Greetings from the Crash Pad! Life is in deep July here; heat, humidity, lush forests, and deer flies ~ amazingly very few mosquitos. (note: it has now been a few weeks since I wrote this…)
It has been two months since I was last here and I feel like I have been a world away.
Since I was last here, I had my back surgery on May 23, complied with the surgeon’s instructions to only walk and no other physical activity (no yoga even) for a very long 6 weeks, and got the all clear to return to normal life on July 9. I left my post-op appointment in near tears from the relief that that phase of my life was over, came home and packed, and the next day came to the Crash Pad.
Physically recovery went very very good and I feel great. But my mental health suffered during recovery when my usual outlets for stress relief (biking, yoga) were gone ~ it was tough, really tough, and I will be writing about that in stories to come. Recovery Phase 2 will be returning to my physical therapist to build my body back up to a better place and continuing to see the mental health professional who has been helping me to navigate this challenging time.
I am happy to say that I am back on my bike! When I hopped on on July 12 I could instantly tell the surgery and recovery was all worth it. It was like I had a new body. Another emotional moment on a long journey. I am so thankful for a good surgeon, a good recovery, and to be back doing what I love. Not only physically will things continue to get better, but this is a vital part of my mental health recovery.
In Cabin Stories…
Part of my surgery recovery, but also part of my grieving and healing, has been working on Inge’s remembrance video. This took a long time because I had so many issues with my computer memory and file storage, but also because it was very very hard to work on emotionally. The last week of my restricted movement recovery I also got to the end of the video and many many tears were shed. I miss Inge every single day, she was such a light in my life and such a strong personality. If you are interested…
In GenX Notes…
I will be writing a series of stories, My Back Pain Journey as an Athlete, about what my life has been like the last 2 years. The first story is available for your reading pleasure.
So what’s been happening at the Crash Pad you might ask…
After diligent watering with A LOT of help from my neighbor while I was recovering from surgery and could not go to the Crash Pad, we have grass! BUT, turns out the seed supplier has confirmed it is the WRONG GRASS!
I am patiently waiting for the seed supplier and our landscaper to work through this issue, hoping they correct it.The landscaper has confirmed they will be killing off all this grass and replanting with the correct seed.
The front porch is finally finished thanks to a great contractor we found.
Picture from my neighbor while I was home recovering. We rehired our contractor to complete the final crowning jewel on the exterior of the Crash Pad ~ the Screen Porch, which is being built as I type! This space is about the same as the living room area, it is going to be a game changer! I envision days of dogs laying about here, doing yoga, happy hours, and many good meals. I can’t wait to see it completed when I return in August!
Spring and Early Summer has been alive with the cutest baby deer and mama sightings on our security camera…
AND bear sightings!
And as I type today (the last day of July, 2025) the roofers have arrived to finish the roof on the screen porch. We can’t wait to see it!
Recommendations:
One thing that really helped me through my recovery, and beyond, was watching Amy Hudson cycle the Tour de France route, plus transfers. WAY better than the actual Tour. Super inspiring, and all for a good cause. As someone recovering both physically and mentally, and who understands how important cycling is in my life for both ~ I get it.
I don’t know about you, but Kurt and I were Oasis fans in college. This brilliant piece of marketing makes me want to go out and buy a track suit and some Samba’s stat.
It is hard to believe August begins tomorrow, but with that will come new adventures. It is my hope now that I am not living daily in excruciating pain I can more frequently share stories with you than I have over the last year.
Thanks for continuing to read and watch. I have always appreciated your kind words about my creativity in all its forms. ~DeAnn