I Am Officially a Pain in The A...Rear

Had the ablation this morning. I could tell that this doc didn't put as much lidocaine in, but I'm still glad I didn't go through the hassle of having sedation. The pain isn't so much during the procedure (it's quick), but the pain in the joint is bad tonight. The doctor who did it and gave me a year and a half relief sent her information as to where to place the needles and they were on the phone together. So, I felt good about that. It could stay bad for three days and I won't know for 2-3 weeks whether it worked or not. I'm resting as they advised but I did throw the ball to Bogey to get him exercise--that was tough because of my acrobatics last week. I'm still taking, and will continue to take, the muscle relaxers to try to keep that to a low roar.

I am so looking forward to going back to Reed Bingham in April, and I'm meeting my sister over near Charleston. She's flying down on the 17th and we're taking the trailer over on the 18th through the 25th and she'll stay some extra days to see the boys. We are all excited. I think she'll love Charleston. Susan will drive her car over since the back seat of the truck is not comfortable and she may want to go into Charleston and walk around to shop--she doesn't want to drive the truck over there.

All Bogey wanted to do, today, was to go camping. He whined, he cried, he pulled all his tricks out. Even when I was throwing the ball (he never gets tired of that), he carried the ball to the back door and wanted to bring it in. He took it in and went right to the side door and whined to go out. What a character.

Susan saved me. She took him for a long walk up to the nature center when she got off from work, and when they got back he went to sleep. So that's my report for the night. I probably won't have anything to say until Charleston. I never get tired of the place--see something new every time we go.

I'm a Tough Old Bird

The weather report said we’d have some bad weather this week. As it turned out, they were wrong (we just had rain this morning). It couldn’t have been better. It’s cool at night and 70s in the day. Just perfect. The four of us have had a great time, together. Terry had to leave Friday morning, and we have missed her but we're already planning another get together. The gals have all been so good to Bogey and he loved them. Bogey has had a blast. He and Mollie get along just fine, but Bogey is much like Jack and Lizzie because he gets along with all dogs. I have enjoyed walking him on the trails as much as he has enjoyed going. He's easy and stays with me on the trail. He's cute he'll run ahead, turn to look and come bounding back, then turn around and run back. Reed Bingham is a beautiful park--not too big with bathrooms that are very clean and great trails for me because they are sandy and flat. It's a pretty park. I mainly took pictures of "you know who". Once Teresa got here we had a campfire. I love sitting around a fire at night--get a few women together and we have a lot of laughs.

Patricia (L) and Teresa

Fun at the campfire L-R Patricia, Terri, and Teresa

Yesterday, we were on another short trail I don’t know how many times, but Bogey is always ready to go so I was looking forward to the longer trail. I tried, but I couldn’t do it because of a freak accident that happened on Thursday. We were walking around the campground and stopped to talk to some people and unbeknownst to me his long lead caught my ankles as he bolted after a squirrel and flipped me so fast I didn’t know what hit me. My feet went up above my head and I came crashing down onto the left side of my back, shoulder, and neck. Terri, Patricia, and Teresa couldn’t believe my feet went so high in the air. I crashed so hard on the ground I felt like I had shaken brain syndrome. When all was said and done, I had to laugh because the first thing I remember was sweet Terry saying, "Oh, I'm so sorry I couldn't get to you in time." I can tell you I hurt every where there is to hurt. I was particularly concerned about my neck since I've had surgery there before. I only grazed my hip so that's a relief--don't think I did any damage there. I was fortunate that I was on grass, not cement. Enough of that--I'm no worse for the wear. Here are some pictures of the park. Worth a stop for anyone in the area.

Today, for the first time I can move at better than a crawl. I’ve continued to move because I figured that was best. Everyone, including myself, was surprised that I didn’t break anything. I’m a tough old bird, I guess. At least I knew I had a doctor appointment on Monday. Bogey was concerned and sniffing me (I don't remember that and think maybe the girls just said that to make me feel better). I’ve been able to walk slowly on the short trail, and he is so good—stays right with me. This is our last day, here, and we had rain this morning so I don’t think we’ll get to go on the long trail this time. I'm coming back in April to meet Terri and Teresa and several other women from our camping group.

The trailer worked out fine in the rain this morning because the pups were able to go on the bed and I had two small chairs that fit great right in the trailer and the couch so we sat in there and gabbed. Weather is beautiful, again, now. Tonight we’re going to the Catfish House for dinner—it’s right outside the park. I take Bogey with me and he moans when I first leave, but then goes to sleep.

I ordered a raised bed, like Mollie has, so I wouldn’t ruin the very nice bed that Bogey has by putting it on the ground when we are lounging around outside. Instead, I’ll leave it in the back seat of the truck and use the raised bed for around the campsite. He sleeps in bed with me so I have his comfort covered. LOL

Tomorrow we’ll be packing up to leave. Fortunately, tonight I’m feeling better. All is well that ends well.

