34 Comments
May 24Liked by prue batten

You’ve been in my thoughts this week, so wonderful to read it all went well and the road to recovery is being traversed hills and all. I wonder if the statue is deliberately placed at the top of the stairs so all who are faced with that daunting first post op climb can use that very phrase to summon the strength and will. I’m sure the terrier is equally keen for that first walk with you. I have intel on the ground in Hobart who tell me it looks beautiful but is jolly cold. While movement is slow and restricted viewing from inside may be the best thing.

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Hubby walked the Terrier before he picked me up late morning, and said the air was pristine, cut-glass clear.

I'm home now and I smelled it, a long draught, as I staggered in the gate.

I've pondered the positioning of that statue and I think you're right - it's a maybe not so subtle piece of messaging by the Little Company of Mary. Either way, I was glad for Her support.

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I have been thinking about you and am cheered to read of relatively good spirits (and perfume and silk pillow cases yeah!!!) in your writing today. Sending wishes for a very speedy return home.

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Thanks so much, Alice.

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May 24Liked by prue batten

Happy sigh! You’ve not just survived it, you’re acing it!!! All those stairs!! Already! And you’re managing the anti-pneumonia device immediately!!! Super Prue!! Yay! So glad that you have such a wonderful network of supporters. Loving the family photos and the Terrier photos too. You’ll be back doing that before you know it. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes. Take care beautiful Prue.

(Have they given you one of those claw-type picker-uppers? Or a butterfly net to try to hold some of the goodies together? Good luck with managing all the ‘things’.)

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We have the claws in a container with my late Mum's stuff. I must get my husband to get them out!

I'm home now and space is not at such a premium but even so, I can't bend so the claws'd be great.

We're shearing at the farther end of this coming week/early the following and this is the first year I won't be cooking for the shearers. Husband will have to fill the basket from Coles.

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May 25Liked by prue batten

The shearers will definitely miss you. Grin. So glad you’re home. Take care my dear. All the best. 🤗🤗😘

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May 24Liked by prue batten

Dear Prue so heading to hear that you are recovering well from your op. Slow and steady is the way to go, great for getting up and down those stairs well done. I'm sure you're active lifestyle has helped. Sending you much love and gentle hugs xx ❤❤❤

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I'm home Libby. I expect to flatten out a bit as I'm so tired. Husband is taking up the slack thankfully.

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May 25Liked by prue batten

Glad you're home, at least you can rest quietly, I know its hard when your beloved is doing the things you usually do, and it's kind of different to how you do it, but as the song goes ..... "let it go"

Just take it slow and steady and you'll get there. Do what you'd advise others to do 😉 . You're a very special lady to us all and we'd like you to take it slow and steady and have an uneventful recovery. Much love and very gentle hugs ❤❤❤

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So " glad" was what I meant to say ....doh xx

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Wow! You’re knocking it out of the park (to use a baseball term ⚾️ !). Such impressive recovery!

Lovely to read about Chanel perfume, silk pillowcase and fabulous PJs!

Keep up the amazing recovery and you’ll be home with beloved terrier and hubby soon. Thanks for the inspiring post. Xx

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I 'have' notched up the markers, but I've just come home and feel like a wet piece of paper, so I expect things to plateau now for awhile. I'm beastly tired...

And yes, if you know someone is off for major surgery, my suggestion is a silky pillow/pillow case or an eyemask, a bottle of their favourite perfume and or/ some subtly beautiful body lotion, a soft floral room spray, even. The aircon dries out your skin so much and hospitals do have that smell as the Terrier has told me, so something fragrant (even a candle for later), will go down a treat I'm sure.

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May 24Liked by prue batten

So happy to hear you are making progress. Steady is good.... Try not to push yourself too hard. All the best.

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Had to get husband to unpack my bag. I'm rather frail...

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May 24Liked by prue batten

Lovely to "see/hear " you again! The firsts after surgery are, for the most part, wonderful...first shower and hair wash, first solid food, first time sitting in a chair, looking out the window! The first breath of outside air will almost feel like you are clearing out your lungs, your very pores! Wishing you many new firsts, bursts of color, sounds to buoy your soul, smells and tastes to delight anew!

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Oh Susan, that first shower was a gift from the gods, and getting out of hospital garb and into my own PJ's.

