July 4th on the right side of the hospital

I was in the hospital July 4th, 25 years ago welcoming my son Mark. I missed the parties, obviously, and missed the fireworks because I was on the wrong side of the hospital. But here I am on the south side, well positioned for fireworks in Westport and the Plaza. Last night there were quite a few so I hope tonight is better.

Conor arrived mid-day today and will be here through Monday. He is out eating right now, choosing from the wonderful selections in Kansas City. Sonic DriveIn. Haywards BarBQ. Oklahoma Joe' BarBQ. Choices. Conor is a planner and I've no doubt that by the time he leaves on Monday he will have had his fill.

I, on the other hand, am not interested in BarBQ or coffee, nor much of anything else. It keeps coming back up. There is a discrepancy between the hospital's delivery of food and the nurses' schedule of anti-nausea drugs. I don't hit the magic moment very often. Plus the food here has deteriorated over the year I've been eating it. I'm relying on saltine crackers and apple sauce right now. The verdict from Dr. Abhyankar is that I can go home when I can keep down half of what I eat. Which begs the question of who determines "half?" I will just report today was better than yesterday.

I'm very uncomfortable with a variety of aches and pains. I think I showed up with some repetitive motion strain in my upper arms which is one reason I've not been on the computer. Usually sleeping comfortably a few nights while avoiding the computer will fix this but sleeping comfortably doesn't seem to be on the agenda here. My back hurts, my head aches, my knees ache, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. (recall Yul Brynner in the King and I)

So I'm taking some heavy drugs both for pain and for nausea and snatching sleep gratefully.

I think most of the rest of the family has made it to the lake house. Walt and family, M&D, cousin Jason and Lori and kids for starters.

The boy scouts have begun delivering meals twice a week for which we are ever so grateful. And large group of scouts have set off for Boundary Waters for a week of paddling and camping. I'm SO jealous. I love it up there.

I am reading your comments and emails on my blackberry, another electronic convenience. Dr. Abhyankar is always smiling when he sees me so this is a good feeling. Today a couple of nurses from the Clinic stopped by which was a welcome visit. I have slept through several visits, and even a phone call or two. But I'm still getting out and hiking the hall several times each day (and several laps each trip.)

Meanwhile, it's a waiting game. You guys tell me what you're waiting on since my own list is so indefinite.

Watch that sky tonight.
Cathi