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Borrego Springs, CA

Thursday, December 27, 2012

A getting ready day

There are two experiences looming on my horizon, and my day off today was spent getting ready for both.  As usual, I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish for the day and I actually got most of them done.  Most immediately, I will be participating in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on Saturday.  I have been email corresponding with the local organizer, and verified that the only counting I could do this year is from the seat of a boat.  Hikes on trails are out for me right now. 

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Tonight’s photos are from a recent visit to the ‘secret’ pond on a chilly morning.  Instead of finding three sandhill cranes in the field around the pond, there were eight.  They were all trumpeting away while feeding as I approached and shut off the motor.

There are forms to fill out, and others to take along for this official bird count.  I’m actually quite thrilled to be doing the count out on the water.  Any time I can get out on the swamp is a bonus experience for me.  The weather forecast for Saturday is for an 80% chance of rain in the morning with beginning temperatures in the 30’s, so I’ve gathered many layers of clothing to wear along with my rain coat and rain pants.  We will be out for the entire day from dawn to dusk, so we’ll need to be prepared for cold wet conditions in the boat.  I’ll be getting my lunch and snacks ready tomorrow.

IMG_1460         With all that trumpeting going on, it wasn’t long before other cranes came in to join the group.

The other experience looming is, of course, my surgery.  I had two things on my list concerning that today.  First up was arranging for a kennel for Emma for two to three weeks.  I was able to get her reservations in a local home/kennel where the dogs have house time in addition to time in kennels.  There is a large fenced yard, and the woman running the kennel (the ‘Dog Lady of Folkston’) has several boxers of her own.  She assured me there would be plenty of play time for Emma with herself and some of her dogs. 

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                                             More arrivals, and more trumpeting conversations.

Next week, Emma and I will travel to her house for a meet and greet to acclimate Emma to the place.   I didn’t get a chance to tell the woman that Emma is happy to go with anyone, anywhere.  Separation anxiety is not something she is plagued with. Eye rolling smile  I don’t think she would care one way or the other if I ever returned to pick her up.  That’s just the way she is.

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After chatting for a while, the whole flock decided to head off for greener pastures with a cacophony of sound.

Second thing on the surgery list was to make a trial journey to Waycross, GA, so I’ll know where I’m going next Monday for my pre-surgery appointments, and to find the hospital.  ‘Jack–in–the-Box’ took me on a very interesting route, but I do believe it was the fastest one to get there.  It’s about 45 miles from the rig, so certainly closer than Jacksonville, FL.  It was very obvious to me that this is a Mayo Clinic operation.  I didn’t get out of the car, but I’m comfortable and glad I made the trip.

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I’ll be nervous enough as it is with Monday morning.  Doctor’s visits just naturally raise my blood pressure.  I thought perhaps knowing the route and where to park might calm me down a bit.  Probably won’t work, but one can always hope. Disappointed smile

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

17 comments:

  1. Sounds like it's all coming together. About time, huh? Just think... this time next month you'll be better than new! I envy you the CBC... been a few years since we've done one... and never from a boat. Hope you see something rare!

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  2. That's some picture of the cranes coming in for a landing! Almost look like some Navy jets landing on a carrier.

    Have fun on the bird count, but don't rock the boat (too much)! ;c)

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  3. I know you wanted be involved in the bird count; good to hear that you got your wish. Emma might enjoy playing with new doggie friends, but I bet she will be very happy to come back home to you.

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  4. I think you're smart to make a trial run for your pre-surgery appointments. It's only natural that you'll be nervous, and knowing how to get there should help decrease your anxiety.

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  5. Glad to hear that you are moving along towards the surgery date. Soon you will be kicking up your heals again minus the cane. (I haven't been using mine except shopping or walking for a bit. I will miss your pics tho... Maybe you can have Nurse Cratchet send us a few!!

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  6. The durned weather doesn't sound too promising for the bird count, but I bet you'll enjoy yourself regardless. (count some for me!)

    Don't forget to write in bold, black letters with a magic marker "NO" on the hip that doesn't get fixed. And a big ol' YES on the one that gets replaced. And that's all I have to say about that!

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  7. Love those sandhill cranes---could watch and listen to them all day long! Have fun at the CBC. Sounds like a great adventure (hopefully, not too rainy though)! Sounds like your surgery prep tasks are all coming together nicely. Just keep eyes focused on that prize (pain-free walking, running, dancing, skipping & jumping!!!). You're going to have a fancy bionic hip soon, and nothin' will stop you!

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  8. I think your trial drive was a good idea. You'll still be nervous but now you don't have to be nervous about the route. I always have a little anxiety when I don't know where I am going. It will be good for you once this is all over.

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  9. Everything is going to be fine! You are so ready for this...you will wonder why you waited so long...

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  10. I know you will be happy to have your surgery done, and on the road to recovery. . .wishing you all the best!

    Great shots of the cranes. . .love it!

    Janice
    ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing Blog
    FaceBook.com/ReadyToGoFullTimeRVing

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  11. I'm sure Emma will miss you but she'll be fine and very excited to see you back in a few weeks.

    Have fun with the bird counting in a boat.

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  12. So glad you get to go on the bird count. Should be great in a boat. I don't have a bad hip and I'd love to do that. I'm afraid no one would want me though since my bird id-ing is so louzy.

    Sounds like you've found a great place for Emma to be. You really are very well prepared. I know things are going to go very smoothly for you.

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  13. Scooter is kind of like Emma - as long as somebody feeds her and let's her sleep in a warm bed, she really doesn't care. But Skitz is my dog and can't stand to be away from me. I'm like you, I always try to make a pre-run just so I know where we're going. Makes it much easier on my nerves. I am so excited for you to get this surgery behind you so you can get on with your life without all the pain.

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  14. I'm looking forward to hear about your bird count and get a look of the pictures, not only because it undoubtedly will be very interesting but also because I've never done something like that and always wondered how you do it?
    Do you register/count everything that flies by or are you assigned a certain species? And what do you do with a flock of birds? Estimate?
    It will help to get your mind of things for sure. Stay warm though, bad timing to catch a cold!

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  15. Yes, knowing the route will help. And anything you can do to help with the stress is good. I'm glad you found a good place for Emma. You are going to be amazed at how wonderful the results of your surgery are making you wonder why you waited so long.

    Enjoy the counting but stay as warm as you can. This is no time to take a chill that lowers your resistance to anything around you.

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  16. Good luck next week, we have some idea how you feel as we are getting ready ourselves to deal with some surgery.

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  17. Good luck with your surgery, it is amazing what they can do these days.

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