Saturday, July 30, 2011

New Resident Services

We have a good Ecuadorian friend who specializes in helping newcomers transition into living here in Cuenca.  She is bilingual and understands the American culture since she lived in the States while attending college.

She is married and has three children.  She works part-time at the television station here in town and has been there for twelve years, so she knows who to contact to get things done.

Her name is Noshy Pinos and she can help with you in the following ways:
  • Personal Assistant
  • Transition Services
  • Spanish Lessons
Please visit her website at:   www.CuencaNewResidentServices.com.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Weekly Update

Since I haven't been blogging as often as I should, I'm going to try to blog on a weekly basis (even if we don't do much in a particular week).  I'm hoping that won't be the case but we are just getting ourselves organized and settled in since we returned to Cuenca only nine days ago from the U.S.

Since our return, we've done the normal errands:  grocery store, post office, bank, haircuts, pharmacy, eating out, meeting with friends, doctor visit, etc.  I'm glad to report that Mike has done very well in navigating the sidewalks, curbs, and crossing the streets.  I'd like to think that the drivers would be considerate when seeing an older man with a cane crossing the street, but then again, this is Ecuador so probably not!

We saw Mike's back doctor today and he was very impressed with how good Mike is doing.  We brought back with us the doctor's report and CD from the U.S., so he could read it and see what took place during the surgery.  He said to come back in two weeks (12 weeks post-op), and he'll have Mike start with physical therapy to strengthen his left leg.

Two nights ago, another couple invited us to go with them to the Symphony here in Cuenca.  It was a wonderful program; we had great seats; and it was totally free!

Since our return, we've had dinner out with friends several times, and we'll be having breakfast with friends tomorrow morning at California Kitchen.  One sad thing is that one of our favorite restaurants (La Piastra) has closed down.  It was next to our building and we loved the convenience of just going downstairs to get great pizza.  We miss Pablo and would like to know where he is and if he's going to open up another restaurant.  So if anyone knows, please let us know.

Either the weather isn't as cold as it was when we first got back, or we're getting used to it because it doesn't seem that bad.  In fact, today was an absolutely gorgeous day, full of sunshine.  We walked all over today and Mike did really well. (Although I think he is now catching my cold.)  We even had a lightning and thunder storm tonight.

Well I guess that's it for now -- until next time.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

From the Frying Pan into the Freezer

This is our 4th day back in Cuenca, arriving on Wednesday, July 20th from Arizona.  When we left Arizona, the temperature was very hot and when we arrived in Ecuador, the temperature was very cold!

Needless to say, that is quite an adjustment that your body has to make.  We woke up on last Tuesday in Arizona and went to bed that night in Ecuador.  With the jet age that we live in, our bodies do take a beating.  Traveling today isn't what is used to be.  I remember flying when I was a child in the 1950's.  It was a very special event.  Everyone dressed up.  The stewardess (that's what they were called back then) would give us kids coloring books and crayons and playing cards.  Also she would pin wings on us and give us gum when we were about to land so our ears wouldn't hurt.  We also had a great meal aboard.  This was usually a yearly event for our family (mom and kids -- dad had to work).  It was fun back then.

Fast forward to today.  Not only am I a lot older -- but flying just isn't fun anymore.  Too much stress involved.  I have a bad sinus cold (but I had one last year when I arrived in Cuenca also).

OK -- enough whining.  Now for the update on Mike.  He is doing really well but also doesn't like the cold.  We're going to get some more space heaters so our apartment won't be so cold.

We've been out and about and Mike has been walking a little outside.  We've seen most of our friends and have taken several cab rides.  We're taking things slow so we can adjust to the change in weather and the change in altitude.

I am glad that we are back in our own home and the suitcases are unpacked.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Keep Putting One Foot in Front of the Other

Many years ago when in the U.S. Air Force, I was selected to attend "Survival Training"... a three week course located in Tahoe National Forest in February. It was going to be cold. I still remember the words clearly as we, who had gathered in the auditorium to await the course commander's welcoming words: "You will survive! You will survive! "Welcome to Stead Air Force Base"! It was a week and a half later, when trekking on five feet of snow, trying to escape and evade the "bad guys", that a new sentence became my motivation ..."Keep putting one foot in front of the other". In other words, do not stop walking and give up, or you will die in the cold and snow.
Forty six years later, I am now following the same message as I get out and walk everyday ... trying to improve my left leg function after back surgery and some nerve damage. Little by little, we can travel far. That is my strategy today, and, thanks to all of my "Prayer Warriors" and one very skillful back surgeon, I feel confident that I will regain full function of my leg and life will once again be my "normal".

Today, I am able to walk a little further (35 minutes today) without using my cane. I gave up the walker over two weeks ago. After my walks, I am able to get into the pool for some jogging in place, plus other leg exercises. Seems like a good combo for now. My left thigh is weak, resulting in difficulty in taking stairs. That's what I'm working on now.

Assuming that progress continues, we'll be coming home to Cuenca on July 20th, after staying overnight in Quito on the 19th. We have been more than blessed to have such dear friends, here in Tucson, who have graciously opened their home to us. The benefits have been huge!

Thanks to all who read our blog and who are such dear friends. As we overcome this life adventure, we look excitingly ahead to renewing our chronicle about our Ecuador life and adventures.

Hasta Pronto, Mike