Thursday, September 12, 2013

September 12, 2013

1,000 Piece Puzzle
What Was I Thinking?
September 12, 2013

Years ago we used to work puzzles.  Our oldest three boys enjoyed puzzles.  We would sometimes set up a card table and put a puzzle on it.  Anyone could join in the fun.  It is hard to walk by a puzzle "under construction" like that without taking time to try to fit at least one piece into its proper spot.  Our youngest son did not like puzzles as much, so we got out of the habit of working them.  Over time I got rid of most of our puzzles.  When I was preparing for the second elbow surgery, I decided that a puzzle would be a good distraction since I was not going to be able to do any sewing for a while. 

Last weekend when my two oldest grand daughters went shopping with me, I selected a 1,000 piece puzzle.  It may be the first time I have done a 1,000 piece one.  My grand daughter and I have worked on this puzzle for the last couple of days.  She did not come over today.  Since the splint is off my elbow, I decided it would be a good idea to focus on the puzzle today to minimize the risk of injuring the elbow in other activities.  It is very hard to constantly remember to not use that arm to pick up anything, or to push or pull anything.  Sitting at the table working the puzzle was the safest choice.

Ron finds he can't walk by it without helping to put the puzzle together.  It is a good chance for a quick conversation.  We are enjoying the activity, but, 1,000 pieces???  We are down to about the last 70 pieces.  All sky.  All blue.  All very similar!  The puzzle has served its purpose well.  Now if I can just get those last 69 pieces in place!  (See I walked across the room and just had to add a piece.)


It was a difficult choice today, but I decided I should not try to go to the birthday breakfast for our youngest grandson.  I really wanted to be there, but the elbow is very tender and being in a restaurant adds to the risk of accidental bumps.  Ron and I decided last night it would be best for me to skip this one.  He left me sleeping when he went to the office today.  It was after 9:00 when I got up.  I had again slept well.  The arm is not very painful, just tender.

With the Cochlear Implant, I avoid having the sound processor on when my hair is wet, so I took a shower, washed, and dried my hair and then put on the sound processor.  I saw I had a text from my friend Rhonda asking if she could come visit.  The answer was, "YES!"  I was looking at a long, lonely day.  She brightened it.  She stayed a good bit of the morning and the birds in the yard entertained us as we visited.  The bright little Budgie was again trying to convince the woodpecker to let him have the new place the woodpecker was preparing.  Finally the Budgie found a small hole in  another part of the tree and spent a lot of time trying to get in it.  A Green Jay paid a visit just before Rhonda left. 

After Rhonda left, I had a late lunch and did a little Immersion Reading before returning to the puzzle.  Our friend Barbara Eriksen brought a delicious supper and there are leftovers for my lunch tomorrow.  Speaking of tomorrow, I start Physical Therapy tomorrow morning.  I have a 9:30 appointment.  I plan to go to the office for a while before going to P.T.  Then I expect to come home. 

You may get tired of hearing this, but it was so nice to sit and have a conversation with Rhonda this morning, and to HEAR her.  Rhonda has a high pitched voice and is very soft spoken.  I have had trouble hearing her for MANY years.  It is nice just to talk and listen.  It is just hard to explain how much different it is now, in one on one conversations.  I still struggle in crowds.  I wish that was easier, but the conversations with a friend are priceless.  My Cochlear Implant has restored a part of my life that I thought was gone forever. 

67 pieces to go...

4 comments:

  1. It is never too many times for you to share your losses & your gains. I am always in awe that you have made such strides in such a short time!! You never know why whether or not you set the pathway for a Mexican youth struggling with the decision to talk storage To ajim Leensto the pla yers!!

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    1. Your encouragement always comes at the right time.

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  2. Jig saw puzzles are addictive! Have 2 aps on my iPad! I am rejoicing with you that you can again visit with people and hear the birds! Get that elbow working so we can make the scene in Houston! Love you!

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    1. Jig saw puzzles are addictive! Yes, so true! plan to start another one tomorrow.

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