Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - November 23 thru November 29

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Days 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49:  Another week has flown by where nothing much has happened.  All I can say is the mornings have been COLD.  Most of this week the temps have either been in the 60s during the day with the lows in the 30s and 40s at night.  Some nights have been in the 20s. Winter will officially be here in a month PLUS Christmas.  I LOVE Christmas and its sad that I have to spend it here UNLESS I can do partial weight bearing.  Another issue is "if" they send me home with no care and for me to defend myself.  They just don't realize how bad my driveway is and that I can't ride a wheelchair thru the gravel of my driveway.

November 23, 2011

 Sunday (November 23):  Three years ago today I brought Ailbe home from the breeder.  He was a little fluff ball.  Where did the time go. The usual Sunday watching a movie or catching up on some shows.  I also decided to try to take my scooter around the "old" indoor walking loop and use that on the cold (34 degrees this morning) and rainy days.  At least Ailbe can walk/run in the comfort of nice warm inside.  The meals are still bad and I know I'm loosing weight because I'm not even eating half of what's on my plate.  Mass was at 3 PM and that helps break up the boredom the week has in store.  When I got done taking Ailbe out afterwards it was dinner time.  In the evening I would watch some shows on the PC before taking Ailbe out around 10 PM for final call.  Lights out around 11 PM....

Monday (November 24):  Another day of doing the same routines.  I'm so glad Ailbe is enjoying himself.  It was a lovely day in the 70s and so we did our outside activities.  It won't be long before its cold 24 x 7.  I also do a lot of naps to keep the swelling down.  The pain is getting better too.  I also have daily wound care and you never know when they're going to do it.  After supper I turned the TV on for awhile before going out on a final call.  Ailbe and I settled down at 11 PM....

Tuesday (November 25):  Here we are with another day in Rehab.  Time just seems to drag on.  Temps today in the 60s and cloudy.  We're heading into a week of bad weather.  Old Man Winter is trying to move in.  Today we had afternoon BINGO in our dining room.  I guess I was on a roll because I won a few games, but the biggest win was winning the coverall.  I won $11 today...   We did our afternoon nap even if it was for an hour.  Ailbe just loves people and he's doing better in his scooter habits.  Outside he'll carry the leash till we get into the hospital.  I now have to keep a shorter leash length when using the scooter.  It keeps him close, but just far enough out to prevent his paws from getting run over.  After watching my shows we were in bed by 11 PM.

Wednesday (November 26):  Man it was a rainy and cold day.  My family couldn't come today due to snow in their area.  I don't blame them on not driving in it.  We did a lot of laps around the hospital loop.  The one section has very little people traffic and I can have Ailbe running of a full run.  Then we go back to normal speed as weave around the people traffic.  We did get wet every time we had to go out for our breaks today.  I did try the umbrella, but the wind was trying to take us away.  I had Ailbe wear his boots to help keep his feet dry.  We had BINGO tonight and I didn't have the luck like yesterday.  I managed to win $3 by being next to a winner.  So, I read some magazines and watched my programs after BINGO.  Then it was last call at 10 PM with lights out by 11 PM.

Thanksgiving 2011

Thursday (November 27):  Happy Thanksgiving!!!  We were suppose to have a "feast" today put on the Veterans Motorcycle group.  The food was OK and all it did was to make me feel sad because I had no family to be with this year.  The weather was in the 40s today and so we did the inside loop.  I did like the ham from the dinner.  I made a little sandwich out of the roll and ate it around 3 in the afternoon.  Dinner that was served at 5 PM was pushed aside.  I ate very little because it didn't look good.  We watched some of my shows and read some magazines.  It was finally time to go too bed early.  I was so tired... As I was starting to drift off a Facetime call came in from my grandsons.  That ended my day with a smile.  Then my daughter texted me for some cash to do the final shopping I had to do.  Finally, It was lights out at Midnight.

Friday (November 28):  During one of our morning walk/run in the hospital loop I bumped into Office Almond.  We went back to the Police office to go over info on Service Dogs.  Found out that I can have Ailbe on my bed for he perform his tasks.  I did try to talk to LeeAnn in the patient rep area, but she's out till next week.  I did find out that there's new regs out and I said thank you for him helping me out.  He likes Ailbe and says he such a good dog.  Even thou the clinics were open today it seemed to be very quiet with not too many people.  It probably will be back to normal starting next week.

