Barbershop and Beaches

It was my second week back part time and 8 weeks since the op.  I really appreciated having those afternoons off - didn't sleep but certainly put my feet up.  It was also my first week of catching the train home in the afternoons.  Given the trains are new, and I hadn't caught one for many years it was an interesting experience the first time.  I had chosen the train over the bus because from memory there were no steps on the train and there were on buses.  Memories do play tricks don't they?  I was reminded the next day that the buses knew how to kneel and now had no steps - but guess what the new trains did have steps - bar one entrance down the end of the train which I missed.  There is also a mighty big gap between the train and the platform and no nice person reminding me to MIND THE GAP, just a guard watching me tentatively jump with a crutch.  Still, the walk home was good - from Raroa on nice days, and Johnsonville on slightly windier days (a bit more sheltered).

In the weekend I was a bit sore (new physio managed to undo all the swelling that the voltaren had taken away - and the pain has lasted well over a week). I keep thinking I am sure I've been better than this. Still I'd managed some more milestones - like catching the train, walking without a crutch at work, walking around the supermarket and unloading the groceries into the car.  I even walked from the car down Wadestown Hill as I had a morning meeting in town - albiet rather slowly.

We went to a few vinyl shops (for ensuite) and then to listen to some barbershop singing on Saturday evening - homegrown rather than professional.  It was more a sing-a-long of Beatles songs, with a few barbershop songs in the mix, and a quiz on the Beatles, which we managed not to embarrass ourselves. I also bought some flat black shoes to wear as heels (no matter how little) aren't what I need at the moment. 


Sunday was a gorgeous day and we went to Whiteria Park where we sat in the sun and read books and picnicked and then went for a walk around the coastline enjoying the wonderful warmth, sparkling see, view to the hills and the antics of the white heron.  One of those very memorable autumn days. I managed to walk up and down a gravel path - another first.  I must admit we are enjoying being back and reacquainting ourselves with our city.

It is now 9 weeks since the op (22 May) and I am managing to climb up 5 flights of stairs 3 times a day that's 330 steps - although rather slow I am rather pleased. I've also walked up to the car (took 50 minutes) first with the crutch and then without the crutch - and now I am on to the walking pole (more for giving me psychological stability, or a bit of a help in the wind).  I no longer need to use the disabled toilet at work, and we're removing the hired seat this weekend and I can get dressed standing (all excepts putting on socks). I'm getting quite stiff sitting down - and it is after all my first week full time.  It has become quite a joke at work as I take the long route to the kitchen and the photocopier.  I am very very very tired, and left work early one day.  Slept in till 11.30 on Saturday...