Yes, the surgery went well. I kept recalling these horror stories about doctors on the Island (e.g. “They used forceps to deliver the baby — and pulled its head off!”), but everyone I dealt with was as organized and professional as the Toronto teams, if not moreso, and there was an added layer of warm, caring friendliness. So it was a great experience — if that can be said of such a thing.
Now I’ve got yet another bandage-covered club on my right arm and can’t wait to get it all off and my stitches out on Friday. The arm is sore and stiff, but it’s such a relief to know that this is the end of that ordeal — though likely the beginning of a long recovery process. I’d pictured having that bar out and immediately getting back to drawing, but things are going slower than that.
I have, however, told work I’ll start again on January 3rd, and am going back on the payroll for the holidays. It’s a bit scary making that commitment before I’m absolutely sure I’ll be ready, but it seems very likely, and I need the income. Yes, the mortgage is much cheaper than our Toronto rent was, but I’d forgotten about factors of home ownership like heating oil. (My God, that furnace can burn through the stuff quickly! There’s a little plastic bubble indicator on top of the oil tank in the basement; I can’t help but check it every day, and am horrified to see it’s moved each time.)
Otherwise, though, the house is a dream. Craig was here for two weeks and managed to get everything unpacked and looking great. (His aunt passed away, so he went to Scotland when I came here, then joined me later.) Now he’s away to Scotland again until mid-January. I miss him, but we’re accustomed to being apart at this time of year so we can be with our families. Charlottetown is really pretty in the snow, but I’m most excited about getting to be here at the house next summer — and off for trips around the Island.
(P.S. This post is recycled from a letter to an old friend. Sorry, Glynis!)