Building the blog

Billie said something to me the other day that I never quite realized until maybe a few hours ago after I recieved a facebook message from my cousin, Christine.  Billie said if there was a positive result to her lack of mobility, it was that I discovered talents of mine that otherwise remained dormant.  These unfomfortable set of events has left me to spend my free time learning to build blogs.
That being said, how should I respond to her?  Certainly not "Thanks for falling".  Maybe I just found a part of myself that I never knew existed.  And I know she likes that new Jim or Paddy all the more.

Talking about exercising

I had a conversation with Lonny, the company ceo today and he wanted to know how Billie was coming along.   He told me his wife underwent  bone replacement surgery a few years back.  The docs repaired her injury with a cadaver bone and screws - not a pretty thought I might add.  Lonny spoke of the long recovery and the physical therapy his wife underwent.  He described a machine which both he and his wife use daily to strengthen leg muscles as well as their hearts.  "You might want to look into a machine called "an elliptical trainer" it's easy on your legs and great for to trim off those exta pounds.
I smiled and thought "Too bad these machines are pricey and out of my league."  Then I thought I should ask my nephew Danny about this machine; his company repairs exercise equipment and I may be able to get an elliptical for cost.  It's worth a try and I need to lose weight.  I want to be around fo quite a while longer.

The follow-up

Today, I want to keep all of you informed about Billie's much anticipated follow-up visit with an orthopedic surgeon.   I'm happy to report the results were stellar.  After her heavy cast was removed the doctor ordered an x-ray of her foot to determine if the damaged bones were mending properly.  She was told that they were in correct alignment and she did not need any additional surgery.  All that remained was for the physician's assistant to rewrap her leg in a much lighter fiberglass cast. Her new cast is blue will be exchanged for an even lighter boot in five weeks. The healing process may be lengthy so she takes it one step at a time.  

Back at work

My idea of an ideal day has never included work, whether home or at my job.  But right now due to current circumstances, I don't mind spending my time at job at Superior Sewing in the least.  You might say today I am enjoying a reprieve from my semi-nursing duties.  Make no mistake I honestly want to help at home as best as I am capable but  I needed a break.

 

It seems so many people here at Superior have asked me to convey their best wishes for a speedy recovery to my wife. The kind words are genuine and come from union co-workers, department heads, and the company CEO himself.  

 

One more thought.  Today is my 20th anniverary of working at Superior.  Not to shabby.  See ya'. 

Return to work

Our friend, Joan is dropping in today to help Billie.  This bit of kindness allows me a break in my nursing duties so I can put in some hours working at my job.  Billie is scheduled to see a doctor tomorrow to follow up on her surgery.  If the doctor decides to exchange her cast with a lighter one, she may have  mobility enough so I may return to my job full time

A call from my Union

Yesterday, I got an unexpected call from the member services department of my local union.  I spoke to a lady named Alba who updated me with the latest progress in settteling last December's hospital expenses.  I said that they should brace themselves for another bill from Ohio University Medical Hospital.  This bit of news raised her curiosity, so I explained the entire nuts and bolts of my wife's saga in Colombus.

She was aghast and deeply concerned and said six words that   made my day: "We will help you pay this"

Whew! Now I can relax.  Just a bit.

Scrapbooking

I have started a hobby called scrapbooking.  My first project is to capture the entire Spaight family, both living and dead, including my ancestors.  I completed eight pages and I just finished a story that describes all the events that led up to the day I met Billie, my wife.

I am sure this scrapbook will be successful.  I am making it to tell future generations about their roots.

Happy birthday Kayla

Let's see,  I have a few bits of good news.  Kayla, my niece celebrated her fifth birthday yesterday.  I saw her picture posted on facebook.  She was smiling, like always and had a rainbow cookie in her left hand.  Ahh, rainbow cookies, a sure sign her birthday was a success.
The other piece of news is that our family increased in size with the birth of Clover, my second cousin from England.  Her mom is doing well and her grandma, Noreen is "over the moon".
So congrats to all.

Daniel Spaight and son Daniel

Spaight Family crest

This is the crest for the Spaight family.  I saw it first many years ago when my uncle Eddie found one and made a replica for my dad (this is another story, entirely).  Years later I saw the same crest in an autobiography of Richard Dobbs Spaight (signer of the Constitution) .

I do not know for certain if I am related to him. Yet.

What a way to start a blog

Let me see, how should I start my first post on my newly concieved blog/website?  Unfortunately, I must begin with the rather sad news that Billie's best friend of forty years passed away last week.  The memorial for Barbara was in her church in Colombus, Ohio.
We flew there last week and met her son, Martin, and his high school cheerleading coach, Melinda at the airport.  A sudden turn of events or should I say "turn of the ankle" changed the entire day.  Instead of finishing the prepared speech Billie intended to deliver, She found herself prodded and poked by doctors in a nearby emergency room.
Billie missed a very inconspicuous step as she approached the main altar in the church falling hard causing broken bones near her ankle.
She underwent surgery to fix the injury and left for our home a few days later.
Her prognosis has mixed reviews.  Her bones can heal with the aid of screws and a plate, but she cannot put pressure on the wounded leg until about two months or more.
I will update you on any substantial progress.