The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

Whew—what a day!

Today was Dad’s knee replacement surgery, and to say it was a long day would be an understatement. It started early, as Bella wasn’t feeling her best this morning. I wasn’t feeling great myself either, but we managed to get up and moving.

Then I hit the road to Buffalo to be at the hospital for Dad’s procedure. I had hoped to beat rush hour traffic… but nope. Not even close. White knuckle driving the entire way! People were pulling out in front of me like they had a death wish. Absolutely no regard for other drivers. I was just grateful to make it there in one piece.

The good news: the surgery went very well—no complications at all. 🙌 We finally got to see Dad around 1:30 PM, and he was in good spirits. He could move the new knee a bit without issue, which is amazing! I helped him get situated with his “lunch”—just a clear liquid tray—but he was starving and actually enjoyed it. Poor guy deserved a steak after all that, but at least it was something.

I stayed at the hospital until about 2:45, hoping to beat traffic on the way back home… but again, no such luck. While I did avoid bumper-to-bumper backups, I didn’t avoid the idiots. 🤬 I was already driving 10 MPH over the speed limit when some guy decided to pass me, scream at me out his window, and throw a not-so-nice gesture my way. I didn’t return the favor, but believe me, I was tempted.

Once I got home, I texted with Mom who was still at the hospital with my brother. She said PT had already been in, and Dad was up walking and even sitting in a chair for a bit. Hopefully tomorrow they’ll help him practice stairs, because we’ve got at least three to navigate before he can settle in at home.

To wind down, I spent some quiet time in my garden—my happy place. 🌿 I finally harvested my first sweet pepper of the season! It looks amazing, and I can’t wait to taste it. More are on the way, and that brings me so much joy.

Now I’m ready to relax with a good book and decompress from this very long, emotionally exhausting day. The drive alone took it out of me… and that’s without even counting the stress of surgery, hospital waiting, or wrangling my emotions.

Here’s to a smoother tomorrow. 💚