient walls, beautiful historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, rooftop bars, something new around every corner and being surrounded by history that draws us in and keeps us wanting more.  It only took us a few hours and a good lunch to get our travel gears moving.  I pinched myself and smiled, because we were here!  One...or two things about dinner.  Being married to a sentimental pack-rat has its advantages at times.  TJ found the business card for Taverna Angelica, from a trip in 2008, and made reservations for arrival night.  Always good to have a plan for the first night because thinking and decision making are always compromised after a long travel day.  One advantage of being the first customers of the night (earliest available reservation in anticipation of jet lag) is that we received much personal attention from the owner.  She was super hospitable and we were treated to all the bells and whistles!  After dinner we strolled along the river and collapsed in bed when we made it back.

Amuse-bouche
the little taco looking one (duck pate) was AMAZING!!!

The walk home is always enchanting.

The rest of the crew arrived the next day and we treated them to our "first day survival system".  The day was not without dragging suitcases along cobblestones again...so glad I didn't buy a new suitcase for this trip.  There was pizza, lots of walking (10 miles), ancient ruins, great views, gelato, and a surprising dinner.  We found ourselves in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood on our way "home" and ate dinner at a kosher...vegetarian restaurant.  Never saw that coming.  Luckily for John, Margherita pizza was on the menu.  Focaccia, artichokes, gnocchi, fish and pasta were enjoyed by all.

I must say, on this trip we lucked out on accommodations.  TJ and I stayed in a small Airbnb our first night and moved to the 4 bedroom house we rented for the entire group the next day.  They were across the street from each other...convenient, unless of course you count the 4 hours between check out and check in with no early...or late bag storage provided.  Luggage Storage and cobblestones again.  The Airbnb in Rome was large and light with its own courtyard and sauna.  Yeah...everyone needs a sauna, right?  The seven of us slept comfortably and we had 3 bathrooms...key.

"I didn't sleep much on the plane...you?"
"Nope"

Our days in Rome consisted of Arrival Days one and two, spent putting one foot in front of the other.  Day 3 was Ancient Rome Day when we visited the Coliseum, the Forum and the Trevi Fountain to name a few.  Day 4 was Vatican Day when we toured the Vatican gardens, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.  The adults in the group had seen some of these and so we geared activities towards the boys and their Roman education.  We all saw and learned new things in the process too!  They really liked Ancient Rome day, no surprise.  

Roman Holiday!

We really enjoyed the food in Rome!  Seriously, who doesn't love the food in Italy?  One entertaining lunch happened after our Coliseum visit.  We sought out a Rick Steves recommendation for lunch.  All the outside tables were occupied, so we sat inside.  The place was small and intimate...and the waiter unamused.  I felt like he belonged in NYC (no offense to anyone in NYC) but he had this "I don't have time for you people" attitude.  The place has been in business since 1945!  We managed to order lunch and drinks quick enough for our surly waiter, who little by little warmed up to us.  He was, after all, the only waiter working the tables, so I'll give him a little latitude.  The beer was cold, the food was authentic, the patrons were Italian, and the place did Rick proud.  One patron stopped and chatted with us as he paid his bill and said he lived right across the street and had been coming here for over 20 years.  Gotta love surly waiters, good food and local patrons.

4e 4'Otto
That's our table on the right!

TJ and I have now visited Rome three times.  Each time I like it more.  The first time was in 2008 with a large group of friends from Georgia.  We had a guide and our pastor, who was very familiar with Rome.  I remember being overwhelmed and awed at the same time with Rome on that trip.  We saw all of the "must-see" places, but it was such a short stop it left me feeling like we had only scratched the surface.  Our next trip was in 2018, with our "anniversary friends".  This time I felt like we really got to know Rome on our own terms.  We planned it ourselves and followed our noses where they led us and were rewarded.  After that trip, I felt like I finally experienced Rome.  This time we wanted to see Rome for the first time again, through our grandsons' eyes.  

