July 5 - “Speaking of cows …”

Chris has been doing some more research. This time she regaled me with everything you ever wanted to know about bovine Achilles tendon implants. Fascinating stuff, those cows. 

Speaking of cows … we celebrated our Fourth of July lunch by grilling some burgers. Yep. Just the two of us. Burgers and Fritos and French onion dip. We followed it up later in the afternoon with an ice cold slice of watermelon. And topped it off last night with a cup of Blue Bell ice cream. Happy Birthday, ‘Murca!  

We did watch some World Cup games again. Morocco defeated Canada 3-0. Honestly, not a very exciting game. We also watched some of the France versus Paraguay game. France finally pulled that one out. 

The icing on the sports cake came later. The Astros played the Rays. Things didn’t look so good early on, but they gamely gave it their best and fought through to victory on a walk-off home run. 

Josh and his family called. They were riding in the car, so a captive audience. They just wanted to wish us a happy Fourth of July. Always fun talking to that crew. 

And of course, last night brought out the fireworks. Freddy was oh, so excited to welcome them. Read here, Freddy pretty much freaked out from the time they started until we managed to calm her enough to go to sleep. 

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ says, For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.

Father, thanks for our relatively quiet holiday. Amen. 

July 4 - “Don’t have a cow”

Happy birthday, ‘Merica!

We started yesterday off with arm exercises. Chris did her rehab ones. I started on the PT ones she’s was doing before surgery. 

Why? Well, remember back about six weeks or so ago when I helped (read here, “did it myself”) carry those two big ol’ heavy plant pots up the stairs to the deck landing? (I know Diane or Lauren are probably the only ones who might actually remember). Well I did something to my shoulder that day. Didn’t really feel it at the time - adrenaline and all. 

But now it is pretty consistently aching. I’m convinced it’s just sympathy pains, but Chris wants me to tell my orthopedic PA when I see her next week for my thumbs. Maybe it will be all better by then …

“I didn’t know they used a Bovine Achilles tendon.” How often do you hear that in pleasant conversation? Chris just printed out the itemized charges for her surgery. And yes, she received a bovine Achilles tendon. Guess now when she gets worked up about something, I can’t say to her, “Don’t have a cow.” Too late. She already has one! 

Kel and his family braved the traffic and stopped by here on their way to see the big Battleship Texas/ U.S. 250th birthday celebration. We watched some soccer with them and had some sub sandwiches. 

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ says, Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord.

Father, we have a new appreciation for those cows of yours. Thank you. Amen. 

July 3 - “A kid nonetheless”

We had some more visitors yesterday. Jachin and Micah came on their way to work. Well, sort of. Jachin had to be in an hour before Micah, so Micah hung out with us until time for him to depart. They both had time to grab a bite to eat here, too. 

Since Jachin left early, I was up to drive Micah. We chatted about school and his ice cream making job and his future in general. Good kid. As of July first, a 20-year old kid, but a kid nonetheless. 

When I got home, Chris and I spent some time on the back porch. We enjoyed the breeze, especially when it suddenly got cooler. Then we listened to the rain and watched for our resident bluejays to continue making use of the bird bath. Nice. 

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭4‬ says, Trust in the Lord forever, because in Yah, the Lord, is an everlasting rock!

Father, thanks for those bluejays of yours. Beautiful. Amen. 

July 2 - “The next step”

We kept our morning activity level relatively mellow. Well, aside from Chris watering the plants in the backyard. And doing her exercises. And working through a shower (yes, that is kind of chore still).  Hey. We had to save energy for her PCP appointment. 

And that one went pretty well. The doc went over all the stuff that has happened, now focusing on the passing out, since the surgery is behind us. Apparently Chris has some kind of wild hybrid of POTS and vasovagal issues. But to make sure it’s not something else, they scheduled an ultrasound of her carotid arteries (neck) as the next step. Hey. We were just lamenting the lack of activities on the schedule for next week. 

