Half-miler

Stan's good friend Matt took Stan to Dakotah today for a few turns around the walking track. Slower than most, but faster than some. Therapists have set a goal of 90 seconds around the 12th mile track. (Push off the back foot and it goes better.) Trying to find that smooth rhythm.

Occupational therapy

The first household project since The Big Event occurred this afternoon, when Stan installed a baby latch preventing Birdie from unauthorized entry to our wastebasket. A similar latch was installed this fall, and worked. . .until Andrew yanked the drawer and broke it. It can keep out a small dog but. . .
After returning from the day's big outing to Lowes,we used the old holes, which meant prohibited power tools were unnecessary.

Look who came to our house!

Cousin Harold came from Bismarck to look in on Stan, approving of his program of therapy. The two are spending some time, telling stories from bygone days and solving some of today's world problems.

Buttercup, Buttercup, Buttercup, Buttercup

Photo by Katie Rolfsrud

It seems like all the therapists are named Katie, including Catie, above, who agreed to have her picture taken even if she hadn't done her hair today. They’re all wonderful and very helpful in putting this behind me. Catie’s my speech therapist in Shakopee, teaching me, among other things, to swallow, drink and speak.

Pop, pop, pop
Mom, Mom, Mom,
Cup, Cup, Cup, Cup
Jump, jump, jump.

you get the idea.

Busy, working in some therapy, boss

Sunday was a big day.
Stan's nephew Ford dropped in around noon to wish  us well. He told us about playing Kubb in Sweden.
Then Missy arrived with our grandchild, Emily Kathleen, and we heard all about Missy in the March yesterday. Then we opened some gifts left over from Christmas. Lots to do, sorry about the Packers.
Stan was working his therapy stuff all the while, honest, boss.

Not ready for prime time......yet

Walked six minutes today. Attained a score just below norm for all men my age, also still working on swallowing and small motor skills.
Trying to get some swagger in my step, :)

Photos by Kathleen

Warmer weather

We opened the porch to take advantage of the sunny warm weather today. Therapy goes well with the sunshine. We are climbing out of the hole!

Something we should have done long ago. . .

Before

Andrew found the studs and will install a grab bar in our shower. Later, Laurie and Kim will be here for food. The attention is great.
Thanks to all.
Stan

after

Stan is home now! Thanks for all good wishes!

We drove through St. Paul and then home for our project today.
We greeted Birdie and she remembered her Dad.
(where ya been!)

Home Today!

As predicted, Stan will be home today. Kathleen will be here and we should be in Shakopee by noon. Not sure yet, of course.
Hmm. They said to let Kathleen drive. An abundance of caution, I suppose ;)

The Science Project

A couple of o.t.'s took the afternoon off with Stan today

He'd never seen the science museum in St. Paul, so this was an opportunity of a lifetime. In the company of minders, he explored a small part if it . . .and touched up his free throw form in case the Timberwolves call.

Yippee! I got my walking papers!

Some progress  to report: I have bread with meals (level 3) and I can ambulate the area with distant supervision. What it means is I can walk without a walker, I don't have one in the room.

My inspiration

One of us in the picture ab9ve had surgery just before this was taken and it isn't the bald guy. My sweet8e (jennifer) had some work before coming up four flights to encourage her old man yesterday. Now she's in Shakopee gett8ng some mac and cheese from Mom....where she should be. I am doing fine. I Posted, didn't I?

It ain't ALL bad

Kyla is just another outstanding helper at United Hospital. (What did you expect me to say? She controls my bodily functions and everything else.)

room with a view

here i am at united, across i=35 i can see the james
 j hill house and beyond that the st paul cathedral
you wouldd pay big bucks elsewhere for this. it's not extra here
i am on the eighth floor.

photos by kathleen

my care team today

most people don't know it, but this is the 1965 high hurdle champion of Alexandria high.
jodi knows it.
that's Jennifer in the back.

do what you're told and you'll get out sooner

Here i am, doing as i'm told. getting better at THAT!

jn sent this!

it is easier to use an exclamation than a period!

Progress report, sorta

i am typing with left hand only -- no jen this time -- and should let you know about all the great therapy i am getting.  i am not allowed sharp objects yet so i guess i'll be growing my beard again :) jen said she might send a pix to spice the blog. oh yes, they predict a jan 14 outdate, but that's a guess. the biggies are now back from new year's vacation so we continue with a serious therapy. still nothing from jen. she is apparently slower than i am, if that's possible.  oops, got to go. my nurse says it is time for my shower. don't want to miss this!

Hi Everybody, I had a mild stroke and am at United Hospital in St. Paul in the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center. (Jennifer is typing this for me) Prognosis is good they seem to know what they're doing. The nurses and therapists are paying special attention to me. :)