So Saddened at the Loss of a Very Good Friend

I've been too upset to write about my son's Father-in-Law's passing. My daughter-in-law, her Mom (who is one of my best friends), and the whole wonderful family have been in my thoughts. Martha was wonderful to me when I lost Rich. She is one of those people who always knew what to say or what not to say. Sometimes, I could just sit with her, say nothing, and not feel uncomfortable. I believe she and James were married 67 years, and what a wonderful love story it was. James fought hard and long, but his body decided he needed some peace. I hope I will be able to help Martha as she helped me when I lost the love of my life. I really don't have the words to write, but I will use my son John's. You know what a fine man James was when you see how my son, his son-in-law felt about him.

To the man that convinced me that broccoli and cheese taste good...who showed me there were other ice cream flavors besides vanilla and chocolate chip.  To the man that made me laugh and gave me guidance when I needed it.  To the man that we all looked up to as the cornerstone of the Turner family.  To the greatest father-in-law a son-in law could ever have...we take with us, from being in your presence, the memories that will be a part of us forever.  Thank you, James

I will miss you, too, James. Rest in peace. We will all look after your beloved Martha for you.

Bogey, the Camping Dog!

I’m happy to say that Bogey is a full fledged camping dog. He has taken to it like a duck takes to water. My friends and I have been walking him on the trail and I try to walk hm by myself a couple of times a day. He got a real treat this morning when Terry and Patricia walked him up to the camp store. They said he was a perfect gentleman. They are such great friends. They help me with everything and they have shown such love for Bogey.

Here he is relaxing after a walk on the trail. Right now, he's sitting in the screen room with Patricia, who is reading.

They are camped right across from me:

Terry's Aliner. I'll know I took a picture of Patricia's, but can't find it. Will add it later.

We’ve got a lot of wind here, today, but we (actually Patricia and Terry) anchored the screen room a bit better. It’s still sunny—so I think the rain forecast was wrong.

Teresa comes tomorrow so Bogey will have a dog companion on the trail. Last night (without camera, of course) but my friends had there’s Here are two pictures that Patricia took. We’re going to go back over this evening so I’ll see if I can get some more shots.



I couldn’t sleep for some reason last night and got up aching all over. I think it may have been the barometer moving one way or the other. It still hurts, but I think it’s best to try to keep moving so I took Bogey for a couple of walks. I put a couple of additional hooks up in the trailer so I could hang Bogey’s leash ad harness—now that I’ve made room for him.

I’m not sure why blogo won’t let anyone comment. I changed a couple of settings so hope we're back to normal. I’m using it because I have no wifi, but I have a hot spot on my phone so it’s quick and dirty to post so it doesn't cost me a bundle.

It’s Been an Interesting Day!

After finishing last minute packing and hitching up, Bogey, happily went in his seat belt and up into the truck. It took him about 10 minutes to settle down, but he finally did. He slept until I was about 30 miles away from the campground, and then he wanted out. I managed to get to the park and decided I would get him out to walk him, give him some water and a snack before registering. I always did that with Lizzie and Jack. BUT when I went to put him back in the truck he did not want to go. Things came crashing out as I struggled to get him in. It was as if there was an earthquake inside the truck. Finally, after much struggling I got him in his seat belt and went in. By this time my back was screaming.
The young woman who helped me at the desk couldn’t have been nicer. I discovered that I couldn’t find my phone where I had my registration number, but she already had my name and and I was all set. Now to find my phone. I had no idea whether it was in the truck or out on the ground where I had walked. She, pleasantly, said, “I’ll help you look.” I had gone to get my computer out of the trailer to do “Find My iPhone” and had asked her if I could use their wifi. She said, “Hey, why don’t I just try to call you?” I found it in the truck.

I thanked her and went on to find my site. Bogey was not happy about being in the truck so he was going crazy. I can’t blame him. This is the longest drive he’s been on. I had planned on stopping at rest stops, but they were closed all along 75. I have never seen so many police out—made me wonder whether it had something to do with trying to stop the drug runners and illegal aliens. I was amazed.

Okay, I got to my site. It’s a back in. One of the park hosts was there. It was going to be an easy back in, but with Bogey barking in my ear, it was very distracting. The man was so nice. He said, jump out and I’ll be happy to back it in for you. I got Bogey out and in the trailer went. Bogey was happy. I tied him on a tie out and put his bed out on a tarp along with a bowl of water and he was quiet and comfortable. Sure…after causing all the chaos.
As long as he can see me, he’s fine. I set up, and decided to get him in the trailer to get a cold drink. Set up was fine. He jumped up on the bed—I had covered it with a queen size coverlet to protect my comforter (which I won’t need). Keys, where are my keys. Oh, no. I could think of a thousand places they could be but I was too tired to bother. Fortunately, I have an extra key with me.

I took some medication, ate some crackers, and laid down and went out cold. I figured wherever the keys are, they will be there, tomorrow. At 1:00 a.m., Bogey decided he wanted to go out. He got off the bed and stood by the door. He’s quiet which is a blessing. I took him out, he did his business. We got back in the trailer…keys! He had been laying on them.

I’m still up because something must have bitten me while I was out and I was itchy all over. I took benedryl, but it hasn’t work, yet, so I decided to try to get my mind off it—thus the blog. So that’s the start of my trip. I’ve done this in Blogo. Have no idea whether this will come out.

