Dia de Santa Cruz

 Dia de Santa Cruz

We were planning to join the Santa Cruz Island Foundation Mass for the Holy Cross, but the event was canceled.   

We regrouped and spent the day on home activities with Antoinio, who helps with maintenance and handyman jobs like installing a grab bar on the short stairs to the study. And Maria!

Maria came and was able to help Mike with his exercises and walks.

He can walk up and down our stairs with alacrity.

And uses our counters for his physical therapy, guided by Tim, who comes every week to work to build strength.  Mike said he got canned goods from our pantry to work on his biceps!  We will need a pix to confirm that!

We also get a weekly visit from a nurse, Emily, who helps us understand the changes and answers questions while she goes over Mike's physical status.

Mike is gaining more independence, can negotiate the house and stairs on his own, and does the daily mail run as that driveway is its own exercise!  

The first time he went for the mail with Maria a month ago, he had to stop frequently; now he notes his stride is steadier and his confidence is better, and no need to stop for a rest.

We decided to go to the Farmers Market. That requires a lot of walking, slowly as I am getting our fresh veggies along the way.  We met friends and acquaintances who also enjoy the new location of our Farmers Market. 

This is definitely a local scene and wonder, as it is a visitor destination.  We all were chagrined by its move from the Cota Street location to the new State and Carrillo crossroads, yet it is doing well and I think that our community and especially the farmers who set up in the new spot, and ultimately satisfied with hte change.  

Later, Mike did his walks with Maria's guidance.  And he has now made it around 2 blocks from Victoria to Salsipuedes...  Ironic as he now Puede!

Getting around !!

One of the daily tasks is to collect the mail, and as we mentioned, the walk down and up is significant.  He still does not do it alone, and he does have a medical alert button to use if needed; the walking is important.

While he is very balanced, the cane is important.  

We have been so fortunate here in Santa Barbara to have the VNA Loan Closet.  This wonderful asset should be in every community.  We have a walker upstairs for night security to the bathroom. We have a nice rolling walker with a seat that Mike can use where longer walks that may require seating, like our visit to the Stow House outdoor concert with The Chaps.  I keep a small wheelchair as needed and have been able to use it several times.  And of course, the cane, Mike's essential daily prop.

Maria Valladares began working with Mike about a month ago.  She has been a remarkable support, staying close on walks in case of difficulties and administering water, hydration turns out to be not only important as an elixer of life, in Mike's case it is critical to his whole being.   

Maria!

She has helped to take him to appointments -- 

Acupuncture

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Labs

 

Maria is very pleased in the progress Mike has made in gaining strength, walking, and how he enjoys life!

Mike out on Anapamu!