Returning to the Hodgepodge

It is good to be back among the Wednesday Hodgepodge elite today after being inactive for four weeks.  More on that in the random thoughts, but in the meantime, check out my answers to today's questions then join the others to read their answers HERE.

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?

I am not a summer person so it is difficult to isolate one particular summer month as a best.  Summer where I live is hot and humid and I do not appreciate either of these.  Just to be a good sport, I will say August, although it is always our hottest month, because we usually go to Northern Indiana in late August and it is somewhat cooler up there.  We also get to be with family and watch our grandson play some football for the Western Michigan University Broncos.  However, this will be his last year to play sad to say.

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?

Do not swim!  I probably have five pairs of sunglasses, each in a different location.

3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?

The characteristic I probably judge most harshly in myself is that I don't get out and engage with people more.  The characteristic I most harshly judge in others is the "over the top" friendliness and gushy demeanor they display with someone they hardly know.

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

Popsicles are nice but I have not had one in many years.  My favorite though was a fudgesicle.

6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form?

I am probably about a 5 because I am aware of Brexit and what it could mean historically and prophetically at this point.  I did follow it pretty closely last week when it took place but have not read as much in the last few days.  It did impact us directly when the stock market plummeted and I think there is a possibility it will affect the upcoming national elections.  I also think it is going to be very interesting to watch and see what continues to unfold with other countries in the EU.

7. Share a favorite song on your summer play list.

I don't have a favorite song.  I love music and choose to play my genre selections from Pandora through a wonderful Sony speaker Hubby gave me for Christmas a couple years ago.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

As you may recall, I told you in my last post that I would be going to Indiana for cervical surgery at the surgical hospital of which our son is President and CEO, Unity Medical & Surgical Hospital in Mishawaka, IN.  I had a fusion of the C5/6 & 6/7 three weeks ago this past Monday, June 6. Ever since waking up following surgery, I have had zero pain.  My surgery was a huge success for which I give my God all the glory.

I flew home this past Sunday and although my little family up there took wonderful care of me, it is good to be back in our home and with my sweet Hubby.

I returned to the gym this morning with my doc's blessing and did walking as well as the stationary bike.  That is all I will be allowed to do until after further x-rays three weeks from now.

Until then, this is my getup:  A neck brace that I wear around the clock except for showering when I wear a water-proof brace,

 and a bone growth stimulator that I wear four hours every day until the fusion is complete.

Am I not the bionic woman?

Now, let me just tell you what a wonderful hospital Unity is.  I wish all hospitals could be as efficient, friendly, positive, supportive, where everyone there has you and your best interests at heart.  And just a side-note - where the CEO is one of the most handsome, sweet and qualified administrators anywhere.  Just say'n!!!

What's Ahead for June

Join me and others for the Wednesday Hodgepodge by clicking HERE

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar. 

Assuming you won't consider cervical surgery as a fun thing, how about being with two special granddaughters and their parents while I'm recuperating.  Yes, that sounds like fun to me.

 

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year? 

 

Having been a sun worshiper when I was younger, I now am very careful about being in the sun too much.  Actually, I can't stand to be outside for very long any more.  I find the sun too bright and the southern heat too intense. I used to tan beautifully, and still do to some extent, but my aging skin doesn't need that exposure and there is nothing really very pretty about old burned skin to me.  I do not see a dermatologist every year.

3. Describe a time when you wanted to 'throw in the towel'? 

That would have been right before I retired.  Our college system had been through several changes during my tenure and we foresaw others coming that did indeed prove to be the downward spiral of our system.  Needless reports and deadlines, plus the lack of administrative oversight, and the attitudes of persons with whom I was having to deal, definitely led to my timely retirement.

 

4. What's a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics? 

"Come Saturday Morning" by the Sandpipers in 1969.  This was the theme song to the Liza Minnelli movie The Sterile Cuckoo.

 

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one's your favorite? What's the most recent berry dish you've eaten? Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin? 

Berries are not my favorite fruit.  I do remember as a child, going blackberry pick'n and Mother making a Blackberry Cobbler from the ones that didn't get eaten first.  Today, my favorite would be the blueberry.  I have not eaten a berry dish in many, many years.  Of the three breakfast choices, I will go with blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup.

6. What's something you want to do before your next birthday? 

I know this sounds less than exciting and one would think if this is the best I can come with, then shame on me.  But, I would like to have hip replacement before November 1 of this year.  I am so ready to get these necessary surgeries over and done with so I can get on with my life.  Then, I'll do something fun and exciting.

7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let's all say something nice here. 

I would just like to say how much I admire and appreciate Joyce for taking the time to bring us all together once a week.  She has managed this blog with not only consistency but with integrity.  She has always taken the high road with her questions and answers and for all of that, I thank you, Joyce.  You have made it possible for a group of folks who will probably never meet or get to know each other than this meeting once a week, to feel like we are visiting with friends.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

I will be away from blogging for the next several weeks.  As I said earlier, I will be having surgery on my neck next Monday at the hospital where our son is President and CEO,

Unity Medical and Surgical Hospital in Mishawaka, Indiana.

By the way, if you should visit their website, scroll down and watch the two videos.  You may get a glimpse of Hubby and me.

I will remain up there three weeks before flying back south.  I have already started putting items in a large suitcase in anticipation of what I might need during that time.  One thing I will not need to pack is jewelry and that is something I am not used to doing.

These will be my only accessory for the next six to eight weeks.

The one on right is only for showering.

   I'm thinking I might should have planned this surgery for when it isn't 100 degrees outside.