DRAG-A-LEG WEATHER & REPORT--MY MOM

While the drag-a-leg weather this fall hasn't been as good as last year, I am still getting reports from some WNR who are continuing to get rides in on some of the warm days.  Apparently Lois has ventured out, and Jim & Cathy said they took a trip up north near Brownsville to see if the swans were down yet.  By the way, on my way back from LaCrosse last Monday I was treated to a spectacular view of the swans just south of Stoddard.  So if you get a chance either by cage or cycle, the white swans are really neat to see.  Hopefully they will be around for a while yet.  Also, on Friday, Dennis, Chuckles, and I ventured over to Oelwein for Dean's open house.  While Chuckles dove into the free refreshments, Dennis and I looked around at bikes, trikes, 4 wheelers, and goodies.  Since the parts were on sale, I did pick up some oil filters, coolant, and polish for the bike and trike this spring.

DRAG-A-LEG REPORT
On Monday I ventured up to Gundersen for my 6 week X-rays and exam on my knee.  Everything was fine on the X-rays, but the bending of the knee needs some work, so I am going to start physical therapy here at the hospital on Wednesday.  My doctor said to try PT for a month, and if I still can't bend it the way I want, I can come back up to Gundersen, and they will bend it for me.  OUCH!  Apparently it's not as bad as it sounds.  The doctor said it would only hurt for a week.  By the way, I am able to drive the pick-up now, so getting around is a lot easier.  

MY MOM
As many of you know by now, my mom passed away Thursday morning at the nursing home in Manchester at the age of 96.  She had been having severe dementia for the last couple of months, so I would consider her peaceful passing as a blessing.  I want to thank all of you who sent cards and memorials or called with condolences.  Our family especially wants to thank Dennis & Marlene for coming to the funeral and Dennis, Jens, Chuck, and Lois for coming to the visitation.  Any memorials that were not specified are going to be given to Mom's church for some much needed nursery changes.  Mom was one who actually started the nursery care there at Community Congregational, so we thought it would be appropriate for her memorials to go there.
It's been a rather rough year for me with losing my brother in September and Mom in November.  I also lost a couple of good buddies I ran around with in high school, and with two knee replacements, I really appreciate the support I received from you guys.

Now it's time to start planning the Rotach winter get away.  Right now, depending on my knee, I am planning on getting out of Iowa near the middle of January and heading for Colorado to see the kids, and then venture south to Texas and ride Big Bend National Park and the Twisted Sisters.  I am also planning on stopping at the Pacific War Museum in Fredricksburg, TX.  Then onto the condo in Panama City Beach for February.  More on that when I know for sure on the knee.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and wishing joyous holidays to all of you and your families.

NEW WNR?! DRAG-A-LEG REPORT

On a trip to LaCrosse just before Halloween, this guy was spotted just as we crossed the bridge and  turned north onto HWY 35.  If anyone can dodge pumpkins like this guy, I'm sure he could ride along with us on Wednesday nights!

HE CAN RIDE AHEAD OF CHUCKLES!

DRAG-A-LEG
When we visited my surgeon, he said the leg looked good and the swelling had gone down.  So now I am able to walk around outside with a cane, and inside the house on my own.  The knee still isn't very flexible and getting in and out of the Durango is a strain, but hopefully through the walking and some exercises at home, it will improve.  Again thanks to all of you who have called, sent cards, or stopped over.  I'm sorry (like hell) that I couldn't provide you with the same great weather you had while I was recovering with the right knee last fall.