Chris in recovery

Talking and eating cookies. Must be some good meds!

Gogos ladies gone wild weekend June 18, 2011

Gogos ladies gone wild weekend June 18, 2011
More pictures than facebook.
Links to videos from that night show.
Some other really cool old stuff.

Chris and I wil the Go-Gogos

Garden Chaos

Chaos theory

Got to get the GoGo's pictures posted soon.





Jane Wiedlin and me
"Its such a rush  just being with you"

The tour manager who used my camera to take the picture had some shaky hands!!!! The lighting was poor and the colors horrible for a background for a picture. Have to take try and take some of the distortion out of the pics. Still better than nothing!!!!!



Yet another Vet appointment

So now Grace is going into her regular vet to see why she has a sore (possible boken) FOOT!!!!!!!!!!

TEST

TEST

Giverny? nope

Nymphaea 

Grace is up to old tricks....

Since Grace had surgery on Wed, her post op pain seems to be down a bit. She is not moaning and crying  AND killing me on a regular basis. The fentanyl patch comes of tomorrow, but I don't think it will hang on that long. Taking tramadol and antibiotic has been a challenge.  Worse than ever.   We tried a pill pocket the other day made from real meat. It worked for 2 doses....She wont go near them now!!!!

Still not eating well. An occasional treat. drinking well.  She will let me ICE her but no other PT.  It is going to be a long road.
Missing Little Allie.   Dont know when I am going to get her home again.  It has been since the middle of March.

Loven the rhodies this year

It was a good year for the rhodies

Water Gardens coming along well.

Have to get this pond cleaned out still 

reflection

Grace update.....Well here we go again.

Grace is going to need additional surgery.  It appears that here knee cap has been stabilized from side to side motion, but it is still slipping up her leg. (patella alta).  This surgery will be all soft tissue work. Healing time should be about 3 weeks.  She will have to stay immobilized again.

Don't know when I will be able to bring little Allie home :(

About 16 hours total and she is done! Thanks for all the help travel buds......we are so handy

Update on Grace's surgery

Gracie had her xrays done and the bone has healed well.  She does has some calcification of the cruciate ligament and tendon. This may lead to some early arthritis but he expects her to be fine.

There is some concern over her still guarding the leg. Hopefully with stretching of the tight muscles this too will be alleviated. So we will continue with rehab for a while.  The worst case scenario would be screw irritation but this is not very likely. 

She can slowly return to normal activity with no restrictions.

Updated: Tornado Damage Leads To Closure of Some Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

F4 tornado in Cades Cove.....

Happy Easter Everyone.

Easter Saturday looks like it turned out to be the better of the weekend days.

Grace is getting some Fresh air. Not sure if I will take her to grandpa's house to see Allie today.  Maybe to much excitement for her.

Soakin' in the sun and warmth

Getting in some much needed wood time.

Oh Vey the yard needs so much work already. Wish the rain/snow would stop.

Grace after physical therapy

All worn out.

Hanging poolside in L.A. nice day

Ncl star in cabo day 2

Buenos dias de Cabo San Lucas. Hot hot hot

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Santa MONICA beach

Spring awakenings

Grace's staples out

well we had a visit to the vet today.  Grace had her staples removed.  The Dr. was very happy with her progress . Good range of motion.  She has been cleared for rehab so I have an appt on Monday.  Looks like things all worked out and I can go on the Cruise Next Saturday.

Grace 10 days post op.

Grace is getting a bit friskier.  Wanting to do more or the things she is not allowed to do. She is still not eating well. Maybe she is missing her buddy Allie.

Still not interested in bones?

Not so happy to be restrained.

At least she is drinking plenty of water. Occasionally eating some hamburger and rice.

EUROPE 2010

Wow after months of off and on work I have sorted through the over 4000 pictures from our trip to Europe in Nov 2010. Hard to pick out the best, but the web site is done. Jennifer M. I don't know how you do it.
You can link to it below.

Live to travel photographic log of travel, friends and family

Grace post op.

