Ankle Update...it's been awhile.....

Last Ankle update- September of 2017...yikes!  I've been waiting to share the news of surgery.  I didn't want to whine about the process of BWC.  I'm feeling compelled to share the update so when I do have the surgery date, it isn't out of the blue.

So in September 2017 I shared the update that took me to my third PT practice.  I have to say I loved this group- Athletico in New Albany. I didn't love the drive but I was so pleased and grateful for the partnership. I felt this while in motion and I feel this way looking back and the support to the place I am now.  In December when we went as far as we could with PT, my care provider encouraged me to seek a specialist.  Things still didn't feel right and she felt there was more ground to cover. She even volunteered to go with me to the consult.

I made my way to the ankle specialist and appreciated the approach and thought about next steps.  His diagnosis and thoughts about opportunities to improve my range of motion and abilities felt/feel right.  I'm doing OK- I walk and wear real shoes, and I'm not in pain.  I do have some discomfort and interesting pressures.  I'm not confident my ankle will pivot and take a jump, hop...when I run if I have to it feels stiff and awkward.

Surgery has been recommended.  Hearing this news was difficult.  It took some time to accept and come to terms with the return to a state of non-weight bearing.  I need this ankle, I need more movement and exercise.  The frustration has been the process to move forward. I started this in March and we're still in the dance with BWC.  I'll keep you posted.

Lessons learned- unfortunately it took me until I was fifty to recognize the importance of 2nd opinions.  I should have slowed down and not been in a hurry. EVERYONE told me how complicated ankle injuries are and I didn't listen.  I should have sought the specialist sooner, at the beginning and then when I didn't think things were moving in a certain direction. My gut challenged actions, but I stepped back. I blogged about this in September and I'll say it again.  You have to be your own advocate. You have to learn, question and seek other thoughts- you have to lead your recovery and care.

I'm leading, I'm sharing, I'm challenging and I hope to help others so that is why I'm sharing the ankle updates in my life on NG Road.  It will be awhile until the surgery happens. It is going to be an amazing Fall in my Life ON NG Road!!

Wonderful company and Predicting Rain

When something good comes along, I like to share.  For months I've been looking for a new weather app.  Intellicast was my go-to. It was recommended by a pilot and was quite accurate. It morphed into something else that was adequate.  That something else, transitions to some radar storm thing that is not adequate.  Last week in my life on NG Road I needed accuracy in regard to the weather.

I thought to myself- what do the serious event planners use?  So I asked Ashley of Ashley Stephan Weddings & Events  and she shared  Dark Skies.  I asked the Denison Athletic Director- certainly there needs to be reliable information with collegiate sporting events- she recommended Dark Skies and admitted to watching four cites.  Then I asked two friends and guess what- Dark Skies! I downloaded Dark Skies and actually paid for the app, I was not disappointed.  If anyone drives a convertible, like me, you should use Dark Skies.  This app counted down the rain drops to the minute- amazing.  It didn't just say rain arriving in 10 minutes- it described the intensity- sprinkle and light rain were all I experienced on Saturday evening, thankfully. Tonight the downpour was predicted and arrived.  I thought you'd like to know, in case you are interested or maybe you already know and I've validated your good sense!

The other god to share....They are Back!  Denison students are arriving daily and I'm ready. Fall athletes are here football arrived 8-10 and students supporting their arrival- res hall staff, trainers, etc...International students, Class of 2022 Pre-Orientations.  I admit I like the summer focus on work time, but Denison is a college. The college is about students. They are our purpose, our center, our energy.  And..they bring parents!  I love my parents.  Yes, I love Jeanne and Mike Stoner- love them more because...they're Denison parents- P '90 '91 '94!  I love Nadine and Jim Leithauser- you got it DU Parents- P'88 '90.  I truly love the Denison parents I have the honor to work, support, engage, guide, partner, assist.  My role is Parent and Family Philanthropy and so they are "my" parents.  They are our parents- Denison's parents. They are amazing Denisonians, members of the DU family and make a difference.  I'm at the time of year knee deep in welcomes and introductions and I really do love it....I thought you should know.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is busy- school start up for the kids, Clare's senior year, Peter's junior year, Sally's 8th grade year- last year of MS....all good!  Town and Country Saturday was really lovely- hip hip hooray for an incredible committee.  And the rain came and we were prepared.  The Denison parents are making their way back-be on the look out on Sunday, August 26th- First Year Move in Day and the Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2022! First day of Classes for all- August 30th....First Day of School in Granville....Wed, August 22nd- here come the buses on Newark-Granville Road!