Saturday (November 30):  It seems the weekends take forever to end.  We don't eat in the dining room either and we can't choose our main dish.  We had some kind of beef w/ noodle dish for dinner.  It wasn't tasty and so I only ate a little bit of it.  I can't wait to have a good home cooked meal.  Most of my day was finishing sewing my sunshine owl ... Its basically - wake up - take care of Ailbe's needs for the day - naps - watch programs on my PC - naps to take the swelling away and then going to bed by 11 PM.  Monday begins my second month here and I'll tell you that I miss my home and especially my bed.  I also miss taking daily showers.  I'm so over taking a sponge bath in the sink.  I feel like I've been camping out for two months.  So, good night one and all and hopefully next week will be more fun.

I'm now going to do a short summary of each day and then post it by time the next week begins.

Night all -- see you next week....

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42

Handsome Boy

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Well, here I go again without writing on a daily basis.  There really isn't much to keep repeating over and over again about my long days here.  So, I'll highlight the week as best as I can.

SUNDAY (Nov 16, 2014):  The most important thing today is going to Mass.  I really look forward to my Sunday obligation.  The Priest here is so funny and his Homily's are interesting to listen to.  During my wound care this morning thou the Nurse wasn't happy with the way the foot looks.  So, she took a picture of it.  Since this blog is mainly about Ailbe I won't show it here on my blog.  Ailbe is still doing great and the mornings have been pretty cold.  I'm so glad that he doesn't mind the weather.  In fact he wants to walk/run around the track while I rather have him hurry up for I can get back to my room to warm up.  The day just went as usual -- naps for swelling, etc .. I did go to bed by 10 PM after Ailbe's last outing.

MONDAY (Nov 17, 2014):  All I can say is another long and boring day.  I'm still not liking the cold weather.  I got to get brave too stay outside and let Ailbe take his longer walks.  All my nose does is run when its cold... BURR.  Nothing really exciting today except for BINGO at 7 PM.  I won $9 and with the money I have I do have enough to get the Thomas Kinkade Christmas Clock.  So, I'll pick that up later this week.  Lights out at 10 PM.  I'm so use to going to bed at 2 AM, but I can't do that here because they're waking me up at the crack of dawn...

TUESDAY (Nov 18, 2014):  What a great day it was today.  Kate came and brought my mail.  I had some extra Retail books and I took her to lunch in the Hospital Cafeteria.  I told her that I like their subs and it really didn't matter what we had.  So, we had the subs and she liked them too.  I had their salami, ham and pepperoni sub which is really good.  Since I was concerned about my foot looking bad I had an appt with the Podiatry Clinic to have them look at it.  She said it was OK, but decided to do a debridement of the wound.  She said it will help with the wound to close.  I don't see the surgeon till December 10.  At the rate its going it looks like I'll be here till mid Jan to maybe February.  Its like talking to a brick wall with the Ward Doc and Staff.  They have this impression that once the cast comes off I'll be back to walking and driving my car.  The 2nd phase is the camboot with partial weight bearing.  Also, I have to wait till the ankle fusion takes before I can do full weight bearing.  This will also determine when I can drive a vehicle again.  I also have a bad left leg which I can't hop or stand on.  They said I have to learn to stand and cook using my wheelchair... I have to usually climb my kitchen ladder to get into the upper cabinets.  I won't be able to do that for awhile... grrrrrrrr I also would have to use my scooter and wheelchair to get too my car.... How the heck can I take a wheelchair thru gravel...  They had the nerve to say "Why can't your children take you to future appts, etc since you can't drive?"  Very simple people -- They can't take a day off from work to do it.  The VA will not transport its Vets unless they're 100 miles out.  I'm only 70 miles out.  Also, the doors in my house are narrow and I can't get a wheelchair thru them.  Since I can't hop w/ the walker I don't know how they think I'll manage on my own.  I would have to sleep in my recliner since I can't get into my room.  I wouldn't even be able to do laundry because the door is small.  All of these issues and I can't get them to understand that if I can't manage on my own then I'm up a creek without a paddle.  At least Ailbe is there to help me with picking up dropped items.  It will be awhile before I can walk with him by my side.  Again, lights out at 10 PM.