Everyone knows how much I love a good sunset so it will come as no surprise that the place we went not once but twice for late afternoon cocktails was on the rooftop of the Hotel Atlante Star near the Vatican.  Roof Garden Les Etoiles is worth two visits!  We were not exactly blessed with the perfect sunset but the 360 view from the top and the amazing flowers are worth a repeat visit in my book.  We went on our first night, alone and had to share the experience with the rest of the family.  The boys really appreciated the "free" snacks provided with drinks on the terrace.

The entire terrace is surrounded by this amazingness!

It was very chilly up top....somebody had to borrow my sweater!

Worth a repeat visit!

The view is always the best at the top!

I could post hundreds of photos from our time in Rome, and probably did on FB and Instagram, so no need here.  Suffice it to say, the time in Rome was well spent and after the first three days, the boys are embracing their Italian Spring Break.  Arrivederci Roma.

Week 1 ACL Surgery Recovery

Prepare yourself for some oversharing.... because, I'm not going anywhere, and I have plenty of time to think and write.  Plus, before my surgery, I searched and searched for any firsthand information from a woman over 50 having this experience.  Seems all the blogs and vlogs I found were by 20-year-old, super athletic, influencer Wanna-Be types...not exactly my demographic.  After starting this post, and adding to it little by little, I would say my "carpe diem" approach to life before surgery may have backfired on me.  Going from golf 3 days a week, a trip to Italy, and walking over 60,000 steps a week to staying home an entire week and moving from one room to another and walking about 2,000 steps in a week, is an abrupt change!  Things can only go up.

4:30 a.m.
April 6, 2022
How long until I stand, unassisted, on both legs?
Also, very glad I wore the jacket!  It was cold!

April 6

Up at 4:15 a.m. after sleeping pretty well...all things considered.

We were at the surgery center at 5 a.m. along with the first employees who opened the doors for us. I will say, being the only patient at "dark-o'clock" was a luxury.  I had well rested nurses in the quiet of early morning and it made for a very gentle experience.  The staff was wonderful, and I felt very cared for.

I received a nerve block in my right leg.  That may have been the most painful part of the day.  Getting the injections for the nerve block in the crease of my upper thigh was painful...and ticklish!  It was also the only place I felt pain, post-surgery.  But...the nerve block was luxurious!  For any women who have had an epidural, it was that kind of localized relief for at least 24 hours.

7 a.m. surgery- no idea how long it was or what happened!  I hear it went well and the doctor showed TJ pictures of his work and said my knee looks great!  The meniscal tears were very small and he cleaned them up as well as grafting my new ACL.

9:40 a.m.- I woke up in recovery.  I was shivering like I was in a blizzard!  Full teeth-chattering, shaking, shivering.  Thankfully, the lovely nurse administered some Demerol and some other IV drug to stop the shivering and calm me down.  Ahhh

My leg was in what will from here on out be referred to the "big black brace of torture".  A long, black, brace, locked in the straight position, very rigid and digs into my leg in awkward places.  It is heavy (2 lbs.) and I do not like it at all!  As much as I hate it, I must admit, I have had no trouble at all sleeping in the contraption.  Which is a miracle!  

Yup, that is me, now I am a "fall risk"  whoo hoo!

Day 1 

flew by since we got home at 11, ate something for lunch after fasting from the night before. Then someone came over with a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine and set it up on the sofa, so I can watch TV during the countless hours I will be spending having my leg moved back and forth.  I am supposed to do the machine 6 hours a day for 2 hours at a time.  I assume my heart is supposed to be below my knee for this, which makes reclining for that long every day, uncomfortable.  The motion does not hurt at all and mentally, I find myself feeling like it is helping.  To quote the fellow who delivered it, "motion is lotion".  I'm going with that!

So between my 6 hours in the CPM, followed by 30 minutes to an hour strapped to the ice machine, my day if done!

By the end of day 1, I did find I was suffering from all kinds of stomach distress.  Thank to anesthesia, pain pills and antibiotics.  Ugh!  This is the part no one tells you about!  Meanwhile, the knee is still enjoying the nerve block. 