As of Sunday still not eating. Even canned food and beef broth is a no go. Still not allowing us to do any physical therpay.

is this all that I get?

European Vaction pictures

Baring any major problems I hope to have the entire trip from Nov ready to go live!!!!
Finally.  Watch for updates.  http://www.travellogonline.net/

Grace's Sugery.

So things went well with her surgery.  She had a 50% tear in her cruciate ligament. So that had to be repaired.  The goove that her petella (knee cap) rides in was shallow so she had to have trochleopasty to deepen the groove. Finally to help prevent this from happening again, She had a tibial tuberosity advancement.(TTA). TTA stabilizes the knee joint by changing the geometry and physics of the knee. Tibia Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): This gives us a little shorter recovery in theory than the Tibia Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).


Her xray should look something
 like this



Her minsus and patella so no signs of DJD

She Just doesn't stop

Even with a bad knee Grace insists on
Jumping on me  and being a lap dog.
80 lbs.

Margarita

Chris gearing up for Mexico

Grace's propoesed sugery. If we can afford it

Most likely procedure
How the does the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Works?

During weight bearing, the femur slides down the tibial plateau. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) acts against this downward force. Dogs having a more steep slope are more predisposed to rupturing the ACL. A more perpendicular angle between the tibial plateau and the patellar tendon will result in a more stable joint.

The TTA corrects for this slope by adjusting the angle between the tibial plateau and the patellar ligament. This technique offer more advantages than other surgical techniques by being less invasive and faster to perform. The patients undergoing this procedure don't need to wear any bandage when going home. By advancing the tibial tuberosity in a ACL deficient knee, the patellar ligament is adjusted perpendicular to the tibial plateau. This eliminates the tendency of the femur to move downward over the sloped tibia.

The tibial tuberosity is osteotomized with a special saw and advanced using a special titanium cage. This cage is secured by screws and acts as a bone expander. To achieve final stability a titanium plate is secured to the tibial tuberosity by a titanium fork. The plate is secured to the tibia by two more titanium screws.


•The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy - TPLO involves making a curved cut in the top of the tibia bone (osteotomy) to include the tibial plateau. The tibial plateau is then rotated along the curved osteotomy in order to level the slope. A plate and screws are used to hold the tibial plateau in place so that the bone can heal in its new position. Below left is radiograph of a stifle before TPLO surgery and below right is a radiograph demonstrating the curved cut in the tibia bone and rotation of the the tibial plateau. Take note of the metal plate and screws that hold the bone together. The tibial plateau should not be leveled to 0 degrees or less as this will strain and potentially tear the caudal cruciate ligament. One research study indicated that dogs that had a postop tibial plateau angle between 2 and 14 degrees clinically did very well, however the original recommendation by Dr. Slocum is 5 degrees.

•Take note of this radiograph which is a front view of the stifle after TPLO surgery has been completed. A plate, which has been manually contoured by the surgeon to the shape of the tibia bone, is fastened in place with six screws. It is critical to ensure that no screws penetrate through the top of the tibia bone into the stifle, as this will result in severe damage to the joint with resultant arthritis.

Grace Vet Visit.

She now is at 80lbs
The limping she has been having is due to a subluxing patella.  She needs to see an orthopedic specialist and most likely will need surgery to re groove the knee cap.

Is sping in the air.

Maybe spring is really on the way. Saw a rather large skunk walking down my street today.  Then later a large flock of geese.  They were flying pretty high, so I don't think that they were local.

Pencil sketch of bears

The wife of one of my patients made this for me, knowing my love of bears. Kind of hard to see.

Still working on those vacation pictures.

10990 feet tall

Sailing past Mt Etna in Sicily. Snow capped.

