For most of 2015 my blog has been mute. What happened? I’ve been off on a dusty,topsy-turvy detour called Home Renovation and I am just winding my way back on to the main route.
It was rather challenging, compounded by my having to deal with a degenerate hip joint that has made life increasingly uncomfortable and painful. (I call it my Russian souvenir from eight winters of slipping and sliding around on Moscow streets from 2002-2009.)
The result of the much-needed renovation turned out beautifully and was worth the choking dust, noise and inconveniences. It appears, however, that another detour lies ahead for me. That route is called Hip Replacement Surgery. But in the meantime, it’s time to get back to writing. What will life and travel be like for 2016 considering the state of the world? I don’t know, but I believe we should live our lives to the fullest. What I have learned from people during my global wanderings is that those who have little or who have faced great hardships are confused and sometimes almost hurt when people who do have the opportunities to embrace a full life, don’t.
For 2016 I wish you all good health, good relations and plenty of opportunities for detours and diversions.
Featured Photo by Frank Meitzke.
DETOURS & DIVERSIONS 
Thanks…..and the same to you….a Happy and Healthy 2016! Any plans to come to the US? If so, you’re welcome here in West Palm Beach! xxx
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Dorothy. Sorry to hear about your hip problems – what a nuisance. I know several people who had hip replacements and they turned out well. I hope it is the same for you.
Constance Keylard
All our fellow renovation experienced veterans know of the pain and suffering involved in such projects. We understand your being ” off the air” and welcome your return .
Your pending hip replacement can improve your life. Paul Higdon my Ft Lauderdale neighbor and DEA alumnus had both hips done in France some years ago. He hops around like a rabbit and has boundless energy. This is, says he, a miracle for those who were in pain and recommends it highly.
We all await your latest Christmas and New Year adventures. We also will enjoy seeing photos of the renovation results. A hearty welcome back!!
Hip replacement…..what a drag. Quite a few of my friends have had that. You need to get the best surgeon around and then do all the rehab things they tell you to. Everyone seems to recuperate ok, and with a lot less pain in their lives.
All my wishes for a wonderful new year….
Love, Diane
http://www.dianesmook.com http://www.dianesmook.wordpress.com dpsmook@earthlink.net
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Love you, my friend. Wishing you a smooth slow ride till the hip replacement!
Marilyn
Dear Dorothy!!! Wishing you health and speedy recovery from ypur hip replacement! I don’t doubt your newly renovated gorgeous apt will help the recovery!!! As one of Rissian proverbs says” at home even walls help”
Love,
Anna
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! So sorry to hear you are facing a hip replacement. I thought you might be going to the “reunion” in Uruguay which Mary K. Is headed to in a few weeks…but doesn’t sound like it. Take care…climate!
Hi Dor,
I’m happy that you have your office back again and that your reno is done. I will miss you in Uruguay as Kristina mentioned but soon you will have a new hip and your travel adventures will continue again. Best of luck with it.
Love, Mary
Dear Dorothy, after seeing your renovation photos I can well imagine the dust and inconvenience. All the best for your hip replacement. At least there is an excellent rehab clinic nearby.
My village house still needs more work — it seems it will never be ready.
Wishing you good health and happiness in the New Year.
Jutta
I am an newcomer and also late in saying good luck with your surgery and if you have already had it good wishes for a full recovery…after re-hab consider Pilates…its a wonderful …
Thank you! The surgery is done. Turned out great and I am recovering quite well. Therapy starts soon. After three months I will be back to my Pilates classes and other activities. I work out on the Reformer and Cadillac and some other equipment. You’re right. It’s wonderful and I kept it up until surgery though I had to stop other activities. Not Pilates! And that is why I am recovering so well!