Day2

Woke up, after a medium night of sleep.  

Started with the CPM, ice, rest.  

Pain level- still not feeling too much pain, unless you count stomach cramps and gas pain.

Mood- not too bad, looking forward to spending my day watching the Masters and very happy for the lovely spring weather and the open windows.

This may have been the easiest day in hindsight.

Day 3

Slept like a baby.  I think I figured out how the sleep solidly with the brace on and when to take that nighttime pain medicine.

The nerve block has definitely worn off.  I am not feeling any knee pain aside from feeling a few stitches which I assume is where the incisions are pulling.  I was surprised by this.  I expected much more pain.

Again, what I did not expect was the stomach distress (constipation).  

By the end of this day, I was done.  I was getting grumpy and my armpits were sore from using the crutches.  I think this is the day reality set in.  Yes, it was beautiful outside.  Yes, my husband is working overtime and doing his best to do it all. Yes, the Masters is on...ALL day long.  But man, I feel like crap...or just wish I could.  hahaha!

Day 4

Slept fine until 5:30 a.m. when severe stomach cramps woke me up.  Back to sleep and then...sweet relief.

Decided to give up the pain meds in hopes of some intestinal relief.  Transitioned to ibuprofen.  The knee pain is still minimal so I don't really need heavy duty pain meds.

Things are feeling a bit Groundhog Day-ish.  6 hours in the CPM, several hours in the ice machine, and golf on the TV all day long.  I guess it could be worse, but at this point I am wondering how.

By the end of the day, my stomach had calmed down but I was pretty grumpy.  I do think it was my lowest day.  I was just over it.  I guess you have to hit rock bottom to turn around and come back.  

Day 5

Still sleeping well and thankful.  Extra thankful for the calm stomach. 

Final day of the Masters, which I can thank for taking my mind mostly off my first week of recovery.  It was great to have hours upon hours of golf to vicariously experience.  Congratulations to my new hero, Scottie Scheffler!  And did you see that bunker shot Rory McIlroy made...followed by the one his playing partner, Colin Morikawa, made?  Watch here.  Amazing!  Made me love and miss golf even more!

The knee feels a bit battered from the "big black brace of torture".  After 3 years of never being sick, I have found sitting in the same room for 5 days a real challenge!  Other than the day after my Covid shots, I have been super healthy...except that day I tore my ACL.  Even then, the pain was very localized, and I didn't feel sick or helpless.  This being on crutches is for the birds!  I have had to devise all kinds of methods of carrying things from here to there.  I am not used to being waited on and he is not used to waiting on me.  Talk about a role change.

Pockets double as drink holders now.

He is doing his best.  I am finding out just how particular I am about so many things.  Having to "let it go" is humbling.

Day 6

I took a shower!!! Best feeling all week, by far!  Washed my hair, shaved one leg...it was awesome.  It took both of us and some creativity, but it was totally worth it.  Never underestimate the power of a shower!  I am already building up strength for the next shower!

Day 7

Today is TJ's birthday.  Probably not going down as one of his favorites.  It just is what it is.  He did get to play golf, although poorly.  I am cooking tonight...with my credit card.  I had a very nice friend come over for lunch and had the house cleaning people clean the house today.  Pretty banner day so far.

Had to go in to the dr. office to have them adjust the "big black brace of torture".  I saw stars this morning after my "treadmill" time on the CPM when I put the thing back on.  They adjusted it and it didn't hurt as much, but when I got home, I realized one of the locks was unlocked and flexing therefore forcing the brace to dig in on one side.  So much better, if there is such a thing with the BBBT.  Bonus...getting out of the house.

End of week stats:

Pain level- minimal, managed with ibuprofen

Weight loss/gain- minus 2 pounds   (sadly, probably all in my right leg!)

Mood- hanging in there and anxious to get out...to real physical therapy.  (yeah, I know, be careful what you wish for)  Very thankful for everyone who has reached out by calling or texting or sending care packages, it really means a lot!  Makes me want to be a better friend to those in need!

