Today’s guest picture was sent to me by Dropscone. His daughter Susan took it on a single track road up on the hill.
It was another day indoors for me, although Mrs Tootlepedal ventured out to sing in the church choir after breakfast.
While she was out, I set up the camera for a minute or two. There were moments of action…
…but the occasional flypast of a sparrowhawk and the constant lurking of a neighbour’s cat kept things pretty quiet for the most part.
Things really went downhill when we got a violent sleet shower….
….so I put the camera away and sank back into apathy.
I have sets of exercises to do four times a day and at the moment the effort required to do these is more than enough for a whole day’s work. On top of that, the Tootlepedal household furnishings do not include a chair and footstool combination that is comfortable to relax in for any length of time so my day consists of fidgeting, puffing, swearing sotto voce and groaning treble forte while tucking in from time to time to one of Mrs Tootlepedal’s excellent meals.
Finding a gap in the rain (the sleet didn’t amount to snow), we went for an extended walk after lunch round the block in a rare patch of sunshine.
This must have been at least 300m in length and was quite far enough for me.
I am probably more comfortable walking along with my crutches than in any other mode but it is tiring. However, I am confident that regular outings will pay off. What is not going so well is bending my knee to the minimum 90°. Straightening and lifting the leg is good but bending it is very hard work.
Dropscone dropped in in the afternoon and as a veteran of two knee replacements, was able to advise me on a course of really small progressive improvements. I shall follow his advice because he cycles in the morning and plays golf in the afternoon on his two metal marvels and is generally an example to us all.
I have noticed that in an act of extremely civil disobedience, many loyal and kind readers completely ignored my injunction not to comment on yesterday’s post (I have read and appreciated them all, naturally) so in act of devilish cunning, I am issuing an edict today that it is compulsory to comment on today’s post!
I did manage to get a single fuzzy shot of a flying bird before the sleet arrived this morning.
Tootlepedal's Blog 
I had a good laugh at your final injunction, glad you managed that long walk and some bird photography. The really small improvements sound a good idea. Dropscone has his uses besides being an excellent provider of provender.
I think that you’re making remarkable progress since it’s only been a week since you got your new knee. I’d think that it would be a couple of more weeks before the bones and ligaments heal, then you’ll make much faster progress.
Oh dear, it’s I who am feeling guilty now, writing on my tablet, so comfortable in my Swedish recliner chair, with wonderful back, thigh and calf support… I think you’re very brave, anyway.
It’ll come, it just takes time and Dropscone’s advice sounds like it’ll help.
Sorry – your attempt at reverse psychology didn’t work! I think it would be very easy to get frustrated with pain and apparent lack of progress. I am so glad that you have Dropscone’s advice and experience to give you tips and encouragement, in addition to Mrs. T’s TLC, of course.
It’s good you have a friend who has been through the knee replacement – It sounds like you are making progress, but it still will take being patient -which can be a tough pill to swallow. I did enjoy your pictures of the birds – thank goodness for birds!
Is it wrong that I sniggered at your musical grumbling description? As long as the swearing is sotto voce, I can rest easy that all is still good in this world. Wonderful to see the flying bird back again. Your progress, while seeming incredibly slow to the one living it, has us onlookers totally astounded. It has been but a week!!
I do try to do as I am told! I will say that the flying bird of the day is good to see and that I find it amazing that you have managed so much in just a week.
I hope the pain isn’t too bad and you don’t have too many stairways to navigate on those crutches. I always found stairs tough when I was on crutches.
You got outside for a walk much sooner than I thought you would so everything must be going well.
Glad to hear you are coming along well. Good to see the flying bird of the day!
Proving that I ocasionally follow directions …
I obeyed yesterday’s injunction and will obey today’s. I am impressed with how much you are managing to write and am glad that Dropscone has gone down this road before you and give you good advice and good hope for good cycling in the future.
Reverse psychology won’t work on us, TP! Glad to know that DS can help you along the road to recovery. His activeness is an encouraging sign. I’m saving a day for a Ventoux climb with you once you’re healed.
I am definitely up for that.
Whatever you say, sir, as long as it helps you to become your former self, sir.
I’ve learned patience with patients, seemingly something you have to apply to your precious self!
I bow to your experience and will become the very model of patience.
Dropscone is a jolly useful friend to have.
Chin up, Mr Tootlepedal – your many fans await your knee’s full recovery. Your buoyancy continues to inspire me. x
As you know I am a military man and am conditioned to follow orders. I obediently refrained from posting yesterday and today I am enthusiastically following instructions to the best of my abilities. Rehab is never a pleasant process and it can be very psychologically draining. Congratulations on your perseverance. Better days are ahead.
I feel for you with your struggles in pain and rehabilitation, and you have inspired me to be (a bit) more stoic. Kudos to the birds at your feeders, and thanks for coming to the page no matter what!
town square to monument in 12 minutes before you know it – stick in with horrible knee exercises.
I can’t afford a helicopter!
Nearly didn’t get my comment in!
Hope knee bending improves with all the exercises and helpful tips from Dropscone.
Love those birds.
Can’t think of anything.
I wish you a speedy recovery! As someone who needs a knee replacement eventually I admire your bravery. I’m dreading the process! Best wishes.
Go for it. You are a woman and will be able to bear the pain much better than me.
These things take time. Little steps. Crutches are hard work so 300m isn’t bad at all 🙂
No, I am very pleased with it.
Hang in there and get that knee up to snuff!
I am trying my best.
The birds love these sunflower hearts. Remember to keep the feeders nice and clean.
Glad your knee is feeling better.
I have two feeders which I alternate while cleaning the unused one.