October 1, 2021

 Dear Friends and Relatives, 

    My, it seems as if time is flying by - summer is over, kids are back in school, leaves are turning color, and it’s been almost twelve full months (Oct. 15) since I lost my leg. In June, after it had sufficiently healed, a cast was made of my stump (thigh and hip) in preparation of using a prosthesis. However, the prosthesis has needed several adjustments since receiving it, so I haven’t had too much time for actual use of it. Plus the fact that there are nerves in the stump that are still active and sting me whenever I stand and put pressure on it. 

    After losing my first physical therapist, Joey, who moved to California, I now have Steve, who is older but very experienced. He is concentrating on strengthening the hip muscles and breaking down scar tissue, so as to relieve the nerves and stop the stinging so I can stand on the leg. I call my new leg “Buddy” because he will be my constant companion from now on. With Steve’s help and proper daily exercising, I am able to put one foot in front of the other and actually walk a short distance (across the room). Of course, I use a walker for support, but my goal is to eventually be able to walk unaided, but that takes more balance than I have now. I was hoping Steve would be able to help me accomplish that too, but he is going to retire next month after 37 years in the business. I hope I’ll like my next PT, and we'll be able to continue progressing towards accomplishing my goal. I am thankful for the time True spends, above and beyond her normal care of me, in following through with the special exercises now required. 

    Meanwhile, other things have been happening here… The Riveria, where I live, has a huge yard sale each June. It is a big event looked forward to by everyone in the Park, and especially the outside community. Last year it was canceled due to the COVID virus, and this year was questionable until just recently, when it was finally approved. The clubhouse and grounds were filled with all sorts of things, and many residents also set up sales. We were glad to participate by having our own sale here, hoping to get rid of all the furniture and big things left over from the remodeling of this home, plus other items. Yard sales are a great place for bargains, and we had very low prices, so were able to sell almost everything. One of those items was my jewelry box, with everything inside. It was sold to a man who seemed very anxious to scan its contents. I had kept a special necklace and locket, and although there was nothing else of real value in it, I was still sorry to see the rosewood box and its contents go. I know it’s just stuff, and eventually will have to be disposed of anyway. Besides, our sale brought in over 200 dollars, which was able to help with home projects and build a new raised bed where we will grow raspberries. So, I don’t feel too bad about donating it. 

    Another thing that happens here twice each year are the hydroplane boat races on Memorial Day and Labor Day io begin and endi the summer. These races, too, were not held last year, and were iffy this year, especially since the Rogue River was low due to no rain. But the hydroplanes are tiny boats that just skim over the top of the water at speeds over 100 mph. Not like our larger, well-known Hellgate Tour Boats, which need more space and might possibly hit a rock unsurfaced by less water, these tiny boats are not in jeopardy. Participants with their prize boats come from all over, and the spectators as well. Here at the park, we are fortunate to have front-row seats, because the river’s edge is directly below us. It is very exciting to watch and great fun. It's quite an event for the little town of Grants Pass, Oregon. Besides, we love the loud, distinct sound made by the dozen or so little boats as they go whizzing by. We got to see them race past us four times and cheer on our favorite as they go back and forth to the finish line. 

    My sister Carol and niece Sandy came from Utah later in the month, so were not able to enjoy the hydroplane races, but did enjoyed other things. Before their arrival, Linda had purchased tickets for all of us to attend the performance of our young friend, Anthony Jarvis, at the Rogue Theater. He, along with Mike Guido, entertained us with jokes and comments as stand-up comedians. Anthony is a member of the very talented Jarvis family, but his stand-up act was a surprise to me. The crowd loved him. The theater was packed with those who were there to support him, and he did great in his first venture into comedy. He is married with two children now, one of the nine children of Jeff and Heidi Jarvis that call me “Grandma Ree.” I was Heidi’s visiting teacher while her children were growing up and I love them dearly. And they have always taken special care of me, too. 

    Linda’s friend, Wid, from the Portland area, was in town and was able to attend with us. As we came out of the theater, he, along with the rest of us, was amazed at the sight that appeared in the night sky. The phenomenon lasted only a short time, but was so odd we were glad we took pictures. No, it wasn’t a UFO, but the moon (nearly full, odd-shaped, and oh, so bright) was completely encircled by the outline of one continuous cloud. It kind of reminded me of the smoke rings that some smokers can blow. Wid was able to explain scientifically what was occurring. It apparently had something to do with cold air being pushed in, as our first rainstorm in many months was moving into the valley. 

    Attending Anthony’s performance that night was the first time I have been out socially at night, in a wheelchair and mask, in a long, long time. I am not a TV watcher. My entertainment is usually reading, writing, or completing crosswords in our local newspaper. Evidently, Sandy, knew I like doing all sorts of word puzzles, because she brought me a book of 500 cryptoquotes. I was skeptical at first, because cryptoquotes can be very challenging, but was intrigued with my new toy (because it also contained hints), and solved several in just a few minutes, surprising myself. 

    We were blessed with two days of rain while Carol and Sandy were here. The substantial rain put out wildfires and cleared the smoke we've had in the valley for months. Our nights are cooler, but our days are still in the 80’s. Autumn is on its way. And with that, I will be on my way until next time, when we’ll see what else we can conjure up.