After fluids for two days, the first solid food was made for me by a lovely ward-clerk - hot toast with butter and marmalade. Five star Michelin.

More firsts to come, as you say. XXXX

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May 24Liked by prue batten

I’m so glad to hear you’re mending well and successfully cleared the first hurdle. Your good health going in will make this next phase (recovery) a success, as well. Patience is needed though, so give yourself the grace to accept the help as needed. You’ll be ‘back in the saddle’ in no time. Take care!

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So true. Don't be 'brave', accept help and listen to my body!

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May 24Liked by prue batten

That's quite a large hill of steps, I too would be calling out the Mother Mary! Glad you getting fine care, third day always the worst I was told often. Keep the Chanel close, smart idea! You were brave, it's all uphill now! Much love!

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Yes, Day Three was a bit ordinary - the day an infection set in, but onwards now.

The Chanel and the silky pillow are the best. I know what I'll be giving folk in hospital now!

Home now - as you say, onward and upward.

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Sounds like you are making steady progress. Hospitals are a conundrum, are they not? A place for care, but not for healing. You will likely sleep the sleep of a week of disruptions when you are returned home. And won't the Terrier be so delighted to see you!?

That crown you made for your granddaughter is precious. I may commission you for one. I could do with a crown some days! 😂

Carry on, Prue. You're doing so well. You'll be back to yourself in no time!

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Slow and steady, Elizabeth.

Came home this morning and trying to unpack was beyond me so husband kindly banished me to the couch (with rug and pillows), unpacked, and has washing on as we speak. The Terrier hasn't left my side.

Whilst I hate looking further than today - here's to tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

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"The Terrier hasn't left my side."

MY HEART JUST MELTED!

❤️❤️❤️

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Welcome home! 🧡

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So glad you are up and about. After your description of the pain of bending those stairs looked daunting. Mary was strategically placed for patients first steps. I wonder if anyone reunited with their faith after that climb.

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Thanks, CK.

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I'm so, so happy to read this fantastic post - three cheers for you, Prue! Awesome work!

Perfectly-ironed pyjamas (that sharp crease!), a silk pillow and Chanel No. 5 make for a much better experience as a patient than one of those itchy nylon gowns, a thin, lumpy pillow and the scent of disinfectant. You're absolutely nailing this.

Reading the comments below I've now learned that you're home - hurrah! Sending so much love for your recovering - you're an absolute star. xxx

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Rebecca, I've just woken after a very heavy afternoon sleep in my own bed. No sounds of I'V's, no call buttons, footsteps, doors slamming, voices, trolleys - just ineffable quiet.

It's heaven!

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Oh, I’m so, so pleased for you, Prue. I hope you’re comfortable and enjoying the peace! Hugs (but not squeezy ones!). xxx

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This is such an intimate post with all these true-to-life pics that draw us into your current world. (Note: your son is ridiculously handsome!) Thank you Prue for your honest writing as always and I can detect flickering bits of hope that come through, that it really will all be okay. Getting well and improving in small but measurable increments is absolutely the best way to go - my sis-in-law recently endured something similar to you and she knew she was REALLY getting better when her impatience began to ramp up, lol. She is now gardening like a fiend after THREE risky abdominal surgeries. She is, like yourself, a trooper and her excellent attitude never flagged. (Also like you!) Keep up the good work with those affirming luxuries of Chanel and silk pillowcases! I trust someone has also supplied a block of quality chocolate within reach. Many hugs xo

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Three surgeries? Three????? My heaven, the woman's an Amazon. I'm heartened by her strength. I've just washed my hair in the laundry (don't like doing it in the shower and I can sit at the trough in the laundry) and I'm done like a dinner. Back in bed and trying to get the Terrier to take away his smelly squeaker and 'No, I'm not going for a walk...'

No chocolate yet - not ready (astonishing - who'd have thought?). I'm on squelchy food for a little while yet. But nice squelchy...

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You are doing incredibly well Prue and such early days! Very, very impressed. Keep up the good work, you! xo

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I’m so delighted your surgery went well, and that you’re home! And that despite the ordeal, you haven’t lost a bit of your sense of humor 😊 Bravo on that stair climb! Sending all the best healing light and good wishes for your swift recovery.

Also, I love your term for “soft” foods: squelchy. Perfect!!

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