Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - July 10, 2011

It's Sunday morning, time for my weekly off television topic post looking back on the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. If you're looking for Big Brother live feeds news, try a search on "BB13 live feeds" in the blog and you'll be able to bring those posts up.

I don't really have a lot of photos this week. Although I'm getting outside practically every day, it's not like last week when a parade marched by!

So ... how's the knee? Compared with the recovery from the last one, it's a world of difference. But I would guess that if this were my first experience I might be saying how rough it is. Thankfully I have the hard recovery to compare it with and, just thinking of that, this one is a breeze so far!

I went to my first two sessions of physical therapy this week -- a shout out to Triston Glynos and his Joint Motion Physical Therapy in Scotch Plains! He knows how I went into PT the last time and even has the numbers and progress to compare. He's as surprised and happy as I am at how well the knee is coming along already.

On my first day my bend was 105 degrees on my own, 112 if he forced it as much as I could take it. That compares with 77/82 last time. I could also do revolutions on the bike first time and did five minutes. Last time, it was almost a month into therapy before I could complete a revolution of the bike pedals! We did overdo things the first day of therapy, though. I was exhausted and my knee was painful and swollen causing me to take it easy, ice and elevate most of Thursday.

The BB fans know the snafu on Thursday night with Blogger not working during the season premiere. I really didn't need that. My concentration and attention span is off and it was definitely an unneeded aggravation. But it was better than my Friday!

Friday started out fine. The bus got me to PT about 50 minutes early. My plan was to go to the nearby CVS, transfer my pain prescription there and refill it. Then I would lounge for a bit in the park with a frozen sweet unhealthy beverage from the nearby Quik Chek. I'd go across the street to PT, then my friend Barb would drive me to Bound Brook to my surgeon's office to remove an errant staple whic was hiding under a steri-strip. Then I'd walk the block and a half to the bus back to Plainfield. Since life slows down to nothing with a knee replacement, this was a big day if all went as planned.

Sigh.

Instead of things going smoothly at CVS, they held me up a half hour then told me my prescription would be ready in two hours. Okay, that would be about the time I'm out of PT and Barb should be coming.

The PT itself was good. Triston told me he was worried that we overdid it some on the first day. Although for the most part I did the same things with a few new exercise machines mixed in, this time wasn't bad and my knee actually felt better when I was done after the final icing. I also made an older woman feel much better about her own knee replacement recovery. Apparently she's been very down and defeated with her recovery pace. I showed her what my first knee can do and explained my own bad recovery. Both Triston's PT and the woman were thrilled she met me. That was good.

Go to CVS ... not ready yet? Sheesh! It took them THREE HOURS to fill my prescription even though I was already in their system as Barb and I stopped at another CVS for my pain meds on the way home from the hospital!

Then Barb was running late. Then, once I got to the surgeon's office, the skies let loose with excessive wind, lightning, thunder and torrential rain. Then I waited nearly an hour between the waiting room and examination room waiting for my doctor to fix his mistake! Now, I do like him and he's a fantastic surgeon, caring man and all, but my patience was really growing thin ... and the storm wasn't stopping.

I ended up getting soaked despite my umbrella while I walked to the bus stop. Parts of the street were under a foot of water, the sidewalks not that much better. I stopped for a while in the shelter of an overhang at a church across the street from the bus stop. While there's a bench at the bus stop, there is no shelter except trees. Since trees and branches were coming down with the wind and lightning strikes, that wasn't an option. I decided to wait until five minutes before the bus was due and then cross over. Chances are that it would run late.

So, five minutes before it was due, I went to the corner and there was the bus coming! Ack! I looked at the light. It had a green light, I had a red and traffic was steady. No way could I crutch it across the street on time. No one was standing at the bus stop to be picked up. Thankfully people did have to get off! And then the light changed, so I made it aboard. Once I hit Plainfield, things were easier until I got to my apartment. The power had flickered during the storm and that tends to break the elevator circuit. So I trudged up the stairs. I was tired, soaked, completely frustrated and not a happy camper.