Oh. The report finally came in on the CT scan of her chest. Aside from the well-known issues around her heart, they noticed quite a few of those tiny nodules (the x-ray just noted one). At this point, though, the doc assured us it was not time to take any kind of action there, oncological or otherwise. She will repeat the scan in a year unless Chris develops further symptoms. So good news, I guess. At least for now. 

We heard from our fishin’ family. Kel’s crew got to go out in a charter boat for the day. They reported a great catch. Even hooked into some sharks. I know the kids enjoyed that. Micah even mentioned a fish fry in the future. And that future arrived faster than we anticipated. They all came over last night, since their kitchen was “constructionally unavailable.” Good stuff. Fried fish tacos with all the fixin’s. 

Of course with all the activity and doctor-type stress, Chris overdid it. She was royally whooped. Even had me get her an ice bag while everyone was still here. When they all went home and things were back in order, she took some Tylenol and crashed. Well-earned. 

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ says, Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Father, thanks for the relatively good news from the doc. And thanks for the great catch on the boat. Amen. 

July 1 - “A mean old bear?”

Chris had her real physical therapy yesterday. Not that her home therapist isn’t a mean old bear. I’m just a bit scared of her. 

Come to find out, the one exercise she most dreads was officially discontinued. “You’re not supposed to cry during physical therapy.” Well, there’s your quote of the week. 

On the way home we made two stops. Academy, to see if they had any long underwear (for our trip to Alaska). They didn’t. And Walmart, for bananas and some dog food for Freddy. A few other things leapt into the basket, as Walmart merchandise has a tendency to do. 

And after all that, Chris was whooped. She broke out the ice pack and settled into her recliner for a long summer’s nap. 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, Freddy sprang from her chair to see what was the matter. Away to the front door she flew like a flash, wagging her tail at the end of her dash. Yep. Company. 

Christina, Josiah, Noa and Ezra came over. They just wanted to hang out. Oh, and eat pizza. And stay out of their house while new floors were being installed. Not sure which reason was most pressing. 

Last night Cathy brought over a really tasty casserole that was kind of like one of those King Ranch ones. She followed that up with a lime pie. Strawberries and blueberries on top. Good stuff. She also left some chicken salad for lunch today.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭28‬ says, Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Father, bless Cathy and the LaMarque Vaughans - our bringers of food. Amen. 

June 30 - “The old Home PT”

We were back at the old Home PT again yesterday. And not only did Chris actually attempt the most difficult maneuver (sliding her arm back and forth across the table in a thumbs up position), she got farther than she did the day before. Success! Of course it was pretty painful, but I was really proud of my patient on that one. 

It was also Laundry Day again. Chris already had the dirty clothes separated and in neat little piles before I ever got there. She is doing everything she can to prove she is a tough, independent woman. I can’t convince her that no proof is necessary. Both adjectives have been and continue to be completely applicable to her … one arm or two. 

Along with the Astros, of course, we managed to fit in a bit of World Cup soccer. Paraguay versus Germany. Didn’t think anybody would ever win that one. Guess that’s what makes it interesting? Paraguay came through with the upset in penalty kicks at the end. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ says, I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.

Father, be with Chris at her regular physical therapy session today. Amen. 

June 29 - “Videoing the excitement”

We had 102 people in church Sunday. That pretty much fills the place up to the brim. Lots of new faces, many of them locals. We met a sharp looking young man named Dillon, who was very much into worship and especially the teaching. He lives in nearby Pirates Cove. Well, for the summer, anyway. He is a college student … West Point. 

 And to top off the Sunday experience, we had three baptisms at the beach. Dillon really enjoyed that. He told me he couldn’t remember the last time he saw a baptism. He also got a kick out of how the onlookers who just happened to be on the beach were videoing the excitement, not to mention how they joined in the clapping and cheering when the candidates came up out of the water. 

The Astros came through with a win again. This time in extra innings. Slowly creeping up on the division leaders. 

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ says, For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Father, be with Dillon as he searches for a summer church home. Amen.