Just a Quickie About Bogey and My Back

I've been taking him in the truck when I have errands, and he's adjusted very well. He whimpered when I left him to go into a store at first, but after a few times he knew I was coming back.

He has room to sit, stand, and lie down so he's taken to the seat belt very well. He's very smart. He actually steps into the harness without any problem at all--I suspect it's because he's walked on a harness. After Michael divorced, it became so difficult because if Laura wasn't in Atlanta he had to either leave Bogey alone, get a dog walker, or leave him with me. I can't emphasize enough what a good job he and Laura have done with this pup. He's no trouble. He doesn't even go in the garbage any more.

He does pull a little when I walk him, but when I stop he comes back to me and continues to walk, nicely, so he's learning very quickly. I know that when Michael and Laura have him, he gets to go on nice long walks, but I can't do that. He enjoyed his short walk, though. Except for the rain this week, if Susan's hours permit, she walks him for exercise as she used to do with Lizzie and Jack.

I went to the doc, yesterday. I was surprised that I got in but Susan happened to be working with the doctor who did my ablation a year ago last June and knows the young woman doctor at the pain clinic (she's actually the one who diagnosed the problem for what it was after the back surgery). He told Susan to tell me to have her call him because he had done things a little differently because my left SI joint is so deformed. They know each other because they used to work at the pain clinic he worked at before it closed. I found out he actually sent her a text and when I spoke to her she said she would also talk to him. I have an appointment for the 20th, the day after I get home. As far as my thoracic pain, she examined me and gave me a strong muscle relaxer--she said I was probably right that the cast and sling may have caused the problem. I told her it felt muscular. She said if the muscle relaxers don't work, there are trigger points where she can inject steroids and lidocaine that will definitely do the trick. So, I'm hoping that this ablation will last as long as the last and the muscle relaxers work for my upper/mid back.

One good and different thing about this pain clinic is because I declined sedation, I don't have to have anyone drive me and stay with me throughout the procedure like the last clinic. I don't like talking about my back, but I think if it helps just one person who reads, it's good to do. Had I known about SI joints before back surgery, I could have avoided a lot of pain and the pain of recovery.

I'll leave with two cute pictures of the Bogster. Jack and Lizzie wouldn't mind, I'm sure. :)

Guess Who is Going to Camp

Brave, huh?

While Michael is his true love, Bogey has spent a lot of time with me because Michael's job requires travel. As time has passed, Michael is traveling more and more. I suggested that we just switch things up. Bogey can live here and Michael can make travel plans without worry and take him when he has the time. It eliminates all the adjusting of everything. Even when not traveling, a day of work for Michael sometimes includes an unexpected but mandatory dinner which extends the length of time away from home. Michael feels terrible that he's alone so much. Weimaraners are known for having separation anxiety so that adds another layer of guilt. When he was only gone for a day or two or a long day, he had a dog walking company (that came highly recommended) come in to walk him and spend time with him three times a day (not inexpensive); only to find out that they were not reliable. Laura had a camera system set up so that they could check on what went on during the day.

He adds a bit more stress when I camp (and more packing), but I think he will enjoy it. I just have to make sure before now and the 12th that I can leave him for a bit in the truck, and I hope he's good walking on a leash (my back). Michael said he falls asleep when on a long ride and claims he doesn't pull. He's so happy to see me even if I go to the mailbox and back. I'm back to making sweet potato treats. Jack liked him and so did Lizzie the short time she knew him.

Michael thinks it would be a good idea to switch, but doesn't want to tie me down--no need if he camps well. It will take stress off his table and mine, knowing that Bogey is not alone for too long. One problem was whether or not I could handle Bogey in the truck--whether he'd take to the seat belt system. That and because he's not used to being on a lead so I was worried that he would break his neck running after a squirrel even if I could get him to a campground. We put our heads together, and Michael is going to get another collar for the electric fence so I can put Bogey on a long lead so he can roam around the campsite and I can set the electric fence up just inside of the circumference of the lead. That way he won't break his neck if he does chase a squirrel. When we are here at the house I have a big yard so when he's here I exercise him with a "Chuck-It so I don't feel badly that I can't walk him far. Michael will walk him by the river on the weekends or whenever he can. I suspect I'll be able to drop the lead on a trail and have him stay with me, but only time will really determine that. He gets along very well with other dogs and people.

So yesterday, I put Jack's seat belt system on him (had to adjust it a bit) and put his bed in the back of the truck, hooked him up and went for a ride. He did great. I learned after one try a couple of years ago that I need to unhook him while I'm still in the truck and lead him in and out by climbing over the console, onto the front seat, and down to floor before jumping out. (It's actually a safer for him because it's a high jump from the truck.) Otherwise he jumps out the door when I open it and he's too heavy for me to hold and try to unhook with tension on the straps. He's a very athletic pup even at seven years.

I'm going camping for a week in south Georgia beginning on the 12th so I'll report back as to how he does. I'll surprise my friends with Bogey!