Saturday I decided I wouldn't even venture out despite the beautiful day. I'd do my BB13 live feeds updates, listen to music, watch TV, read, relax, nap and snack ... between icing and elevating my knee. And that's just what I did!

I broke down and decided to use Peapod for a grocery delivery. I have enough canned goods around, but I'm getting low on my perishables and frozen foods. The nearby bodega is good for staples but I'm not keen on their selection of meats, vegetables and fruits. I've seen Peapod come here to the apartment building before so someone in the building uses them. I need to complete my order and and set delivery for Tuesday when I have no PT. I figure the elevator should be turned back on by then.

I finally got my first short term disability check this week. I've been spoiled with direct deposit at work, but luckily there's a branch of my bank right by my PT. I also got a catalog of gifts for my upcoming work big anniversary. Not bad stuff ... the prices seem to range from $150 to $300. I'd love the big gas grill, but I have no place to get it. I think I'll take the LCD TV ... yes, I have working TVs, but not an LCD one!

I also received correspondence from the HR people at corporate regarding my leave. It's approved for a work return of November 2? Really? I thought the doctor would tell them three months which would put me back mid-September. I won't complain. He must have taken the rough recovery last time into things and estimated the longer leave. Of course, I can always go back earlier if he signs a release. I'll see how things go. I have to be 100% going back as I have to go back full time and be able to get back and forth walking and riding trains.

I've blathered enough. Onto the photos for the week ...

Died waiting to get a staple removed.

He was just hanging around the examination room on Friday.

I love John's Meat Market!

They can be a bit pricey, but this is one fine meat market. In addition to my Peapod, I'm definitely stopping in here next week after PT. They're just a few doors away. I hurt too much my first PT day and the second was my ill-fated Friday.

I talked to a bird.

Nifty little blue flowers

These are growing along the bottom of an unkempt hedge on Berckman Street. I never noticed them before.

In the park across from PT

Fountain in said park

Weird flowers!

Oh. Scotch Plains doesn't remove the Christmas lights from their trees in the park adjacent to the Municipal Building.

Flowering trees on Berckman Street

Comfy Vincent

If I'm at my computer, he's either on me or in his chair I set up next to me. If I'm in bed, so is he. Wherever I am, there he is. I think he thinks he's a dog. I'm healed well enough to carry him around on my shoulder at times. He's in heaven!

How was your week?

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Saturday Daytime 7/09/11

Look! Survivor Ralph's lost brother!

Except for a stray reference now and then, the hamsters have blocked Dick from their minds. They're too busy scheming and fussing about the latest Keith and Lawon debacle. Yep, it's moved from Keith and Porsche to Keith and Lawon. Now, I'm not saying that Keith and Porsche are tight, not saying that at all.

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Lonesome Losers:

• Dominic snores. Loudly.
• Keith thinks that Lawon is going around bad-talking him and stirring the pot.
• Lawon is definitely dropping dimes on folks, especially Keith.
• Keith approached Brendon calling out Lawon and making the plea for them to use the Veto.
• Brendon told Keith he wouldn't be walking out the door this week.
• Well, maybe.
• Porsche said that Jordan told her that she (Jordan) threw the veto comp.
• Daniele said, "Maybe she threw it, but she sucked at it more!"
• Despite the lack of numbers, it seems like the "veterans" are much more organized at getting the others on their side.
• The Newbies are not working as a team which Brendon, Rachel, Jordan, Jeff and Daniele are.
• Jeff is going around talking to everyone about strategy to feel them out.
• Practically none of the duos trust each other.
• The Newbies haven't meshed at all even though the Veterans have come together.
• Jeff figured Dominic is gunning for him, Brendon and Rachel.
• Dominic went around asking people who they'll vote for if the noms remain the same.
• Lawon told him he would keep his word and vote Porsche off (even though he's been throwing Keith under the bus).
• Dominic told Daniele he'd probably keep Keith as Keith has already made a target of himself. Less of a target on Dominic.
• Kalia is worried that Lawon's mouth will bring a target to her because she's his partner.
• Jeff told her several times she shouldn't worry.
• But we know that their eyes are opening about Lawon.
• Rachel and Brendon want a house meeting to air the dirty laundry between Lawon and Keith.
• Others, including Daniele, don't think they should because it's between those two and has no impact on them.
• Keith told Rachel that if she uses the PoV to save him, he would work to keep both Jeff and Jordan and Rachel and Brendon safe for two weeks.
• Dominic, Cassi and Lawon think that if Rachel saves Keith/Porsche with the veto, Lawon and Kalia will go on the block.
• They assured Lawon that Kalia would then be the target.
• I don't think so!
• I'm still getting confused if they only save one with the veto or the duo. They seem to be flipping back and forth when talking, too.
• Keith and Porsche had another long talk. I don't know -- he's got that street licking the lips and "know what I mean" thing going on -- so much different from his deacon image!
• Keith is sure that if the noms remain the same, he's toast.
• The Veterans think that while Lawon is a problem child, he's no threat in comps.
• Right now they all have me so confused that I'm not sure where things are heading.
• No one really likes Porsche -- point against her.
• Keith has acted outrageously -- point against him.
• I think the noms might indeed remain the same and Keith will leave.
• But don't make me wager on it.
  

Have Not Hamsters

Not as slick as he thinks.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Friday Night (7/08/11) Into Saturday Dawn

Better as a blond or brunette?

I can only hope that she will eventually implode.

Strange, strange season we have at hand here this year. Despite the departure of Evel Dick, the nominees stand (unless taken down by the PoV winning duo) and one of them will be evicted this coming Thursday. Dick's withdrawal (hee hee) will probably affect something down the road such as a double eviction which won't come to be for scheduling reasons. This duo bit isn't starting out that well, is it?

Here's the latest from inside that Big Brother House of Dickless Duos:

• Yeah, I'm going to play on that as much as I can. It's my inner child going tee-hee.
• Evel Dick has tweeted that he'll be making an announcement Wednesday -- check out @EvelDick.
• With the extended indoor lockdown, sheer boredom had them inventing games to play.
• As I posted earlier, Brendon and Rachel won PoV.
• Sigh.
• Brendon is worried because he thinks they're winning too many comps too early.
• Plus, next week only he, Jeff and Jordan will be able to compete for HoH.
• The PoV comp had something to do with spelling. Jordan didn't understand it. Maybe Jeff spelled technotronics! I just don't know.
• Jeff noticed that Shelly is already starting to count things in the house in prep for those kind of comps.
• That's good because I don't think Shelly is strong in physical comps.
• Jeff and Brendon said that Adam and Shelly will vote their way. If they keep the noms the same, it's now Keith as the target because his behavior has done him in.
• Surprise, surprise ... Dominic is the cleaning maven of the house so far.
• Cassi and Dominic told Keith he needs to go to Rachel, apologize for his behavior and plead his case to stay.
• For a while, Brendon and Rachel wore red unitards with purple belts from the Veto comp. After they took them off, they had to put them back on for a DR segment.
• BB gave them alcohol.
  
• This time Brendon himself showed him his funky toe which was the target of so much derision on his season.
• Dominic is still trying to convince everyone that he's 25. Hmm ... what is he really? 22? They tell him he's 17.
• Jordan conked out. I'm surprised that more didn't just collapse. They have hardly slept in two days.
• They played a Spin the Bottle kind of game asking questions. According to the game, Adam will win BB.
• That's better than Rachel!
• Kalia, Dominic and Lawon talked about how they'd like to nominate Jeff and Jordan, then turn around and backdoor Brenchel.
• They want to get Jeff and Rachel out as soon as they can.
• History repeats itself -- Brendon got all pouty mad because Rachel was discussing strategy with people and he wasn't a part of it.
• Finally the indoor lockdown ended.
• Dick would have been happy this summer, more smokers! Jeff, Adam, Cassi and Shelly all smoke.
• Shelly sucked up to the "vets."
• As I get this posted, most seem to be still awake. I think we can expect them to sleep away as much of Saturday as they can.
• Although there's been talk of using the PoV, I don't think it will be done. I think Keith (despite the fact he thinks the whole Dick disappearance is a set-up and claims he'll drop a bombshell at the PoV meeting) will remain the target until Thursday unless Porsche goes wild.
  

