Over the weekend

It was a great weekend for me. Friday, Nico took me to sign the contract for my new apartment. Then I had two days at home doing stuff around the house for the move, having something to do, some purpose for keeping busy all weekend was great. I didn't actually do the packing but I organized, separated into piles the things to be packed.

This weekend, we worked primarily on the livingroom (huiskamer) packing up mostly books and putting things together that are alike (i.e. all the match boxes and candles together, all the photo frames together, etc.). As usual, I was the boss and if things didn't get done right (i.e. some books got packed before I had a chance to look through them), it had to be undone and redone. Such is life.

No more wheelchair
...at least over the weekends. This weekend's constant activity was great from a theraputic point of view. I walked a lot, enough that I got sore feet. What a workout! My rollater (as seen here) was priceless. I used it constantly to move things from one place to another.

The couch was also a friend. It won't leave my livingroom until absolutely necessary.

Next weekend will be time to work the kitchen and second floor, packing up glassware and putting clothes in drawers (or piles for the Het Goed / Goodwill). Clay Stricklin will be coming by on Saturday to help. Thanks Clay!



Birthday party
Nico's dad, Geert (pronounced Hay-urt except with a sort of gurgling sound in place of the G), had us and his sisters over to celebrate his birthday. It was a very low-key celebration and the food was no exception. For instance, have you ever wanted to eat a raw herring covered with freshly diced onions? Me either. But it is a traditional food snack here and Geert had 20 herring and a huge bowl of onions. I ate most of one just to play along and be polite. (Sorry, but I'd rather eat sushi).

Walking stairs ain't easy
I am still a slow poke at walking stairs. Last week's substitute therapist told me a less scary way to walk down is to go backwards. Indeed. Especially now and especially when I'm alone. But I still have to learn to walk down facing forward.

Monday
My regular therapist, Tetia, is back so things will probably progress better this week. But it was a slow start today. We talked about what will be the goal of the coming weeks - stairs, walking more and using the chair less, walking outside and using the treadmill.

The new ergotherapist, Juliet, and I talked about transportation options during my time with her. A lot of forms to fill out. And months before I can get through to the government sponsored options. But at least I have the options.

I was also able to do a bit of fitness (leg press and arm weights) on my own. And meet with the music therapist (mostly to make some contacts in Eindhoven for when I get out of here).

We had our last day of cooking today, also. Fine, I say. I can cook at home on the weekends (and boy do I!). We had stamppot with sausages. Stamppot is basically just potatoes, carrots and onions - cooked and then mashed altogether. We also threw in some bacon. There is also a version with potatoes and spinach. If I see another potato, it will be way too soon.