Inspired

Krista was really inspired after yesterday's reunion, especially from Tim's gumption in wanting to get back to outdoor activities -- and that our doctor said it would be OK for him to be active! I guess if they were discussing walking that would be expected, but they were talking surfing and skateboarding... amazing! Krista recognized yesterday that she usually feels better when she has to go out, so she wanted to try getting out today.

The day started off slowly like usual, but Krista wasn't going to resign herself to the couch by default. She brought a regular chair to sit in, just so she wouldn't get too comfortable. And instead of a bath, she tried taking a shower for the first time since the transplant. I was concerned about the shower because our physical therapist had told her months ago that the sensation of the shower would be shocking and probably drain her energy the first time. It did feel strange at first because she's not used to that much stimulation on her skin, but she did great with it! She actually said that it was easier to get clean in the shower than in the bath.

After the shower, we headed out to Costco to get her glasses adjusted. Her glasses had become loose fitting since she got the transplant and they fall off her face if she bends over. On the way, we stopped to get some pizza at Gina's for lunch. She was a little tired from walking around the restaurant area, so when we went to Costco I wheeled her around in the wheelchair. It worked great and she was able to check out a few displays while we were there. She was getting her glasses adjusted when our eye doctor, Dr. Neil Mietus, who is also a friend of ours from Reality Carpinteria, came walking by. We haven't seen him in a couple of years, so that was a really nice surprise to see him. Once the glasses were adjusted, we stopped in at the new Best Buy next door to check out webcams (inspired by Oprah's recent Skype show). We didn't get one, but it helped Krista to understand the options.

That was a lot of activity, so we came home and took a little nap. But she wasn't done yet. Krista had learned that there was a new litter of baby goats in town and that Katherine Marton was planning on visiting them early this evening. Before that, though, we needed to go to the golf course to sign the boys up for a 3-day summer camp, which my mother wanted to give to the boys along with a week-long soccer camp. (Thanks Mom!) We had also talked about trying our hand at geocaching again, and there just happened to be a geocache hidden just behind the golf course. We got the boys signed up, found the geocache, ate a snack, picked up the Martons (our first real use of the minivan), and made it to see the goats right on time. Here's a few shots from our visit. The four "kids" were only a few days old, and about the size of an average cat. They were still a little wobbly but just starting to frolic a little. Very cute! They were a long-eared variety, called Nubian, that produce a higher butterfat milk than most goats. Adam especially liked seeing them, and Trevor especially liked seeing Garrett. Krista was so glad to be there but could feel herself getting to the end of her energy, so I took her back to the car while the rest finished up their visit.

Sue Reynolds brought us a spaghetti dinner tonight, and it was nice to be able to visit with her and her son Jerimiah, too. We've been so blessed to have such great help with these meals. Linda Berkley made us homemade polenta with ragu yesterday, too. God bless you all! Krista went to bed early tonight, tired but glad to have been able to get out to be in the real world once again.

Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.
(Psalm 28:6-9)