Tomorrow is my last day in a boot. The achilles tendon transfer was successful! I get to wear a PAIR of shoes and long pants for the first time since the first of January. For a month, anyway. Then I'll have surgery on my left achilles, and start the long recovery process again.

A few years ago I made a stout railing on the front steps. I designed it so that it can be lifted out of its brackets to be able to back up to the steps with my pickup - or an ambulance. When both of my achilles tendons ruptured at Christmas, I was in the hospital for 9 days, and during that time our newly retired carpenter/neighbor built a ramp. I was non weight bearing for 3 months, in a wheelchair, until I was fitted with carbon fiber orthotic braces, and could walk again with a walker. I requested a walker that had larger wheels than the standard issue, so I could move around my yard. After surgery, I used a standard knee scooterl but I fell every time I went outside, and sometimes in the house. So, I found an all terrain one on eBay, with disc brake, shocks, and a much more cushioned knee rest. No more crashes.

If anyone uses a walker or a knee scooter, and wants to be able to move around on uneven ground, I highly recommend getting the largest wheels. They're better inside, too, especially if there are sills in doorways. Much safer!

This week I'm going to install a grab bar inside my shower. I haven't used the shower since Christmas, so the bar wasn't needed urgently. I've considered a fold down seat, but the ones I've looked at have poor reviews.

Having a flashlight within close reach is another thing that can prevent accidents when the power goes off, which it's been doing quite regularly this summer.

Gotta stop and go cover the tomatoes and peppers because it's going to be close to freezing tonight.

Jim