It's been a while since I last posted.  My orthopedic problems have gotten worse.  I saw another doctor for a second opinion, and he said he wouldn't feel comfortable doing surgery and recommended I go to either Rothman Institute in Philly; Hershey Med. Center; or, Johns Hopkins Univ.  I have decided to go to Rothman, but I'll have to wait until I go on Medicare, since my insurance won't cover it, even as an out-of-network provider.  

I'd really like to get to a point where I am just normal again. 

I just got back from a trip to the NY State Fair, and visiting some quaint towns in upstate NY.  At the Fair, there was a free concert in the evening called "Happy Together."  It had all of these oldies artists; the concert ended with The Turtles, and of course they sang "Happy Together."  It was so much fun belting out those songs with everyone else and feeling like I was normal again.  The weather was beautiful, and it felt like early Fall.  Some of the leaves were starting to turn.

Back to reality...