Thomas Kinkade Christmas Clock

WEDNESDAY (Nov 19, 2014):  Today's highlight was getting my clock from the Retail Store.  The only out of pocket expense was the batteries and they were on sale.  The hourly carols music is great and the sounds are light and not overpowering.  What's great is that this clock can be used year round by just removing the batteries for the music part.  I got the clock with the Retail money I got from the Elk's Club.  It's still quite cold out and I still don't have the courage to do the longer walks with him on the track.  I just got to get use too it... BURR  Tonight we had Turkey BINGO.  I forgot about the Elk's money which I used for the clock and I still had BINGO money left from my other winnings.  I have enough to get the Thomas Kinkade lattern.  The biggest highlight of today was the Thanksgiving Dinner we had in our Dinning Room.  I had candied sweet potatoes (like my dads), stuffing, ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans w/ ham bits, roll and pumpkin pie.  I hope we will have something similar on Thanksgiving Day or its going to be a crappy meal.  Ailbe was gone from 8 AM to 7 PM today for his grooming session.  Man did I miss him.  He looks so handsome with his #5 blade clip (1st photo for this blog page).  I hope he can stand the cold snap we're going to have for the next few nights.  I'm so use to the weather I had in AZ.  I'm not use to temps in the 20s or 30s plus the teens.  I do have a winter jacket and bought from the Retail Store a hat/scarf/glove set.  I'm glad I did because they do keep me warm.  After BINGO and taking him out for a walk I went back to my room to thaw out... LOL   I watched a few programs before heading back to the cold outdoors for the final outing for Ailbe.  Then it was lights out at 11 PM (Nurses were late getting the meds out).

THURSDAY (Nov 20, 2014):  YEA!!!  My black polka dots came in to decorate my scooter up as a real Ladybug.  I had so much fun decorating it.  It's still cold out and I don't know why Ailbe loves it.  He just wants to stay out when I want to go back in.  What a silly boy I have.  I did my usual day of naps for swelling and taking Ailbe out for "quick" walks/runs.  I also watched some programs with a very slow internet today.  Then it was off for a final run at 10 PM and lights out at 11 PM.

 FRIDAY (Nov 21, 2014):  Today we had a Holiday Bazaar in the Hospital Mall.  I saw some beautiful stuff, but overpriced on most of the stuff.  I did enjoy the Empanada's thou.  I bought five of them and they were delicious.  I also went to the Retail Store and got my lattern.  Went back to room for a break and the one I bought had a broken glass frame and so I had too return it.  The 2nd one was perfect and I also had to buy batteries for it too.  It looked beautiful on tonight.  The flickering candle look was so awesome. I finally did buy something from one of the vendors thou.  It was made by one of my nurses.  Its a stunning Christmas Wreath.  In fact I can also use it for Easter by just adding a stuffed bunny rabbit or baby chick to the center.  It will only be used inside.  So, Ailbe and I had a fun day on the scooter.  It was so hard to get around with the crowds.  Ailbe had to learn to stay close to the scooter.  He loves being a little bit to far out and so I had to use the traffic lead to keep him close.  Also, Brooke from Mutts With A Mission sent me the fliers and business cards.  I brought them over to the Patient Reps Office where I had a lovely conversation and she LOVED Ailbe.  She couldn't believe how calm he was.  She was excited to know that there was a program out there to help with the Vets looking into getting a PTSD dog.   A dog that they train for their own needs.  I hope Brooke can generate some business from the VA Hospital here.  Ailbe's pic taken the day before I went into the hospital is in the flier.  I kept a few for myself since I'm always bumping into Vets who want to know where I got my service dog.  Most of the Vets are in need of PTSD, TBI and other mental disorder service dogs.  The VA doesn't recognise the Mental Disorder service dogs under their ADI protocol, but do allow Vets to find their own.  Tonight we had BINGO in the "den" for the short term patients.  I won $4 for two games.  After watching my show I took Ailbe out for one more walk in the freezing COLD.  It was lights out at 11 PM.

