Butterfinger Blues: Saturday, January 18th

It's a poor sort of memory that only works backwards. -Lewis Carroll, mathematician and writer (1832-1898) 

Hi Dennisovitch The Hipster!

Sorry I've not responded sooner but have been busy entertaining our house guests! I trust you are now back home and starting to feel more comfortable. To answer someof your questions, I can't really remember how long I had to sleep on my back but I think it was until my physio told me that I could do so.My recollection was that it was about three weeks to a month after operation. I started suing the stationary bike about two weeks after the operation, but again, after asking physio. Started with very low resistance and simply worked up in terms of time/resistance as I felt that I could do so. I didn't drive until three months and I didn't ride outside until same.
 

I'm not advising this but my friend, Ray Banks, who had his hip done two days after me, by same surgeon, started driving two weeks after his surgery and started riding his bike three or four weeks after surgery! I simply didn't want to risk causing any complications. Wasn't that I was really worried about pain, etc., but I didn't want to start rehabilitation process all over again should I have dislocated new joint.

Thanks, but I don't want OASIS program back. I assume some of the material may need to be updated but perhaps you could ask when you have physio/follow-up and see, if you don't want binder, if some/all of the material can be reused.

With respect to cycling, I had a grand ride yesterday afternoon while Clan Durston drove to the outskirts of Nanaimo, shopping and luncheoning! Clarisse insisted Coriandre go to walk-in clinic, (She has a horrible cough.), and it transpired she had infected sinuses! On a course of antibiotics so I guess I'll have to drink her share of wine until she has finished her prescription!


I made for Red Gap intending to do The Fairwinds Loop twice. (Saw my second pair of deer on the last round in much the same place that I have seen them on earlier rides/visits so wonder if they keep to much the same territory. Anyway, the two Bambis paid me little heed so I plan to bring a pellet gun next time and give them a little sting on the flank for being so unfriendly!) Did just that, first counter-clockwise and then clockwise, going to Petro Can station at the end of each round. Once that was under my belt I made for Cottam Point as I wanted to log 70+km. Compared to the RGFL, this loop is hardly any work at all so quite a nice break, except for the Senior's Walking Group, Nordic Poles and all, spread out right across the road, almost two thick. Too thick is right! Might need the pellet gun for them as well.
 

Once I was close to home, near Wall Beach Road, I knew I'd need almost another 10 km to hit the 70+ mark so I made for Parksville, intending to turn around just before hitting the Island Hwy E but then decided I'd do some loopage around Craig Bay Estates, a high-end cookie cutter complex. Kind of interesting to see the development and the roadways are great for cycling so before I knew it I had logged about 5 km more. Then, by the time I'd turned around near the highway intersection I knew I could manage 77 km so made for Wall Beach Rd and was soon on auto pilot. Then, when I was passing Madroña Manor with 77 km on the clock, I thought I might as well try for 80+ in case Big Al, (friend arriving later, for weekend), wasn't up for any meaningful distance while here. Did some creative dipsy-doodling on Arbutus and BCWR and sailed into MM at just before 4:00 pm with 81.15 km on the trusty odometre. Stats for ride:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/431469325#.UtnU0nZ_pzE.email
 

Quick shower and change and a hit of java and then waited for The Squamoids to arrive and then the bridge began! Had a text from Big Al informing me that the 5:00 pm ferry was late, running on one engine so they didn't expect to walk in the door until close to 8:00 pm. Had dinner almost as soon as they finally made it to MM and we had a wonderful, fun-food-drink-filled evening. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Pics: Last evening; After ride to Qualicum Beach, there and then back, after going to Farmer's Market and The Old School House Gallery:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/432031335#.UtsO_wh1tHA.email

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/432031327#.UtsPK3tWjJ4.email

 and then gang relaxing! Hope you are happier with your new hip than the 
 horse!

Hi Patricovich,

Yes I am back home now.  Was released yesterday.  The swelling and the pain are subsiding day by day. Muscles in thigh and on side of hip (by incision) are still sore. Everything going smoothly so far.  I am only taking regular strength Tylenol.  The worst parts of the experience were being the hospital. Our hospitals really declined when the BC government privatized cleaning and food services.  Also the narcotics were not pleasant.  Looking forward to being more mobile soon.

I think I will follow your advice and take the hip precautions to heart for the full 3 months. Dennis

Mark, Great celebration today. You did your father proud -- all of you. Cobby was choked he could not attend today. I will tell you about why when we next meet. And Amira too was disappointed to be so far out of town. It would be great if I could share some of your eulogy with them. Any photos that are handy as well. Let me know when you have a moment. We will do something to honour the departed fathers. Love to all, G

Dear Corrine and Patrick,

Belated Happy New Year to you both. Hope all is well. We have just returned from our holiday in Barbados and I am buried in washing, paperwork and household chores - how I hate them all! Had a very relaxing time and great fun catching up with friends over the festive season. Beginning to think about our expected visitors in Chabeuil for this coming summer so do let me know if and when we might see you both when you have finalized your plans.

As you already know Andre is back in Vancouver for his 40th school anniversary reunion over the 24th May weekend and expect him to be away for a month or so. Hopefully not much longer since it is right in the middle of the key growing season for his fruit and vegetables but he will not make his mind up until the last minute as usual so no point me trying to plan ahead for his return. Look forward to hearing your news. Stay safe and take care.

Much love, Rosemary XXX 

Dinner:

2010, Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, 14.5%

Steaks, (bbq'd by Ricardo), Coriandre's Caesare, baked spudolinos and fabuloso double-baked cauliflower, Rosita's delectable apple pie with terrific dessert wine, courtesy of Little White, Stompin Ground, (Rise Cellars, Vernon), 2005 Ice Wine, Riesling, 11.5%. Watched Canucks duke it out, literally, with Flames, to win in shoot-out 4/3.