Instead of bored in the house, bored in the yard.

Keith seems to have lost that huge smile.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds (late) Bulletin - PoV

Brendon and Rachel won the Power of Veto.

Big Brother 13 Live Feeds Friday Daytime 7/08/11

What is with the butt on the table, Dominic?!?!

More cleavage than I need to see, Kalia!

This is starting off to be the most discombobulated season ever of Big Brother! When those feeds came on late last night, it was pure chaos trying to figure out what was going on. But, I've gotten to the point where I kind of sort of know ... well, as much as can be known. Here's the daytime hijinks from that Big Brother House of the Vanishing Dick:

• Yes, Dick is not merely gone, he's most really sincerely gone.
• No, he wasn't evicted.
• It's supposedly some personal matter not with close family, so Daniele isn't affected.
• EXCEPT ... they gave her the Golden Key. So she is safe for a month.
• After the feeds returned after a huge FOTH (dating myself with that reference!), it turns out the house has some serious schemers.
• Virgin Boy Dominic seems to be dedicated to scheming.
• Keith and Porsche are still on the block, but the tide might be changing a bit from a Porsche target to Keith.
• I wouldn't doubt if Keith's deacon job might not survive his BB13 days. The guy is pleasant enough but way too raunchy to be a youth minister!
• He supposed showed Porsche his er, check out the "Vanished" reference above.
• But his hasn't vanished.
• Jeff is really getting along with all, but he's the first target of Dominic and Cassi (if indeed she's going along with Dom). Brendon is the second target.
• Oh, why won't someone PLEASE target Rachel? I could cope with Brendon sans Rachel!
• Rachel is getting along with the others better so far this season.
• But I still want her gone.
• Dominic referred to Adam as an 11-year-old in a 39-year-old body.
• He has a point there. Jersey Boy needs to calm things down a bit. It's like he's trying to be Mr. Super Personality and BB Reference Desk all the time.
• As when Survivor pulls this returning "favorites" $#%, things have pretty much developed into two camps.
• Mysteriously, no one seems to think of Jordan as a threat.
• Rachel is already thinking people are out to get her.
• I can only hope they indeed are!
• After being up all night, they all napped through the morning.
• Keith had some kind of off feeds blow up and now there's speculation that he's a "loose cannon."
• Dominic and Cassi think they're good with both sides of the house.
• Little do they know, but others are thinking Dominic and Cassi are a bit too close and shouldn't be trusted.
• The feeds were blocked for the PoV players pick.
• But we know anyway.
• Porsche and Keith, Jeff and Jordan, Brendon and Rachel with Adam hosting.
  
• Both Jordan and Shelly (separately) told Rachel this is her chance to change America's perception of her.
• Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen!
• Daniele and the "veterans" are aware of Dominic's plan to bring all the newbies to the end game.
• So, the kid ain't too slick, eh?
• Daniele, though safe for four weeks, is upset that she can't compete in any competitions for all that time.
• I liked Daniele better as a blond.
• I just felt I had to say that.
• Porsche and Keith fought.
• And Porsche cried.
  
• I believe I've heard Jordan say that she thinks she's getting her period 154 times now.
• Stop it, Jordan!
• Power of Veto, always blocked to the live feeds, is on the slate sometime in the next few hours.
• Despite a Vanishing Dick, the game goes on.
  

No, he's not Keith. He's just tightening his shorts.

People do seem to be trusting Shelly. We'll see!