A very rare peaceful moment.



all tired out after play



Grace Loves the Snow and cold

Chewing on a stick in the yard

Snuggled up together

Like 2 birds of a feather would be

Looks like my blog feed is having difficulty

Looks as if my blog content is not transferring to the website.  This has happened before.  I usually starts back up in a few days.   I hope this entry may "push" it
http://www.travellongonline.net/

Christmas basket

Beautiful christmas basket sent to me and my staff. It is nice to feel appreciated in an environment were we are used to such negativity. Thanks for the christmas cheer!

My car buried in Buffalo after Vacation

Not the best picture but car under 3 feet of snow in my dads drive way. We had to hire a bobcat to finish digging it out. Almsot 2 full dump truks of snow removed and hauled away

At the christmas tree farm

Looking for our tree

Cairo Day 2

Egypt Day 2


After breakfast at our hotel we headed out to visit the Citadel of Salah Al-Din and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammad Ali. As we drove the crowded streets of Cairo to reach of destination we had a very nice education of on the religion of Islam. Hmmm very different from what is presented on fox news?

Next we were off to the step pyramid of Saqqara and the Imhotep museum. Here again it was interesting to be able to enter the tomb and understand what the carving on the wall represented to see how there were so many depictions of food being brought to the soul for the afterlife.

Our journey continued to the ancient city of Memphis. This was pretty small site and we opted to cut some time from the visit there to have more type at Giza. We stopped at the Mit Rahina Museum to see the huge fallen king Rames II statue and the alabaster sphinx.

It was then time for lunch at another 5 start hotel. I should mention that every site visited, every hotel, museum etc had security check points with metal detectors and x-ray machines. Some people were annoyed by this but after all it is Egypt. This hotel actually checked under the cars and busses with a mirror before you could get to the front entrance.

After lunch was the high light of the trip. The pyramids of Giza and the sphinx. Now much to say but wow!!!!!!!!

We were warned about the vendors at the sites especially the pyramids and how they could be vultures. It turned out to be true. We were even chased by a man on a camel, but hey it made for a great picture. When driving in Egypt they do not believe in staying in their lanes. So a 3 lane road can have 5 lanes of traffic. They speak to each other by using their horns. It is crazy and very scary. But part of their culture. I am sure that this is the same in the port. Ships heading into the port in all directions, in the fog blowing their horns. It makes sense after seeing the way they drive.

Many people on the ship were turned off by all the garbage and filth in the streets. Luckily from my research and from another friend being here last years I was prepared. I was expecting it and chalked it up to culture and 20 million in one city. It was unfortunate that some could not see the beauty, friendly warm people that actually live here for the garbage in the streets. Most say they wound not return. I would. I would not see all the same sites, for there is so much more to see here. Lots of people have the Gi bug. We are not allowed to touch any of the food. We cannot even get our own coffee.

I ask who faults is this? Is it Egypt? Or people who did not bring had sanitizer with them? Drank orange juice most likely from concentrate? We were very diligent and it looks like it paid off.

I loved seeing all the people in the streets, the donkeys, water buffalo they are a part of what life is in Cairo.

I give our trip an A+++++ the only way it could have been better is if the fog lifted earlier. Maybe It gave us extra education time.

Eygpt

Egypt Day one. Nov 28 2010.


I write this as we sail hugging the coast of Libya.

We awoke to the sound of ships horns as we pulled into the port of Alexander. Very strange as we had never heard this at any other port on any other cruise. I now know why….. more on this later.

This blog is not only to update you on a travels, but to serve as a diary for us of our travels. So this portion will be lengthy. But wow what an adventure.

Our trip was delayed starting by about 2 hours due the dense sand fog and road closures. We meet our guide Abir who teaches at the Cairo University with a PhD in Egyptology, Our Driver Mohammad and our armed guard. We left in a large caravan with police in front and behind. It was a 3.5 hour ride to Cairo with the unbelievable traffic. NYC traffic it a tame country drive compared to what we experienced. Imaging going 60 miles an hour and a donkey pulled cart of carrot pulls out in front of you and the bus just swerves around it without breaking. Women in Burkas stepping in front of the bus with children in tow. Pregnant women running across 12 lanes of traffic jumping the concrete barriers in the middle. This is not a once or twice event but a common sight for 2 full days. The whole trip went by fast as Abir kept us engaged in history, culture and info on Egypt. What an incredible guide. She taught us so much as we drove from site to site.

