Darlings, are you wondering ‘ Did Ann go back for more P(ain)T(orture)? Is Mr. Clean still sexy in that intimidating, I will fix your shoulder kind of way?’

Yes and Yes!

I have three more sessions of PT, which does seem to be helping. I still have limited range of motion but it’s better than what it was and my arm feels somehow less fragile. I have been surprisingly good about doing the exercises prescribed, so gold star for me. The orthopedist said he would extend the prescription so perhaps there will more PT to come.  It’s all still painful with the maneuvering and manipulating, but knitting chit chat continues to distract and I have also found out that he cooks!  good grief, it’s enough already!

In the meanwhile – I have been to TNNA and back! Kathleen and I had a fantastic time and bought lots of new yarns and goodies for the shop! We also had tons of laughs hanging with Jessica and catching up with Margaux.  As a matter of fact, since I am a lazy ass,  check out  Margaux’s a TNNA recap post from June 13 and pretend I wrote it.  She sums it up so beautifully and nicely!

On the homefront, I have been obsessed with The Killing,  and am channeling my inner Linden.  For instance, a small tragedy occurred in my yard last week – a senseless killing.

Here is the evidence ….

Here are the facts & questions:

• how did this get to that spot with no branches overhead?
• the egg was cracked but still had all the insides in place … ewww.
• if some nefarious creature stole it, why didn’t they eat it?
• what the hell is going on in my yard when I am not looking?
• it’s not the pugs – they are too short, half blind and unmotivated
• it’s not the not-a-pug – she is too old, half lame and unmotivated
• it’s not the cat — although evil, he is lazy and doesn’t venture from the deck.

another question that has already been answered

• am I going to have to clean this up?
• luckily a pounding rainstorm came along and cleansed us all

About 14 weeks ago I hurt my shoulder. In typical fashion, I dug in and waited for it to get better despite all evidence pointing towards it in fact getting worse. Any time I would jar it, even slightly, there would be shooting pain and getting myself dressed was becoming more and more challenging. Finally an episode of public sobbing took place and an appointment was made.

Fast forward to now – I have been to the Dr. and am now on a course of anti-inflammatory medication and sessions with a Psychical Therapist. The fist of which I had yesterday.

The PT started out with me all nice and easy,  simple exercises with instructions of  ‘don’t power through pain, just work up to it’ ‘take it slow’ and ‘this isn’t childbirth’.  It ended kind of like childbirth.  Searing pain as he contorted my arm into many painful positions using his own self as a lever.   Twice.  All the while asking me about the yarn shop and using the word skein in a sentence. Which I know was meant to distract me and I have to admit that it did.    Now it is all ice and more exercise until the next go round.

Did I mention that this man looks like Mr. Clean? With that intimidating bald thing going on?

Well, today my shoulder does feel a bit better, as though perhaps something got snapped back into place. I have done this morning’s exercises and iced it. I should say that the PT is the same guy who saved Boar from back surgery a few years ago, so I trust him and have every hope that I will live to be able to put on my own damn bra in the future.

my next session is tomorrow …… pray for me!

by the way – that picture is indeed a slug. An adorable non-slimy glass slug that I bought at the Corning Glass Museum.

There is a consignment/antique shop on the grounds where the Huntington Sheep to Shawl Festival is held. It is run by Historical Society volunteers and we call it “The Old Ladies”.

• hey, where did you get that cool new pig cookie jar?
• at the Old Ladies!
• How about that fantastic new deviled egg serving plate?
• at the Old Ladies!!

They have a system for tracking items and making sales that is based on handwritten tags that they either peel off of the item when making the sale or they re-write the tag.  Between the failing eyesight and the shaky hands this is quite an endeavor made worse by tags that won’t unpeel!  You have to really want whatever it is you are buying.  If you try to help or make any suggestions whatsoever you will learn that this is their method and they will not deviate.   I can respect that and I learned years ago to stand there quietly and feel very young (even though I’m not!).

The pig had to come home with me.  That goes without saying.

The deviled egg plate….. Do you know that I have never made deviled eggs?  Despite this I have been wanting one of these plates for sometime! Any killer recipes to share?   Any suggestions for what to serve in that center section?