SATURDAY (Nov 22, 2014):  I took Ailbe out at 6 AM to a blast of Artic air.  It was 18 degrees outside.  It didn't take him long to go pee.  We then went back to the room.  Ailbe isn't hungry and I don't know why he's lost his appetite today.  He didn't eat his breakfast till almost 11 AM and dinner he just picked at it.  So, I'll feed him later then 6 AM for a few days.  He has no problems with his packages.  Yesterday he would only do one and I stayed out in the frigid cold for a half hour twice last evening with zip, nada.  He did his package droppings around 9:30 AM.  I had to make him do three laps before he dropped his load.  I watched a few shows, but the internet was constanly booting me off.... grrrrr   Well, its off to bed... Ailbe is all snuggled in his crate and I'm shutting down for another day ...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 31, 32, 33, 34, 35

Happy Veterans Day 2014

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Guess I've had a busy week working on the binding of the Christmas Tree Skirt.  I have to get it done by the 18th for my daughter can take it back to her sister's place.  So, I'll highlight my week...

Tuesday (November 11, 2014):  VETERANS DAY .. Today we had hotdogs and BINGO in the Multi Purpose Room.  That was loads of fun and I won $2 today.  Guess my lucky day wasn't there.  When I returned to my room I found a beautiful crocheted lap afghan.  I'll give it to my granddaughter, Sedona.  She was a little upset when I gave her sister the patriotic one last week.  So, she'll be happy to have one plus it has purple in it.  I took my normal nap in the afternoon.  Then dinner in the room tonight (holidays and weekends we eat in our rooms) which I couldn't eat due to my glucose running a little high after lunch.  So, I ate the garlic bread and salad for dinner.  My glucose levels was back to normal before going to bed.  After Ailbe's last call at 10 PM it was lights out for the both of us.

My new lap afghan

Wednesday (November 12, 2014): The first thing I did today was to order Ailbe's dog food online.  Found a great place called www.chewy.com.  The price of his food was great and I also ordered new poop bags.  Then after getting cleaned up and the splint back on it was off to see my surgeon.

Saw the Podiatry Surgeon today and NO CAST YET!! Reason: The incision on the bottom of my foot isn't completely closed up yet. So, x-rays in two more weeks and hopefully my fusion is healing plus the wound is closed. Then into a cast for about a month or so.... I also have gotten to 14 hrs without pain meds. Its mainly my foot swells and it starts throbbing. I'm shooting to get down to once a day on pain control. My ankle has very little pain which is a whole lot better then having daily pain for 17 yrs.

I got to lunch late today due to the fact I was at the doctors for over two hours.  I did get a new splint which is more comfortable then the one I've had for the last two weeks.   After lunch I took Ailbe out for a run/walk before taking my nap.  I got a good two hours sleep with no interruptions.

Tonight we had BINGO and I won $8 which gives me the funds for my outdoor dutch oven.  I can't wait till I can start cooking in it.  After his final outing at 10 PM we headed back to the room for lights out...

Thursday (November 13, 2014):  The new splint is working out and I'm having less pain using it.  I hope to go longer without any meds and hopefully get off the strong stuff.  We did a couple runs around the track today.  The weather is going to get colder and I don't know if I can take our longer walks outside.  All I can do is bundle up and hope for the best. 

I also picked up my dutch oven today (only had to pay $8 out of pocket) plus James' Christmas gift at the Retail Store.  It's also the 3 3/4 in height which is great for small chilli's, stews, etc... Great size for making deserts and breads.

The day consisted of my afternoon nap.  My naps are to get the swelling down in my leg.  I can't sit all day in the wheelchair or scooter because my leg still swells even with it propped up by a pillow.  I also finished one project and I'm still working on the tree skirt.  After the skirt is done I have to finish the owl and another tea cozy.  After I get all of that stuff done I can start crocheting some washcloths.  Maybe I'll have a few done for Christmas gifts.

After dinner I watched a couple shows before taking Ailbe out for his final outside walk. I also found another 12 inch 8 quart dutch oven at Walmart.com for only $50.  I ordered it and I now have the two size ovens I need to cook outdoors starting in the Spring.  So, I got two ovens for a grand total of $60 which is a savings of $138 (Lodge.com prices).  Then it was lights out at 10 PM.  I hate going to bed early, but I have to before the leg swells up.

