!Well, week one into the new regime, ill health and weather nonwithstanding!

Monday on the Estim bike was a learning experience for both Bruce and I. Figuring out the computer, how to make changes and the biggest discovery in that they unplug the bike overnight! It was Bruce who noticed it and brought it to my attention! There is always someone there to help out in the Independent therapy program. Today was 100%. We arrived early, I got Bruce hooked right up and off he went. His therapist wanted to make some adjustments since she is on vacation next week. Personally my thought was any exercise was good and we are just into this, so what is one more week? Let us get used to doing it, but one always appreciates input from the pros. Thing was she had to shut the computer down to do this.

Bruce was not pleased! LOL. He is a clock-time watcher. Has been since the stroke. He used to watch his IV pump when he could not even say his own name and was very annoyed when it was done and the Nurse was not right there to disconnect it. I set the bike to his mileage. He can see the clock and knows how much time he is working and the computer tells him exactly how far he has traveled. Needless to say, he was not pleased when he had to start all over again! But I know my Bruce. I know he knows exactly how far he went when she took him off. He had a goal in mind - 3 miles - I found out later. And 45 minutes total.

I sit on the floor next to him-best position for me and I have to hold his right knee in position in order for him to tolerate the pedaling. This is hard on my poor hands and arms. I am sure we have a velcro strip at my work that I can use to tie the knee in comfortably to take some of the pressure off me.

Now, when I walk, it relieves so much of the tightness and cramping in my back and thighs. This is why I am so attentive to getting my walk in. Moving the right muscles for the problem. I mentioned to Bruce this afternoon that that is why I think he loves this bike. Moving the troublesome muscles in the proper way. The set up for this is complicated and time consuming, not something Bruce usually tolerates. But I see now why he accepts it.

Tuesday we swam, but not for the full hour he was used to doing. Again, we will have to build up because of the time off. I can see where these two very different exercise routines will compliment each other.

Tomorrow Cathy comes early, so she will do some cleaning and Bruce and I always plan a nice dinner since during the week, we rarely have dinner together. Certainly we will do the pool on Friday and hopefully Saturday.

His favorite Car Show is Memorial Day. I reminded him that we have to get the scooter out and tested before then and I have no intention of doing that on my own. It is fully assembled, on charge in the garage, but Bruce does not know that. I told him I expect him to be in the drive way with me, available to do a test drive before Monday! He also has to do the pharmacy run with me tomorrow afternoon - we usually don't do much late afternoon - and prep dinner.

Bruce took us on a lovely ride this morning after therapy. I am still amazed at his long term memory. This was a route to our favorite farm that I did not know. And he wants to visit the Winery on this route again. I had done that twice post stroke, just to expose him to anything-his college roommate is involved with this, but never Bruce-just tried to make a connection.

Good weekend and holiday to all. Debbie