Last Wednesday I drove seven hours to my winter home in central Arizona. Clouds teased overhead with only a few dozen huge rain splats north of Flagstaff and a two minute downpour to the west.
I stayed with my dear friend Berta and although it was hotter than I’m used to at the North Rim, I so enjoyed sitting on her patio in the shade watching the birds. The male Gambel quail would fly onto the fence near one of the feeders to scout out the area for trouble.
Then the female would lead the youngsters in to eat. Still a bit fuzzy with barely a top knot these chicks gorged and made small flights to the ground for more seed.
Thursday morning my doctor gave me a cortisone shot in the left shoulder. I’ve been diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and osteoarthritis from wear and tear. I figure 30+ years of slinging a way too heavy purse and daypack over that shoulder probably did the damage. It’s been paining me for a while. The shot gave instant relief by decreasing the inflammation. It still hurts some which may be a good thing so I don’t overdo and make it worse.
Another treat of hanging out on Berta’s patio is all the eye candy, stuff mixed with colorful flowers.
Friday morning to the dentist where a mold was made for my new teeth. I had oral surgery in December with six implants, two top and four bottom, that will ultimately lock dentures into place. After six months of healing, two of which was liquid or soft diet, I’m almost finished with this process. Can’t wait to chew nuts again and maybe even corn right off the cob.
Saturday morning I got a hair cut before hitting the road for the long drive back to the canyon. That’s my world.
To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.
Looks like a great trip. Time to sling the pack and purse over the other shoulder.
Yogi recently posted..Ruby Tuesday 2 – Crowing
Nice that you have such a lovely place to go for all your medical appointments. It is definitely good to get them all out of the way. This getting older stuff is incredibly taxing. BUT you get to go back to the North Rim………….now that sounds wonderful.
Sherry recently posted..Ode to Lithia Springs, on to Quail Run
Sounds like quite the trip:) I hope you can eat corn on the cob again….and not being able to eat nuts!!! There are a couple of things in life I that I CANNOT resist….cheese, sausage, nuts, and a good taco salad:) So I’m hoping you can eat those wonderful pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecans et al:)
Take care with the arm. Love your friend’s place. Quail always make me smile. Neat birds to have around. And I love her stone masonry around the house….beautiful! It must have been cool inside her house. Enjoy the rain this week! We are all supposed to get some:)
Gerta’s place is wonderful. Doctor and dentist appointments are no fun, but sounds like things are going well. Getting older is no fun!
Snap recently posted..My World: Tea At The Museum
That looked a great patio for watching the world go by for a little while. Hope the mouth and shoulder feel better soon.
It’s beautiful!! Love all the photos!
Kim, USA
Kim,USA recently posted..Barn Charm
Hi Gaelyn, I know you will be happy when the work at the dentist is completed. I hope your arm is better. I loved the quail and the beautiful flowers. Very pretty. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.
Eileen recently posted..Backyard Birds and Blooms
Getting older is sometimes the pits, but guess it’s better than the alternative! I know you’ll be glad to get the dental work done and dive into the corn-on-the-cob!! I love your captures of your world as always!! Hope you have a good week and a Happy July 4th!!
Sylvia
Sylvia Kirkwood recently posted..Our World!!
Can’t believe you’re having 6 implants – I broke a tooth below gum line and have been dealing with just one for the past several months. I go on the 17th to have the screw set and then another wait for the actual tooth! Love those Cosmos at Berta’s. I hope by now it’s rained at the N Rim. We got a small amount last week, but no new since.
Barb recently posted..A Breckenridge 4th of July and Fox Update – Our World
Gaelyn. . . What a brave soldier you are to charge into all those implants. That’s quite an ordeal! Love your post and your photos. The one near Flagstaff brought back memories . . .
rvsueandcrew recently posted..Casita tour, forest fires, and a kindred spirit
So sorry to hear of your pain and inflammation but glad the shot is working for you. Your friend looks like she lives in a beautiful place. I very much like all your photos, esp. the scenic landscape photos. Heal well.
Spectacular photos… I live in dread of dentists, but go. I love Berta’s place.
Bibi recently posted..Lace leggings!
Hope that shoulder mends as best it can Gaelyn. Wear and tear unfortunately is not a passing affliction. Glad you had some respite at your friend’s and that you soon will be able to masticate to your heart’s content. I certainly know the feeling when crunching things is out of the question, I’m lopsided with two missing molars on one side and age-brittle teeth all over. Ah well, I’ve given them a good run for their money . . .
Arija recently posted..OUR WORLD – Mintaro
Holy smike. Thats a long drive to go to the doctor and dentist. I hope that shoulder gets better soon. Better start packing lighter.
Firefly recently posted..Serval Cat
Thanks for sharing your story and pictures. Hope you will have a nice week!!
Drive safely. I can believe that you are looking forward to a really good meal when all the dentistry is finished. I have 3 gaps but the costs are ridiculous here, The 3 gaps will remain! Take care Diane
Diane recently posted..Slow Recovery
The skies in the first and last photos are amazing! If you get a chance, stop by my blog, and “Like” Hood Photography on Facebook! Thanks!
Glad you got some shoulder relief. Must be nice to finally have the dental work almost complete. Sounds like a long and painful process.
Sitting in the garden watching birds and flowers looks like a good way to relax.
Happy 4th, Gaelyn!
Janie of Utah recently posted..Communing with Nature
And a fascinating world it is! Yes, you will need to take it easy on that shoulder. Six implants! Oh my! I had one and thought that was a big deal. Great that you are taking care of your teeth. i do as well, but it is a constant challenge. Love the shots of the quail and flowers on Berta’s patio. Great sky shots too!