Once we arrived in Cairo our first stop was the National museum. Abir showed us her favorite pieces as well as the most important items. I must say that his was one of the most enjoyable visits to a museum I have ever had. Do to some of the education of the bus, including photos and books, with the guides help we were able to actually read some of the hieroglyphics including a page of the “book of the dead”

Next we checked into our hotel and had lunch. We stayed at the Fairmont Four seasons Nile city. This was the fanciest hotel that we have ever stayed in. We hated to head back out for the eve.

We headed out to the Giza plateau to see the English version of the light show narrated by the Sphinx. It was an amazing night in the Sahara dessert. Warm breeze, stars in the sky very dark. Then out of the total darkness. The great pyramid and sphinx appeared. A very moving moment indeed. ( the next day we actually heard someone in our group say that he thought it was a fake stage production and not the real thing??????? AGHHHH!)

Next we were off to the pipers museum for a demonstration on how the ancient paper is made and why it holds up so well. There was store to buy some and do some other shopping as well.

The final event of the night was dinner cruise on the River Nile. We boarded our river boat and set sail. We had a nice mix for dinner of tradition mid eastern foods as well as the American like staples. We were entertained by belly dancer as well as a whirling dervish dancer. Of course you cannot forget the wonder views of the Nile.

We got to are Hotel about midnight and awaited our 6am wake up call.

TURKEY adventure

Izmir Turkey…Nov 26th (long but read the whole thing funny)


I am updating this on the day after our visit to Turkey as we sail toward Egypt. We are getting some warm and sunny weather. Turkey was a pretty fascinating place. So far, it is the most different place I have ever been.

We started our day by being greeted by our private driver and guide. Just Chris and I on this tour. As we travel to our first stop, about an hour we were educated on the customs, history and economy of Turkey. Our first stop was at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is where she lived out her final years high on a mountain top. It was very moving. We were advised not to drink from the natural holy water spring. I did soak my rosary that I have had since my first communion.

Next we went down the mountain to the ancient city of Ephusus. We spent 2.5 hours exploring the ruins have ever detail explained to us. Our guide was very good. After we left he asked to at least stop and look in a leather shop as a favor to him. It was very expensive. We were out in 3 min. We skipped a visit to another site because I wanted to see the city. So instead of returning to the ship we were dropped at the heart of Izmir….Konic Square.

We wondered the Kermeralti Bazaar. It was and experience for all the senses. NO BAD SMELLS other than the fresh fish. Chris almost shit his pants when the call to prayer came over the loud speakers. It was deafening.

So next it was time to find something to eat. We found this “restaurant” in the heat of the bazaar. No menu. In the his limited English the owner “took care of us” and I know we were going to be ripped off.

1. We started with all this just a taste free stuff

What we later found out was fermented HOT carrot juice.

A yogurt drink that was ok but I was afraid was not pasteurized.

A very fresh salad.

A taste of the meat that was skewer in the window.

2. I pointed to some pictures of what I wanted but no luck. I make plate for you. AND did he ever.

-The soulvaki like meat.

-Pita pizza which is the real way pita is served with meat and cheese and spices.

-Turkish meatballs with a special spice one the side delivered and spooned on our plates by a very attractive women.

-some bread

-fresh tomatoes, onions sweat cabbage.



3. Desert some soft cake with honey and a coffee caramel sauce over it very light.

4. Pepsi zero.

We did not even come close to finishing all the food. Finally it came time for the bill. No itemized list just number 42 TL. I checked my credit card today 29 American dollars. We ate like kings. I only had 20 Turkish lera left. I made the mistake of asking if he know how much a Takis would be to the port. Suddenly his English not so good. He did not understand asked for address. Chris took our his Turkish landing card(temp visa) and the 20 TL fell on the table he grabbed it and said oh for me thanks…..What the heel do you do? He did get us a body guard to walk us to the main square takis stand. So I guess the going rate for body gauds in Turkey in 11 American Dollars plus an ATM charge for another 20 TL. Always an adventure!!!!!!

