Days like this!

The beginning: My much larger home

February 5th, 2011
Looking upward & outward to my global home.  But today I can be found in bed, still recuperating from thumb & wrist surgery.  However, with the support of family & friends I am heading toward my real home, the whole globe!  I am planning a round-the-world trip with delight & trepidation. I hope to share this with you as fellow travellers. I will gaze over my shoulder at you sometimes, to be reassured that the steps I take are good ones, knowing that you will generously provide support and challenge for the adventure. What Christopher Robin said to Pooh, “Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

        I entered the year 2011 with extreme pain in my left hand and a dream   I was planning my first trip overseas and already had purchased the plane tickets. At first I thought I would go only to Italy & Greece, staying several weeks in Tuscany working on an organic farm. I always have loved the landscapes of Italy & the food & cultures of Italy & Greece!  After some thought, research and a few discussions, though, I realized I had a great chance this year to connect with one of my foreign exchange student "sisters," Jeeta, in Australia & one of her daughters in New Zealand, so my dream for this trip began to morph.  I decided to do a world trip!  I have people to visit in most continents, but I decided on NZ, Australia Asia and Europe.  Jeeta & her husband, Boon, are still young enough to want to show me around a bit, so I really wanted to spend time with them.   I also thought, "My health is still great; I am young enough to get around well by myself at 52-53!"  I bought the tickets, then, the severe pain struck!  Bone-on-bone at the base of my left thumb & carpal tunnel syndrome to boot!  The doc said I could wait a while, but eventually consider surgery.  I told him I did not want this pain on my trip, so we scheduled the surgery for Jnauary  31st.  I have been laid up all week & will be without the use of my left hand for 2 months...but at least then it will be practically like new when I head out on June 20th, 2011!  Exploration of my home planet!