Local Looks and commentary.....Mid August 2018

 Off the beaten path- not on NG Road.  Busy and wonerful. Location. Location. Location and word of mouth! Have you been?  I had not and now I have been!  https://www.facebook.com/coffeeshackroasters/   I heard so many great things and finally was able to check out Coffee Shack in Heath! Make your plans to go now and lets talk!





Had a great day shopping in downtown Granville this week! Found a great GO BIG RED dress at Green Velvet and a classic, fun LBD!!  I've looked at this jewelry line in the photo many times at Kusmaul Gallery....can I wear these even though I don't have a teething baby?  What if I'm dreaming about having that baby? What about if I see babies out and just want to hold, cuddle and love on them?  Who has a senior in the house in her life in NG Road? ME! Maybe this is causing the baby cravings?  I'm all for progression, our children's growth, but..I am pausing to interpret thoughts in my head these days!! Back to the jewelry- http://www.kussmaulgallery.com/artists/  Make sure you visit the gallery go on a journey with James Young's art.  Back to the babies- I think I need to volunteer in the nursery at church.

Time to learn more about development on NG Road- take a look.  I believe these will be high quality homes and I'm all for more feet on the street in the right way.  I'm going to try to attend this meeting! Today I took advantage of office hours with our village manager- at the Farmers Market! How cool is that! I asked him about this project and traffic on NG Road. We had a great talk.  Medical facility, park, sidewalks- hmmmmI think I better get to the meeting and get the scoop!  Medical buildings mean tax dollars for our school- commercial, not residential!!!

Speaking of the Farmers Market- 8-11-18- full bounty- amazing, gorgeous, delicious and great community time.  August really is when Granville blooms, buzzes and delivers great joy to my life on NG Road!

All Under One Roof in Granville 2018 August

Reunited and it feels so good.....yes, all three of our kids are back!  Life on Newark-Granville Road at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 5th- Clare still sleeping, on her new mattress, just home from eight weeks of being a camp counselor.   Peter filling out the "book" (Mom's Agenda, the way we keep track of who, where, when) with golf schedule, he joins the GHS team this year.  Sally sharing cat-sitting update, ...Joe making breakfast from Farmer's Market yield.....Ahhhh

Yesterday, I made the drive to Greenbrier County, WVA- down and back, a first for me- it was great! Book-on-tape and phone chats on the way down, catch-up with Clare on the way home- long but full filling day! Bonus-quick shopping trip to the Greenbrier...my happy place!  Today we'll do our best to get organized, prepared for the week AND soak in some summer fun at the club.  Family dinner is scheduled for 6:30 pm- woo hoo- full family dinner!

My Mom has always shared how much it means to her to have all of us under one roof and I get it!  It fits into the figure-eight of life for me.  Family time mattered to my parents and it matters to us.  The family time of my childhood, transfers to wanting full family time with siblings and parents.  The family time of my childhood inspires family time for my own setting groundwork for the future.

Today-I'm embracing this beautiful day with my family. Lifted up by family time this summer and talking about plans for the future.

Thank you Riders and Volunteers!

http://pelotonia.org  Here is the link- don't know much about this incredible program dedicated to End Cancer- check it out.  Better yet, go downtown Granville and watch the riders, feel the energy.  It is amazing.  I'm only a grateful observer.  I'm sorry to miss town time today- I need to be a Mom and pick up Clare. She's been off of NG Road for 8 weeks!  College warm up- that is what this camp counselor stint is feeling like to me!

I do need to learn more about the Sunday take off from Denison....Pelatonia riders have many routes and we love those that lead to and through Granville!  Donors have many ways to engage- cyber riders, volunteers raise money and give their time and then those that don spandex, prepare and train and take the roads- wow!

As much as I wish I could support 100 riders/fundraisers our family chose three this year. We're thinking of everyone today and all weekend in our life on Newark-Granville Road!