Big Brother 13: Live Feeds into Friday 7/08

Flakes and Rachel, perfect together

Okay, so the BB13 live feeds kicked in at 1 AM my time. It's always great to jump in when the hamsters have already been in the house for six days and, not only that, but they're on indoor lockdown. And ... not only that, but they're gathering in a big group all talking at once! Then comes the mystery. Read along to find out what's happened inside that Big Brother House of the Missing Dick ...

• Ahh, ahh -- confusion!
• What? Adam found Dick's name on a piece of paper under a pillow on one of the nomination chairs?
• Wait! Dick's missing! No one knows where he is!
• Daniele's there.
• Keith and Porsche's keys are missing, so they must be on the block.
• The indoor lockdown is expected to last into the day Friday.
• Ohh ... Jeff PUT that Dick note on the chair as a prank.
• But Dick's still missing.
• Brendon is mixing in well and seems to get along with people.
• Then there's Rachel. Sure, on the surface she's getting along. But no one's tried to come between her and her man yet!
• Rachel, in some weird control gesture, wants everyone to play games she dictates.
• Adam, in his love for the strips, got a bacon discussion going.
• There is indeed a Have Not room this season not seen in the promos.
• It's like a padded cell with mats on the floor.
• Kalia is a Have Not.
  
• After playing charades and other homemade games, some turned to the chess board.
• I hate the chess board. I hate the pool table in the yard. They make for boring feeds.
• Not only is Dick missing, but the hamsters haven't been able to go into the Diary Room in all the time he's been gone.
• Porsche seems to have rubbed folks the wrong way. Out of her and Keith, she would be the target for eviction.
• Daniele, despite estrangement, is getting antsy and worried about Dick.
• Heh. Jackie said "worried about Dick." Heh.
• Brendon said he'd expose all of BB's secrets unless they found out about Dick.
• They theorize that it must not have been a health issue, nor could Dick have walked out because BB would tell them about that.
• Although Brendon and Jeff think Adam is a hoot, Daniele not so much. She's angry because Adam keeps telling her all about the game.
• Shut your mouth a bit, Jersey Boy!
• Cassi will be the next target if Porsche gets off the block.
• At 4 AM ET, Daniele was finally called to the Diary Room. So, the Case of the Missing Dick should be coming to a conclusion.
• Then fish (the white koi are cool).
• Then BB trivia, where we still are as this gets posted.
• It must be the PoV comp and, most likely, an explanation of Dick.
• Yeah, I had too much juvenile fun with that, didn't I?

UPDATE: At approximately 7:15 ET, the feeds returned. Dick is really gone. They don't know why. Daniele has the Golden Key, PoV is yet to be played. Rachel is fussing that she and Brendon should go if they're just going to be picked off with one less veteran playing for HoH. After all, says Rachel, "You could be working on your doctorate because that's more important." Brendon thinks they should try to win as many prizes as they can get.

At least her chest isn't hanging out all over.

Aw, I like Jeff and Jordan together.

Can they ALL talk at once? I love chaos!

Big Brother 13 Be Right Back

New look to Superpass this season. Right now the theme music is playing and all four feeds are on the white koi.

Big Brother 13 Season Premiere Blog Party!

Thanks to some Blogger glitch, this couldn't be updated, nor could comments be made during most of the show. The first live feeds post can be expected in the wee hours of morning and this seems to be working now.


This is what we've been waiting for! In five minutes, we're up and running for the season.

As the show airs here on the East Coast, I'll be updating major events (WHO are the duos, HoH, etc.) right here in this entry live as I watch.

But the real FUN can be found in the comments! Jump on in and let us all know what you think!

New twist - each hamster has to pick a partner to pair up with for the season.

New twist - each hamster has to pick a partner to pair up with for the season. Calia is already showing too much boob and Dominic is a 25-year-old virgin. It will be three returning duos.

Partners --

2 HoH each week, one duo nominated each week, the nominees must go against each other to survive.

Keith chose Porsche

Dominic and Adam

Shelly and Cassi

Kalia and Lawon

Returning duos:

Brenchal, Jeff and Jordan, Evel Dick and Daniele

HoH is endurance with pairs on bananas. Shelly down, supposedly a plan because they didn't want HoH first week. Jordan out. Keith out. Lawon down. Adam down. Jeff and Dominic down. Brendan down. Calia down. Cassi out. Rachel tells D&D they can fall and they'll be safe. They took the deal, Dick down. Daniele is mistrusting. She's down.

