Oh, what a beautiful morning.

 Cool and crisp needing a jacket to walk the garden with my coffee cup. That's what this Tuesday brings.  Such a wonderful gift.  All is well, all is well.  This morning I will transplant the last of the zinnias...It's a zinnia year for sure.  It's not July yet and I should see great results.  The Dalia sisters will be showing their color soon.  Woo, woo.  Great expectations.  The tiny baby zinnias I purchased brighten their spot.  

Enough of the garden and this morning I thought I would give a health report.  It's where I am in recovery.  There are still miles to go but the  healing journey still to come will never compare with miles traveled already. It's been a journey of discovery.

First...I have discovered a new body.  The old body is gone and I have no regrets. It was a wonderful experience.   Surgeons hands have taken away what needed to be removed and replaced what needed to be replaced.  I continue daily to feel grateful for their dedication to healing. It's been a long journey for them as well.  The new part of my body is the area related to the head surgery.  What needed to be removed was replaced with tissue from my back.  My back feels pretty much the same although it looks a bit different.  Now for my neck.  It's can feel stiff with difficulty in turning my head.  That's why Soft Tissue P T will continue.  With thanksgiving pain  has never been an issue    I've purchased a "brace" that is used mostly for face lift surgery.  The lift in my face continues to be non existent!!!   With added padding under the brace for my neck just below my ear. it is a huge help compressing the area that needs additional compression.    It's a face/neck hugger and easy wear.  

Lingering affects of radiation of my head continue.  I was told that the return of taste might be in two weeks or two months.  So I think that means the timing is not sure.  The important thing is that rapid weight loss relating to radiation has stopped.  There is about 15 lbs. less of me.  My clothes fit better!!!  I can say that bananas and strawberries now are high on the list of things to taste.  It could be that I love those two smells as well remembering that my nose is just above my mouth.  Jello continues to be a favorite of each meal.  It's something I can "chew" so I tell myself.  Other food has no taste or a horrible taste, particularly food with flour of all kinds added.  Boost, milkshakes, icecream, coffee and Jello keep me going.  I am grateful for my current menu.  

So now you are on the same page that I am with my health information.  Living continues to be a gift to receive and give.  Doug continues to look forward to his surgical solution August 17th.  Selective eating is his main goal.  He's good at it.  The Russell's are at peace with the days ahead knowing that life is a gift to use wisely.  

So back to the song...Oh, what a beautiful morning, Oh, what a beautiful day.  Everything is going our way and we expect that to continue with our added caution and care and with prayers and  love that comes from so many places.