I've been described as an old codger, a dreamer, a pirate, a poet, a clown and a king. Now I am HIP.... I have just joined the ranks of folks my age who have a new hip. I've been hobbling around for years, all bent over like I was looking for nails in the driveway. Now I stand proudly straight and tall thanks to the fantastic surgeons at Mayo Clinic.
I have to admit that I was somewhat anxious at being used for a research subject, but when it came time to "get er done", I felt that I was in good hands. Now after it was completed, I could kick myself for waiting so darned long. From the time I gleefully leaped onto the operating room table to this morning, I have had no pain. None. Not even enough to get me a "poor baby" from that bride of mine. I did however get a gold star for ringing the room service button the most of anyone ever in a 24 hour period. That may have something to do with the staff clapping wildly when I left.
Winter is progressing nicely and today promises to be rainy and warm. Even the birds seem glad not to be so chilly.
Christmas went by in a flash this year with all the retail stores doing their best not to say the dreaded "C" word. "Christmas" I did however notice that they were cheerfully accepting our greenbacks. Got a bit of news for all the complainers though. Our great nation was founded on Christianity and the civil liberties union can't change that piece of history.
Well, time to start digging out the little slips of paper that will eventually turn into a tax return. Dreadful thought. Each year they take a higher percentage of what we bring in. As a mental exercise, try to envision what year it will reach 100%.
And so from the land of tall tales and tall pines,
I wish you well.
Ron Shepherd,
www.ronshepherd.com