Doug’s surgery in January to lengthen the tendons in his left foot made a big difference for him. It has alleviated a lot of the discomfort that he was having when he was walking with his foot and toes curled under and not laying flat. Although it was a long six weeks for him to be in a cast and in a wheelchair he is very happy that he decided to have that surgery. He did some physical therapy and was given some exercises to do to try to bring his left foot in because it has been turning out when he walks. He still walks the same way as before his surgery but is not in as much pain as before, and now his foot lands flat on the ground with each step. He is still in discomfort when he walks but mostly in his hips. He was also having a difficult time with his left shoulder which gave him a lot of discomfort but he got his first Hydro Cortizone injection and it has definitely helped with the pain. 

Doug has stopped using his cane and he also decided to stop wearing his AFO brace, and instead uses a smaller, soft brace to support his ankle. 

In April, we went to Texas to visit Ashtyn and Madelyn and their families. It was a very long cold winter in Burns with a lot of snow, and we were anxious to be in warmer weather. The winter months were especially hard on Doug as he is already very limited on what he can do it made it worse for him. We decided that we don’t want to experience that again and made the decision to buy a house with Madelyn and her husband. So our plan is from January through April of each year we will be snowbirds in Texas and we will also be able to go to Texas and stay there anytime we want. No more long cold winters for us. Doug will be able to spend time with our grandchildren in Texas, try out new restaurants, and go fishing anytime he wants which he is very excited about! It was the right decision for us. It made sense for us and we feel very good about it and are very excited for a new adventure during those winter months to spend in Texas for many years to come! 

Doug is still trying to figure out what things he can (still) do. In May we went to Mesquite, Nevada and stayed a few nights with the Wright family. This was the first time we had been back there since our son Evan‘s marriage to their daughter Ally. Last time we were there, Doug jumped into the pool and so he decided to give it a try again this time. Our brother-in-law Jerrod helped him walk up to the top of the structure, and we all watched- and then applauded, as he jumped in! Doug has also learned how to swim better. He wants to see if he can scuba dive next! 

This month Doug will be taking a road trip to Florida with Harlen. Harlen is moving to the Tampa area and will be working for his brother in the pest control business. He will also be applying for firefighter positions. We are very happy for him but he will be greatly missed by his dad and me. He has been at home to help out his dad since January of last year and has been such a great support and helper to us. 

We have been very blessed, have stayed busy, and had many adventures. We look forward to what the rest of the year will bring.