Friday (November 14, 2014):  Today is shower day.... Oh how I do love getting one... Sounds crazy, but I'm only allowed two a week.  The rest of the week its only sponge baths. I spent most of the day watching my programs I missed all week plus work on the tree skirt.  There is so many curves on the skirt that its tricky to do.

I was so busy with the skirt that I didn't lay down this afternoon.  I wasn't tired and my leg felt great.  I'm also down to pain meds to about every 14 to 16 hrs.  Guess I'm getting to my goal to weaning off of the hard stuff.  After Ailbe went out for his final call I asked for some pain meds and watched another show before going to bed at 11:30 PM.

Saturday (November 15, 2014):  OMG!!! What a crappy night I had.  I had to ask for pain meds again and I had to wait till 2 AM to get any.  I was in so much pain that I couldn't even lay down.  So, I watched a program  and went back to bed.  OMG!!! the pain NEVER went away.  I was in tears and couldn't figure out what was going on.  So, I took the splint off and the problem was EXTREME swelling.  As soon as got out of the splint the pain went away and I fell asleep.  I learned my lesson.  Take your morning and afternoon naps or your in big trouble.  OH -- The weather was a brisk 21 degrees outside....... BURR!!!!!!

 This afternoon the Elks Lodge from Woodbridge, VA stopped by bearing toiletry gifts.  They also gave me a diet ginger ale and sugar free cookies.  They fell in love with Ailbe and he was in 7th Heaven enjoying all the extra attention.  After they left I took another nap till dinner.  I was exhausted.

I played it wise tonight and went to bed after Ailbe did his last outing at 10 PM... Night all ...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 30

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

WOW!! What a crappy day it was today.  I asked to get my ankle wound care to get done before my shower because I needed my splint put back on.  Buzzed the front at 8:30 am and again at 9 am.  They said they'll be right in.  So, I got my shower before the splint was put on and so I had to be really careful not to get the leg wet.  I also didn't want to stand in the shower even with my walker due to being afraid of not having any protection to the ankle.  After I got back to my room I buzzed again to get my wound care and splint put back on.  I worked on my lady bug tea cozy and got the binding done while I was waiting for a nurse to show up.  10 am - 10:30 am - 11 am - 11:30 am were my buzz times to the nurses station.  Ailbe had to go out and I waited for a long time to get the splint on that I finally took him out at 11:15 am for his morning walk.  Finally, around 11:40 the nurse came in and said that no one told me that I had you today.  Well, I was now 1 1/2 hours late getting my morning meds.  It was also lunch time.  She got the splint on till she could do the wound care afterwards.  I was 15 minutes late for lunch in the dining room and then have a dietary worker said "why are you late" .. I said I had to wait for medical care.  Basically it was none of his business.  When I got back to my room I was tired and had to wait for the nurse to show up to do the wound care and give me my morning meds.  Finally at 2 PM I laid down and was constantly disturbed which made me even more grumpy.

After Ailbe was fed we went out for a walk about an hour after he was done eating.  I watched a couple shows before I decided it was time for lights out.  Took Ailbe out for his last walk around 10 pm and then I got ready for bed.  Nurse came in for my meds and I just got in bed to finally get some sleep.  See you all tomorrow...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 29

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Another week has begun and Ailbe has been with me for a month.  He's really turned out to be an awesome service dog.  I really miss Shadow and no one could ever replace him, but Ailbe has opened my broken heart.  He does things differently and his favorite task is picking up dropped items.  He gets so excited with he gives me the items off the floor.

I just watched some shows this morning before lunch.  Weekends here are a drag and it seems like the days will never end.  After lunch I laid down for an  hour before getting ready for Mass.  The priest here has such a great sense of humor.  His sermons are awesome.  Today we had this wonderful group of ladies playing the flute.  They were doing their rehearsals for Veterans Day.  They played a couple songs during our Mass.  Father also used bubbles to show how God works for all of us.  Man, I never knew bubbles could be so wonderful to look at.

After Mass Ailbe went out before we had our dinner at 4:45 PM.  After dinner I fed Ailbe.  He's beginning to put on weight.  After playing some ball in the room it was time to go out for a walk/run.  We walked the track for a half hour.