Accomplishments- took a shower!  Off the pain meds!  Figuring out how to get myself and some stuff from here to there.  Consistently doing CPM machine and increasing flexion, currently at 75 degrees.  Doing leg lifts and quad isolations daily.  Have not killed my husband yet.  Have not sunk into deep depression yet.  Zero wine or other alcoholic beverages for 8 days...but who is counting?  

So there it is, everything you never wanted to know about week 1, post ACL surgery.  Congratulations for getting to the end of this, it is a bit long, but I have nothing else to do! Working on staying positive and engaged, even though it is a challenge.  Looking forward, more and more, to being able to use both legs unassisted.  That will be a banner day!

I think for my next post I will have to go back and live in the past...as in Italy!

Oh....and HAPPY EASTER!!!

A Note to Myself in April 2023

 

April 2022

Today is the "day before".  I thought I would document this day and make a note on my April 6, 2023 calendar to re-read this post to see just how far I have come.  I am doing this with hopes that a year from now I will be in a better place than I am today or have been since February 2nd.  If that is not the case, then darn!  I am also doing this to have some measurable progress reports and maybe some other 60-something year old woman can read this and know what she is facing as far as ACL surgery goes, because frankly there is not a lot of information out there for women "our age".  Apparently, this is a young person's injury and a young person's recovery story.  People our age should be sitting on the sofa, eating ice cream and watching television.  Things are definitely changing.  Although, there may be a day (or two) in the next few months that I am definitely sitting on the sofa eating ice cream and watching television. 

Knowing that tomorrow I will feel a lot worse than I do at this moment is unsettling.  To think I am doing this voluntarily may indicate insanity to some.  I wonder myself.  Planning for the future has never been my strong suit and this is definitely in the "planning for the future" category.  If I want to do all I want to do in the future, then under the knife I go.  

Current status:

Mood- anxious, nervous, hesitant

Pain level- minimal

Swelling- some, but not a ton

It is the one on the right.  I was even starting 
to get a knee brace tan to match my sock tan!

Activity level-

I played golf twice this week and took my usual walk today.  

I have done my pre-hab exercises "almost" every day.  

I decided to log my walk as a goal for the future.  I found myself wondering how long it will be before I can walk as far and at a similar pace again.  Hoping this does more to motivate me rather than depress me.  

My last walk with my torn ACL
and damaged meniscus.
Goal for the future!

Weight- hahaha!  None of your business!

Height- 2 inches too short for my weight!

Range of Motion- I can straighten my leg completely and bend it more than 90 degrees but not quite as far as the other leg.  Straightening does not hurt at all; bending is a lot harder and hurts past maybe 110 degrees.  

I have no idea how long it will be until I get back to where I came from in this process.  I do know I am going to have painful days, less painful days, boring days and days I feel isolated.  Days I feel like I have taken two steps forward and ones I feel like I am going backwards.  I am hoping that maybe part of the last 2 years has set me up for the isolation, thanks Covid lockdown for something.  Maybe I need to break out the puzzles again or the coloring books.  Hoping to update my progress weekly and looking forward to sharing some of our trip to Italy once I am awake and alert long enough to string together cohesive sentences!  It will be something to look forward to, at least for me!

I have no expectations for the first week except to get through it!  I plan to follow the doctor's instructions, do as prescribed, hope for the best and try to stay positive.  I did meet a woman yesterday who has become my inspiration.  She is 69 years old, in great shape and has a decent golf game.  She said she had the same surgery when she was in her 50's and said she was out and about in 6 weeks.  She said it was not nearly as bad as she expected and judging by her mobility level at 69, she is a success story!  She gave me some very encouraging words and they were just what I needed.  

I do think it is a cruel joke that I have to arrive at the surgery center at 5 a.m.!  (I am such a morning person😂) At least I will be my doctor's first surgery of the day!  I have big plans to catch up on my sleep when I get home!