Vacation and Surgery

Talk about an interesting couple of weeks. 

I had a great time at the cottage the beginning of this month.  The weather was really, really hot so we spent a lot of time in the water.  I got to spend a lot of time the with baby, EL, and my grandson, OP.  EL is walking and is quite a handful to keep an eye on to keep her out of trouble.  She just laughs all the time.  OP spend so much time in the water that his parents, JT and I were tired at the end of the day from taking turns swimming with him.

The loon family were successful this year and have one chick.  They have been paddling by the cottage every day and even got used to OP being in the water.  They swam about 20 feet from him one day while he was in the water.  What a thrill for OP and what a fine memory.

When I got back I had to go in for some out patient surgery.  I have had a bowel problem for a few years and after finally getting fed up with accidents, I went to a specialist about 30 miles from here.  Turns out he is part of a national research project to do experimental surgery on 152 women with my problem.  Four very small incisions.  Something called a Topas Sling was inserted.  Surgery went very well.  Very little pain.  Now I just have to wait and see if it worked.  I will be studied for 39 months.  Must do 2-week diaries (a couple of times over the 39 months).  All expenses paid.  Also get paid $600 if I complete all my visits.  I think I am very lucky to have found this option.  The alternative was very nasty surgery.  It was a no brainer to agree to it.