Birds And Surgery

 12/5/25

This robin looks a bit disgusted with the weather!













My previous post of the 10 day weather turned out to be a bit inaccurate as usual. This morning's low was -2°F. A very chilly start to the day as evidenced by the nonstop birds getting all the suet they can. I was happy to see a red bellied woodpecker, along with the usual smaller ones. I can't get good photos of the birds because the deck is backlit by the sunny yard, and in shadow, so the photo below is one I took out my classroom window when I had my classes involved in Cornell's Project Feederwatch about 10 years ago. 

Red bellied woodpecker














Yesterday's surgery was interesting. I thought my eardrum was just going to be disconnected from a bone it was lying against. When the Dr tried that, it caused the eardrum to tear irreparably. He also noted the bone was damaged. So a bone was replaced, and a new silicone eardrum was installed. Sounds like I'm a major appliance now. 🤖 I did not get the info from my surgeon I wanted, as I was asleep, but I keep checking MyChart so I can get the nitty gritty details. What materials, how are they attached, how long do they last? The surgeon talked to Dale, but she, a retired English teacher, couldn't fathom the extent of data I require to know about the hardware in my ear, lol! We had a good chuckle about that.

I do not like general anesthesia (does anyone?) as I slept most of the day and night. My throat is sore from the intubation, but I drank lots of water to flush out the drugs and am feeling fine enough to go to a luncheon with the women I used to work with. I'll just have a cotton ball stuck in my ear. My post op appt. will let me know if this was all successful since my ear is 'packed' for the next week while it heals.  I was surprised to learn I'm not supposed to do strenuous exercise, so I cancelled a planned hike tomorrow as well.

That is Dale right next to me along with a bunch of my retired teacher group. The only one still working is Tina at the head of the table - she is recovering from a cancer battle. We are showing her how fun retirement can be.

Retired teacher group


The luncheon was lovely and hosted by Sharon B. We usually meet at a restaurant, but then only get to chat with the people closest to you. We had plenty of time to mingle and chat before we all sat down to eat and chat some more.  I thoroughly enjoyed our 3 hour party, and got to catch up with everyone. I'm planning on hosting one in January or February - a cabin fever event.


Now I'm back in my comfy clothes on the couch with a cup of tea and a book. I'm reading West With Giraffes this weekend as that is about all I'm allowed to do. There is the Victorian Stroll in Troy on Sunday so I may try to gather a group to meet there. I was just not meant to sit around too much. 


Comments

  1. MargaretDecember 5, 2025 at 11:54 PM

    That surgery does sound complicated. Do they just have silicone ear drums lying around in case they need them? I hope it worked! I'd be impatient to find out. What a lovely group of teacher friends. I have two groups that are from my educational career-Ram Ladies (World Language besties) and Book Club. I made such great friends in my 37 years at my high school. I very much enjoyed "West with Giraffes." Hope you do as well. Take it EASY!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maureen MDecember 6, 2025 at 4:49 PM

    Yes, they have plenty of ossicular chain prosthetics in stock. I really hope the surgery worked as it's been uncomfortable losing my hearing. I agreed to go on a luminary walk tonight before I came to my senses and stayed home. I'm really hurting with sore muscles today from the anesthesia drugs. I probably shouldn't have gone to the lunch yesterday, but it was fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda's Relaxing LairDecember 6, 2025 at 7:04 PM

    Your photos are beautiful and heartwarming. I wish you good health and happiness. Warm greetings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada 😊 ❤️ 🇨🇦

    ReplyDelete
  4. Maureen MDecember 6, 2025 at 11:33 PM

    Welcome Linda! Montreal is such a nice city - I can't wait to visit it next summer for a bike trek.

    ReplyDelete

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