Will be in Cairo Sun until Monday night out of touch until Tuesday.

Crete...... Yummy ooompah

Crete Greece……Nov 25


As I write this we are sailing by Santorini.

Well this was great detour. It was a great day. Sunshine and warm temps. We rented a cab for 5 hours with some new friends. We had a tour of the Island. We then went to the ruins of Knossos, the archiological museum of Herakeion and the Greece orthodox cathedral. We then asked the driver to take us to a good local restaurant. He took us 15 min out of town down the coast to a fish tavern. We had unbelievable seafood lunch. We started out with ouzo, calamari, grilled octopus, shrimp, taziki, fresh sardines fried potatoes.

octupus

For desert we had a yummy orange cake, fresh fruit and multiple shots of raki.

All this was on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean sea

Along the way he took us to this small church that was located with a small cave. This cave and restaurant were not on the basic tourist route.

Happy Thanks Giving everyone!!

 While you eat your turkey Dinner              



We will be searching the streets of crete for Ouzo ans soulvaki



Rome and sea day

Rome Nov 23 and sea day Nov 24


Rome was great! We did all we wanted and A bit more. We arrived a bit late due to the train being late because of severe weather. But once off the ship we had sunny warm day.

We arrived in termini station and headed to S Maria Della Vitoria to see the Ecstasy of St Theresa statue by Bernini. We then proceeded to the coliseum for an inside visit followed by an exploration of the Roman forum.

We then walked to the Piazza Navonna to see the fountain of the 4 rivers by Bernini. It was OPEN. Then last 2 visits to Rome the fountain was under construction. We had an awesome lunch just off the square and walked and walked to the Spanish steps to catch the metro back to the train station. We arrived back at the ship where they collected our passports to obtain our visas for the Egypt stop.

Today which is a day at sea we woke up to great views of the coast of Sicily with mount Etna covered in snow. We missed Mt Stromboli……. With its active lava flows.

We did get bad news today….Due to a strike tomorrow and civil unrest we will not be going to Athens.  The ship has been diverted to Crete. What the hell do we do on Crete. I will let you know.

Barcelona Spain

Barcelona Spain Nov 21.


We said good bye to Lynn this am. This was our transition day from the western med to the 12 day eastern med cruise. We got off the ship around 830 and headed out to the plaza de espanya to catch a train

To Montserrat. It is about an hour train ride through the Spanish country side to this spectacular mountain Monastery. Once you get off the train you connect with the mountain funicular that will take you up to the top of this mountain. It is a truly awesome site.

We arrived just in time to hear most of the high Spanish mass at the basilica . this included singing by the Montserrat boys choir which is one of the oldest in Europe. After the mass they do a 2 song concert as well.

We then got in line to see the Black Madonna, carved by the apostle St John. I don’t know a lot on the history of this, so I will need to do some research when I get home. We returned to Barcelona and took the metro to Las Rambles. It was packed. It was good to see that all the street “performers” are our and about in the late fall. So we should see lots of weirdoes on our return to Barcelona. Chris was starving so we splint a late lunch and got back to the ship about 530.

We have a spa package this cruise…….so off we went.

Palma de Mallorca Spain.

Saturday, Nov 20 Palma de Mallorca Spain.


This was a very nice day on this Spanish Island in the med. The weather cooperated nicely. It was cool, but sunny. We visited an awesome cathedral with some very cool stained glass windows and an alter that was redesigned by Antonio Gudi. We also saw some very old Arabian baths. We kind of just explored. Found a nice piazza to have a sangria and paella in and watch the world go by.

It's my Birthday and I want to be your next President!!!!

VOTE FOR ME, ELLEN
BECAUSE ITS MY BIRTHDAY DAMIT!