Rachel is HoH. Sigh.

One last twist - Pair nominated, one HG evicted, but a huge advantage for the one who survives, Golden Key to BB guaranteed a spot in the final ten.

Tonight, Tonight ... Big Brother 13!

For those who missed The Talk today, it's well worth a watch. I can't embed it here, but you can find it right here on the CBS website. The majority of the episode was taken up by Julie Chen and her co-hosts in their own little Big Brother day in the house. It's a hoot!

Okay, here's the blog plan:
9:00 PM ET I'll be posting a blog party post for the premiere. While I won't be live-blogging each breath they take, I will post important information in the post itself live as it happens. Oh, yeah ... things like ... WHO ARE THE RETURNING DUOS? Most of the fun will be in the comments area and everybody's welcome to join in with your thoughts. This will be East Coast time, so there will be spoilers for the West Coast folks.

The live feeds won't be going live until after the premiere episode airs on the West Coast. So we're talking 1 AM ET. As I gather information, you can expect screen caps and a report by the wee hours of the morning. Once again, these are spoilers. Events seen on the live feeds often take place days later on the show. But we get a first hand look at how the hamsters really are, not how they're edited!

For real-time Facebook and Twitter alerts when I post live feeds updates on the blog, it's here on Facebook or @JackiesTVBlog on Twitter. Like me, follow me ... just don't creep me out!

So, please stop back for the party tonight -- snacks and beverages should abound, along with a great bunch of blog folks!

Big Brother 13 News Round-Up Tuesday Style

There's still no word on the returning duos. The latest on the rumor mill is that since Daniele's "Skype wasn't working" to participate in today's show on Superpass, she must be in the house. Folks are dismissing any tweets and such, claiming they could be staged by production. I guess we really won't know until Thursday night. Press photos of the HG entering the house only show the eight new hamsters.

The press day in the house video is up:



My plan this season is still the thrice daily live feed reports, episode blog parties and more! For "real time" news when there's a new blog post, I encourage folks to "Like" my Facebook page for BB and the blog or follow me on Twitter (@jackiestvblog). Once we start up, I'll be posting links on both places to the blog immediately after getting an entry up.

The esteemed Margo has once again offered to do the blog pool. If you want in, please speak up! Entry to the pool closes Wednesday of next week as we won't know the returning duos until the premiere. While we don't offer prizes, bragging rights last a good nine months if your randomly selected hamster goes home with the half-million! Here's the list so far:

Paris Hilton
Laurie
Margo
Jackie
Zoetawny
Becky
Delee
Donna in FL
Jennasmom
Meb
PDX Granny
Nana in NW
Rbennie
Sydney
Auntie Leigh
Terry in PA

Um ... Paris Hilton? Really?

Taking Julie Chen up on her challenge, the women of The Talk entered the house. The full segment will air on Thursday's The Talk.

Hamsters ready?

Off Topic - That Was the Week It Was - July 3, 2011

It's Sunday morning. That means it's time for my weekly off television topic photo post (and I'm even doing it this week). Those tuning in for the Big Brother 13 posts can check the ones previous to this one (and probably after it). But this is my time to take a look back at the week gone by in both words and photographs I've taken. By the way -- I can't keep that one Julie Chen video to stop autoplaying -- you have to either pause it or just hit the time link at the end of this post to bring up only this post!

I've actually been getting out this week for more than a short walk outdoors with the visiting physical therapists. On Monday I walked to the local bodega -- perhaps a long city block distance-wise. And back, of course. My walks outside are taken using a single crutch although I'm walking without any aids inside my apartment. I can walk for some distance without a limp, something I couldn't do prior to the surgery.

