12 Hours Without Power

 Last night there was a terrific wind and suddenly there was no power.  We were just getting into bed close to midnight.  We found the flashlight and knew that when the power came back on, we would be surprised with bright lights and loud signals.  But the power did not come back on.  I checked my phone around 1 am which was the only way to know the time and it gave an estimated time of 4:30 am for restored  power.  Then that got pushed back to 2:00 pm. 

 Jim had his annual physical at 9 am but the garage door opener was not functioning of course.  He was able to open the door manually which we had not done in the six years we lived here.  I tried to message him to pick up coffee at Burger King but with the internet down, that message did not go out.  However, he thought of that great idea himself and we got our drug of choice even if we enjoyed it a bit later than usual.  

With Jim gone and my cell phone out of power, I was more careful than usual not to fall.  I would have had no way of getting help until he got home.  It was so dark and disconcerting to walk into rooms and try to turn on a light foolishly!  We had guests coming at 4 pm and I was hoping to bake some almond bars but that had to wait.

11:44:  Suddenly the dining room lights brightened the apartment.  Power!  Hooray!  But we still had trouble with WiFi.  I suggested Jim turn the router off and on and that seemed to do the trick.  However, Xfinity messaged us later to say they restored WiFi at 4:50 pm.  

It was not cold at least  and we didn’t need to cook.  Jim took a quick shower before leaving home—while there was still some hot water in the tank.  I washed up with cold water later.  

How dependent we are on power!  I read my book for a while carefully finding a place where light was coming in a window.  During the night I opened the blinds just to have enough light from the sky to find my way to the bathroom.  

Our guests were at the Hampton Inn and were not aware of losing power.  Jeff said he was also not aware of losing power.  Maybe it was a very localized Barclay Square issue.  But we are glad it is over and we are in touch with the world again!

Celebrating the end of “The Year of the Hip”

The year began on March 3, 2025 when an x-ray came back as severe osteoarthritis and officially ended on March 3, 2026 but I was having too many problems with back muscle spasms to want to celebrate.  However, that has been much better the last few days so tonight we went to our usual place for celebrations—On the Border.  We were early enough to do the happy hour and today was a special for fajitas for two.  I thought I ordered a small margarita but there it was—the grande.  And it was good and a real treat after a month of no alcohol with my pharmacy of post surgery drugs.

I am able to walk without a cane or walker in the apartment.  I haven’t wanted to walk outside yet without some assistance but that time will come.  I am doing some exercises daily that Jennifer and Justin, my physical therapists,, taught me.  I am trying to walk at least a short ways daily.  Sadly, some bills are starting to arrive and there will probably be more asking for what insurance did not cover.  But the “year of the hip” is over and I am so grateful to be walking without pain and with more mobility.

A Bridal Shower

Katie’s maid of honor and bridesmaid gave her a lovely shower this afternoon. It was held at Chamber’s Cafe in Lawrenceville, about a twenty minute ride from Princeton.  Susan and Katie gave me a ride there and Alex gave me a ride home.  The room was decorated festively and there was a bingo card designed to help us mingle and get to know each other.  The buffet brunch was delicious.  I was thankful for Julie Weed’s help (Eli’s mom) because using a cane and filling a plate can be a challenge.  

The gift opening was going to be saved for later at Jeff and Susan’s house.  I was happy with my purchase of a mirrored vanity tray—very much like the one someone gave me at a bridal shower almost 60 years ago.  I hope Katie can use it and remember her grandma for many years to come! 

I was unsure if I would be able to make it to the shower with the back muscle spasms that have been bothering me this week.  But I did it and managed to forget them for most of the time.   

30 Days of Drugs

 I am taking the last of the many drugs prescribed for me for the aftermath of hip replacement surgery.

One was to coat the lining of my stomach to protect it from all the others.  One was an anti-inflammatory drug.  Two baby aspirin a day were to prevent blood clots.  And then there was the Tylenol—three times a day with three 275 mg pills.  Plus OxyContin which I did not take and an optional laxative.

I stopped the megadoses of the Tylenol a few weeks ago.  I was not having pain and did not want to take so many of them.  But I diligently took the other pills and recorded my doing so on a spread sheet lest I forget or overdose.  

And ….finally the day has arrived.  I am taking the last of the medications today.  Tomorrow I can have a glass of wine again-or maybe even celebrate with an On the Border margarita later this week!  In June, when I took the last of the 30 days of pills, my right hip started to hurt.  Apparently it had been protected by the Celebrix.  I have no more hips to be replaced.  I hope the knees and shoulders don’t start aching! I am so glad this day has arrived!