Dec 4, 2009 update by Mary-104
<- Photo taken on	Sep 9, 2009
Journey start date	Jan 1, 2006	Currently at 100.69% of goal
Total loss since start	147 lbs	Exceeded goal
Since last update	No change
Weight at this update	139 lbs
124 of 124
Just call me bigfoot...		My Picture Progress

Here I sit, imprisoned in the big recliner with my tightly wrapped foot swathed in about 4" of gauze and elastic bandage, propped up well above hip level, and my doting husband waiting on me hand and foot. The surgery was Tuesday and it went great. In addition to the bone spurs, which ran the width of my foot, the doc found and removed two neuromas. The dressing comes off for the first time this coming Wednesday, so I'll get to see the damage first hand. It's a relief, though, to be rid of the cause of all my pain--and it has not hurt much at all. No doubt the nerves that were removed have some bearing on that, but I'm not complaining. I've been crutching all over and remembering that the use of crutches really works the lower abs as well as the shoulders and arms. I'm not complaining about that, either!

I've had a very busy fall. The garden finished out in October, when the weather grew unseasonably cold, and I got all the old plants pulled. The berries and crab apples were amazing this year and I just finished my last batch of jelly a few weeks ago. I have cases of it all over. The strawberries and rhubarb are covered, the air conditioner and outdoor faucets are covered, and the horse trailer is cleaned out and covered, so let the snow come.  Outside of a couple of good snowfalls in October, the ground has been fairly bare.

We pitched our tent at our favorite state park in the middle of October, and woke the first morning to the sound of snow sliding off the rain fly. That was an interesting experience, and it grew even more interesting as I attempted to fry bacon on my camp stove outside, with the wind blowing snow and leaves into the pan. We decided that although our popup camper packs more comfort, tent camping is entirely doable, and due to the fact that we had a raised air bed, very cozy sleeping bags, plenty of campfire wood, and a tent heater,  we greatly enjoyed ourselves in spite of the cold and snow. Next year we hope to take the horses camping.

Choir rehearsals continue apace, and our concert is two weeks from tomorrow. My black surgical boot will coordinate beautifully with my black formal gown. I hope. By then I should be able to stand without crutches for the duration of the concert. 

We got back from our annual jaunt to the North Shore the day before my surgery. I loaded up on ibuprophen and we tackled the Superior Hiking Trail for a 6 mile jaunt one day, but that was it for hiking. However, we've already mapped out several loops for next year. The SHT is one of the top hiking trails in the country--unmatched scenery and views, and the challenge of vertical ascents and descents along with the beauty of the singing streams. It was worth the pain this year.

Because my foot quickly deteriorated to the point where I became unable to ride for more than a few minutes, my riding lessons have turned into training sessions for General, and he's doing well. I can't wait to get back in the saddle at the first of the year. We've also worked on the trailer loading issues with him and he is much more cooperative these days. 

I guess I should mention our new family addition--a rather elderly Honda Gold Wing, the culmination of my spouse's lifelong dream. (Doesn't every little boy want a motorcycle?) He got it very late in the season and only had time for a few rides before it was put into storage for the winter, but I expect once he's comfortable carrying a passenger, I'll have to add "biker mama" to my list of titles. I refuse, however, to let my beloved wear one of those t-shirts that says "If you can read this, she fell off". I'm paraphrasing, since this is a family site.

I haven't weighed since before we left for our trip, but my clothes still fit, and since I can't crutch upstairs to the fridge, my nurse is carefully monitoring my intake. I'm looking forward to being able to ride horseback and speed walk soon, and to clog in February. Thank heaven for good foot surgeons!

Once I can walk on this foot, I'll be flying all over getting ready for Christmas. I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and God's richest blessings.