During the week I made a few more walks to the bodega, but my big adventure was on Friday. My friend Barbara dropped me off at my surgeon's office for my post-op follow-up x-ray staples removal visit. That went fine, the doctor's really happy with my progress, as am I.

I decided to be brave going home. I've really needed to hit up an ATM which hands out more money than the bodega's machine and wanted to say hello to some of the downtown folks. So I walked to the bus stop from the doctor's office (one of those one long block distance walks).

Not bad. I took some photos on the way. Uh-oh. I missed the bus and it was 45 minutes until the next one. Hey, there's a bench, I'll be fine. Alas, there was no shade and the temperature was near 90. Wah! I covered my knee and its new steri-strips from the sun. At one point I felt quite sick, whether from the medications I'm on or the heat, I don't know. I hadn't thought of bringing any water.

But the feeling passed and the bus came. Despite the fact that it was crowded (heading to NYC on a holiday weekend), I found the only double seat not occupied and claimed the whole thing with my crutch and stretched out right leg. No one challenged me after seeing the obvious knee (and crutch). There were standees. I didn't care.

Once I hit town, I stopped in to say hello a The Corner Store and the Plainfield Donut Shop in addition to getting a fortune some money from the local bank ATM. I then took a taxi home, sitting in the front seat as it was either that or sprawl across the back as they have practically no legroom in the back!

So, my visiting medical people visits have ended. Yay! Thursday was the last in-home PT visit. I still can't seem to get really away, though. The director of the hospital's joint surgery center called me while I was waiting in the doctor's office and the Bluecare nurse (can you guess what insurance I have) called me while I was on the bus ride home!

No more days of Vincent sucking up to the medical types! He would stand next to the PT and watch as I went through my paces. I know she was counting but I thought he was just thinking I'm crazy! He did succeed in getting on the shoulder of PT and you'd think that their visits were all about HIM!

Everyone, including myself, is thrilled with the knee's progress. My last measurement was 105 degrees range of motion. Of course, that was while sitting in a chair. I expect a bit less at the out patient PT next week as I know he does the measurement while I'm on my back. I'm still having sleep, concentration, lack of appetite things going on, but that's to be expected -- a mix of recovering from the surgical trauma and the meds. But even with those issues, this is a thousand times better than the other knee's TKR recovery!

Now that I've thoroughly bored you to death with knee talk, it's time for this week's photos. Clicking on an image will open it larger in a new winfdow, then hit you back button on your browser to return to the blog.

What? More knee?

Um. Yes. After showing the gory photo earlier this week (or was it last week?), I thought I'd show you the latest. These are my steri-strips in lieu of the staples. My knee is still very swollen and a bit more in this photo than other times as I took it after my big outing to the doctor's on Friday.

The bruising right around the knee is down. But I'm still black and blue all down the inside of my leg, especially on that side of my calf and down below my ankle. These strips fall off on their own and I'm already trimming flapping edges. My next doctor's appointment is on the 18th. They'll be gone by them!

Plainfield High School Marching Band

Since I was home and the parade goes right by my apartment, I stepped out with my one crutch and a camera for a while. One young man whom I don't really know -- we've said hello a few times in the building's hallway -- insisted I take the chair he brought down. That was so nice of him! As I had a seat, I ended up staying outside until the end of the parade although I missed the beginning.

Drummer for Jesus

This guy was actually pretty good! Alas, the "Stop the Violence" message wasn't heard in town. By afternoon the was an armed robbery at a bodega with three people shot, one fatally. Sigh. No, it wasn't my local store, thankfully. But, what a shame on a day when everyone seemed in such good spirits.

She posed for me!

Since this is Plainfield, the 4th of July parade tends to be not all fife and drum. There are so many different cultures here that the West Indian and Latin American cultures are a huge part of the parade.

In all her glory!

Mmm ... Italian Ice

Horses!

In addition to the usual Black Cowboys on dancing horses, there was a Latino contingent of horse riders. Neat. I love horses but haven't ridden one in a couple of decades.

Speaking of Black Cowboys on dancing horses ...