After we came back in I decided to watch a movie.  All of sudden I was tired and it was a last call outside for Ailbe... So, goodnight till we meet again...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 28

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

After getting up and finally dressed it was time to take Ailbe out for his morning walk/run.  The weather is getting cooler -- DUH -- its almost winter time. I was so looking forward to our morning activity and it was well worth the wait.

The Fighters Motorcycle Club put on a Fall Cookout today.  Since the weather was too cold to have it outside  they moved it into the Mall area.  Man did it taste great to eat a cheeseburger, hotdog and all the goodies that went with it.  YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY

After lunch I went into the Retail Store and was very careful with the aisles after the incident on Thursday.  I found these cute "Frozen" tin handbags at a very reasonable price.  So, I grabbed two of them for the girls for Christmas.  I hope to put their "Frozen" t-shirt and jewelry box inside it their Christmas gift.  I also found a winter set - hat, gloves and scarf for myself.  The mornings are getting colder and I have to take Ailbe out so darn early. 

When I got back to the room I went and laid down for about two hours.  I guess Ailbe and I will be taking daily afternoon naps because we both are woken up before 6 AM.  When we both woke up it was time for an outside break.

After dinner I watched a movie... Took Ailbe out for his final call at 10 PM and went straight to sleep.  See ya soon...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 24, 25, 26, 27

UNDERCOVER AGENT

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

I got to remember to do my blog.  I hate trying to play catch up.  I might do this four day thing again if I fall behind again.  So, I'll try to break it down to short highlights for the days I skipped.  Most of my blog will seem boring at times because I'm doing the same thing over and over again.  I also sometimes forget to grab my camera and so I don't do many photos either.  I think if anyone who had to stay in a hospital setting as long as Ailbe and I are doing you'll scramble your brain to find some interesting things to write about.

TUESDAY (Nov 4, 2014):  My day was spent doing the same as the rest of my journal writings.  YES its getting boring in here and thank heavens for Ailbe helping me.  Ailbe has become a more serious worker then I could ever imagine.  A year ago I would have never thought he would be my service dog due to his crazy manners.  Nothing major to report on today's activities.

WEDNESDAY (Nov 5, 2014):  Another LONG day in Rehab.  Spent a lot of time in bed trying to keep the swelling down in both legs.  I did the same thing as usual... sleep, watch my shows and take Ailbe out for walks/runs.  Ailbe loves being here ....  I won $8 playing BINGO tonight and I'm getting closer and closer to getting my Dutch Oven for outdoor cooking.

THURSDAY (Nov 6, 2014):  It was awesome to see Kate today.  She did my shopping and brought in my snack food for night.  I'm still waking up with low glucose levels.  She also picked up a new stuffed animal for Ailbe to play with.  Ailbe thought it was super cool.  I also got my new Girl Scout Hoodie for the "Green Hat Society".  It's a lovely shade of hunter green.  I'm hoping that I can find a hat in that color too.  I also had her pick up the movie, "Maleficent" which I only watched half of it before drifting off to sleep.

FRIDAY (Nov 7, 2014):  After breakfast I finished watching "Maleficent".  I loved the movie when I saw it in the theaters.  I love the way Disney Studios did a different spin on the character.  After my movie I took Ailbe into my bathroom and gave him a sponge bath.  It took me awhile from a wheelchair to get him clean, but I did it.  Kate will be coming in the next two weeks to where I'll be able to take Ailbe to a doggie wash place near the hospital.  She'll be able to wash him while I can help blow dry and groom him.  Hopefully it won't take long to do it.  I plan on the first week of Dec for him to get a full groom.  December will be a bad month for Kate to help out with taking him to the dog wash.  I will have to do sponge baths and room grooms till January.  I hope to be home by the 1st of the year.  I hope I can drive with a cam boot.  When I had my ankle brace a few years back I did learn how to drive with that clumsy thing on.  I just have to remember that this ankle surgery and recovery is a year long process.  The doc is going to look over x-rays of my left and determine if that needs to be fused.  An ankle fusion is common following a severe ankle fracture.  I know my ankle is off balanced more then ever since I'm using it more.  We had BINGO tonight and I only won $1.