	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Lorie-137 from Arizona on Dec 4, 2009 What a great read!!  I love camping and I loved hearing your adventures. You have such a wholesome life.  Thanks for sharing Mary. Do take good care of yourself.  Don't rush too quickly back into the chaos of life.  Enjoy the holidays.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Theresa-333 from California on Dec 5, 2009 Mary, be sure to take care of yourself. Don't do anything too quickly or overdo it all at one time. Take it slow and easy, for your sake. Your positive attitude is really contagious! :-)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Mary-84 from California on Dec 5, 2009 Mary, what a wonderful update! I freeze to death just reading about the winter camping trip. You and Chris are really tough! I'm so glad that your foot surgery is over with and that you are healing well. Having that great nurse probably helped in that area, you two are such a precious couple. I'm so glad that you will be well enough to get ready for Christmas. Can't wait to hear  how you enjoy the motorcycle. Keep enjoying life and sharing it with us when you have time. It's such fun hearing from you, Love, Mary
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shirley-261 from Tennessee on Dec 5, 2009 And the moral to this great saga is that if you had not FIRST changed the way you see, as well as lose an entire person from your body... none of this would have been possible.  :)  God is glorified in your life Mary and living it FULLY just shows us all what a blessing maintenance can be.  I love you deeply friend and am so glad you are back and posting again.  I will pray for your foot to heal quickly and completely.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Kathy-227 from Arkansas on Dec 5, 2009 I was just thinking about you yesterday and wishing we would hear from you, and here you are! Everything you've been doing and plan to do--except for the foot surgery--sounds so awesome, especially the hiking and choir! I would love to do those two things with you! I hope your recovery is fast, and your Christmas is wonderful!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Shirley-261 from Tennessee on Dec 5, 2009 I'm posting twice cause I just love you that much.  I did indeed MISS you.  ♥
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Kathy-227 from Arkansas on Dec 5, 2009 What Shirley said. :)
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Peggy-136 from California on Dec 6, 2009 It is so good to hear from you... It sounds like your camping experience was lots of fun and memorable....bacon and leaves is quite a combination...(smile) Take it easy and don't do too much too soon...take time to heal.. I am so glad you posted.. Hugs,Peggy/CA
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Ray-230 from Kansas on Dec 9, 2009 Wow! And I thought I was busy.  I love doing different things.  Thanks for your comments to me, your unique story and your personal witness to me. Blessings on you.  Pastor Ray
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Vi-46 from BC, Canada on Dec 12, 2009 wow, Mary it sounds like you have done alot even with that sore foot....hope it heals quickly and have a nice season .  love, Vi
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Scheila-307 from Arizona on Dec 14, 2009 Merry Christmas Mary ...It's time to update and share more of you with us.  Look forward to reading your next update.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Steve-10 from Georgia on Jan 21, 2010 Mare, you are loved and so missed on here hope to hear from you soon!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Patsy-198 from Iowa on Feb 16, 2010 Hey precious Mary Hi there, Think about you a lot and pray you are healing and doing well. Miss your sweet face around here. Hug yourself for me & Jesus, Patsy
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Patsy-198 from Iowa on Mar 19, 2010 Hey dear Mary, Just stopping by to say your missed and loved and praying for you! Hug yourself for me & Jesus, Patsy
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Peggy-149 from New York on Apr 16, 2010 I miss you.  Hope all is well.  Peggy
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Irene-277 from Michigan on Apr 26, 2010 Mary, If you're still reading your posts - I MISS YOU!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Joyce-168 from Oregon on Apr 27, 2010 OK....I miss you MORE thasn all of these guys!!!! Pop in and give us an update on the foot, your toes, your liver and your nose!  You know how this goes, and we love you and will be waiting (mostly) patiently while you gather up your thoughts and post.  You could put this off longer, but it never gets easier...............COME HOME BABY GIRL!!!
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Cathy-241 from California on May 2, 2010 Please don't stay away forever, Mary..... We do miss you here...
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Barbara-54 from California on Jun 8, 2010 Hello! I just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. Seeing your success truly motivates me daily. I remember you had done the shakes a little differently then others. Can you message me what plan you created. I would love to learn from you.
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Ray-115 from Texas on Jun 18, 2010 Well I would say I had missed you out here on HS but I have not been on either!  I am back and I am coming back as kinda a new guy.  I won't tell you or anyone that I won't give up because of "my history" but I will tell I'm good for today!!! Would love to hear from you either through HS or just call me! Ray
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Karsten-53 from ON, Canada on Jun 22, 2010 Mary ... Mary ... quite contrary ... Where are you??  I am missing your wisdom and sense of humour on the HS site Mary.  Don't mind telling you that I am also worried about where you are in your journey.  Please contact me anytime and let's chat. - miss you. ~ Karsten
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Steve-10 from Georgia on Jun 27, 2010 Mary, I miss you on HS please come home soon.Love ya
	Posted by fellow HealthSteward Melodie-28 from Florida on Jul 5, 2010 We are all missing you!! Just look at the comments! Come on back!! We are all having our ups and downs....it is part of this journey...and no matter what is happening in your life, just come back and say HELLO and let us know you are ok!  xooxox