These guys are in the parade every year. The horses do sidesteps and other fancy choreographed moves. Seeing them always brings back the child in me!

The Pollo Campero float

Delinquent vs. obediences? Hmm ...

Belly dancers?

These hat/belly people were dancing to a Latin beat.

America

The parade is over -- onto other stuff ...

Where's that GPS when I need it?

While waiting for the bus in Bound Brook, I spotted this guy with a dilemma.

Ah, this way!

I know it's not really safe up there for the squirrel, but his chances would be worse trying to cross the busy street.

Nifty old car!

Along with a cute driver! Mountain Avenue and Union in Bound Brook.

Does that hole go all the way through?

This tree is on Mountain Avenue in Bound Brook, in front of the old cemetery there. My knee wasn't up to crossing (then crossing back), but I'll check it out the next time.

Webby!

These webs are covering the bushes at my doctor's office. In the sunlight and at the right angle, they're pretty.

Wrong angle, just creepy.

Bee in the clover!

Berckman Street, Plainfield.

Day Lily

Also on Berckman Street.

Some kind of lily

Berckman Street.

The physical therapist's assistant.

Vincent is definitely liking the fact that I'm home more. Although I still haven't gotten a full night's sleep, I'm taking many naps. Guess who's right there/on me? As long as he doesn't stand on the surgical leg, I'm good with it. I've actually felt stable enough to carry him around some on my shoulder. Happy cat.

How was your week?

Big Brother 13 News Round-Up

Well, there isn't any official news coming from the BB13 Powers That Be, but there's surely a lot of speculation out there. One rumor is that the returning duos will be someone we love (Jeff and Jordan?), someone we hate (Brendan and Rachel? Jessie and Natalie?) and someone we love to hate (Dr. Will and Boogie? Dick and Daniele?). I just don't know. I do think Allison Grodner likes Jessie, so I'm worried ... because I never want to see him or Natalie (or Brendan and Rachel) again! Wah!

But, for the lack of real news I scouted around looking for articles and videos for you!



TVGrapevine has another Allison Grodner interview here.

Grodner clarifies the twist and throws in a few more duo names here. Amy and Marcellas I could deal with better than Rachel and Brendan or Jessie and Natalie. Even Memphis and Dan.

I guess it's a waiting game.

Big Brother 13 Cast Part 2

My apologies for not getting this up yesterday. But here are the remaining new hamsters!

Adam Poch --

Oh, a local homeboy! Adam Poch is 39, a music inventory manager (?), originally from East Brunswick, NJ but now living in Hoboken. For some reason on the bios, he's the only one with "fans." I kinda like the dude. While he makes a joke about his good looks, it came across as a joke (not like Lawon). He's loyal to his girlfriend (we'll see) and Janelle is his favorite player. At least he's not the cookie-cutter BB hamster. What do you think?

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Kalia Booker --

Kalia Booker is a writer, age 30, originally from Philadelphia but now living in Los Angeles. Gosh, I wish she had worn something less revealing. She seems like the ultimate strategist from the women's side but I don't really want to see her chest during the initial video! She definitely has some very good observations -- like thanking Ericka for showing women what not to do! I think we just might have an evil queen here! In her bio she claims to like Dr. Will, Janelle and James. Except for James, I'm in her camp!

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Cassi Colvin --

Cassi Colvin is 26, a model living in Nashville, but originally from Allen, TX. In her bio, she claims to be successful and not particularly looking for fame. Hmm. Model not looking for fame comes across as a bit of an oxymoron to me. But I kind of like this gal. I think the "no personal attacks" bit attracts me. We'll have to see how that works out.

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Dominic Briones --

Dominic Briones, age 25, is a college student at San Francisco State. He hails from San Mateo, CA. Hmmm ... kind of a little cutie in a boytoy kind of way, no? Although in his video he claims Enzo was his favorite player and he wants to be like him (social game), but winning things, in the bio he says he liked Jeff's game. He doesn't like Jessie. So I think I'm going to have to like him!