pre-op / post-op

Nancy’s mom Neva flew in from Iowa last week ahead of Nancy’s surgery. This was Neva’s first visit to Portland and we had one day to spend with her before the surgery, so we took her to our favorite place: the Japanese garden. We’ve visited the garden before, but never in autumn, and it was even more beautiful.

Japanese gardens are very carefully designed, including “training” trees to grow into intended shapes using bamboo braces tied to tree limbs. But sometimes I think they become part of the art itself, like this little tree that seems to be playing the flute :-).

The visit also let Neva finally meet her “grandkids” Hank, Maggie, and Willow.

The surgery itself went very well, and Nancy has nothing but praise for the friendly and skilled medical staff. It was so great for both Nancy and me to have Neva here during Nancy’s surgery and the first weekend of her recovery. Thanks, Neva, we love you!

Thanks too, to all the friends and family who sent their best wishes :-)