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Sunday, January 14, 2024

Knee , full replacement, January 3, 2024

 I had the new knee installed a bit over 1.5 weeks ago on a Wednesday, the 3rd of January, 2024.


This narrative is for anyone who might be considering getting a new knee.  It is just a hodge podge of my own slightly odd observations.

Where to go for a new knee:

The operation was done by EBJ, Everett Bone and Joint's Dr Bill Huang (Wong) and his staff.  There have been so many positive  testimonies from former patients and his count on knee installation is over 5000 apparently.  High marks from me!


Narrative begins:


As of now, almost two weeks in short a day or two, I move up and down stairs slowly and am monitored by my lovely.  Doing email just about sucks all the concentration out of me.  Needless to say, reading and audiobooks are tough to keep on with.  Naps seem to be a prevalent part of the day.  Mostly because I cannot sleep well.

Memory of the operation:

I was wheeled into the operating suite whcih was quite large.  There was a table about 15' long full of various equipment and I was curious to see the drill bit they were going to use to drill out my bones for the implant.  The nurse was surprised by the request but dug out a very shiny 1/2", new drill bit!

Then the anecdotist got there and a spinal knock out came on.  Total darkness until...

I was laying there peacefully napping when I felt my right leg raised into the air and then a pound (rat a tat tat) from a robotic hammer on my thigh, shortly after that the same pounding took place on my right calf.  It didn't hurt but woke me up.  I noticed I was strapped down tight all over and couldn't move.

I was told later that there had been a huge tourniquet applied to my right thigh to stop the bleeding and that was the reason most of those upper quads were sore.

Dr. Huang told me, post surgery in the Providence Hospital, that my interior ACL was non existent.  Not sure if I ever noticed it being an issue.  

Another interesting bit gathered in post surgery conference.  Robots were used and part of it was to flex the joint after installation and my leg went to a robotic measured 120 degrees of flex!  This was jut a gravity flex too, no muscles or outside forces.


It seems this installation was number 5000ish for Dr. Bill Huang.  He has it down.

Complications:

As you might know, I got home on Thursday after the installation and on Friday went into the ER in the local hospital (Cascade Valley) for what is known as twisted bowel.  I have had this two previous occasions and it reoccurs because I have had 4 abdominal surgeries and the bowel scars if one even touches it.  When the scars align, then a block can occur.  

Apparently the use of a spinal anesthetic has a tendency for the scarred bowel to twist again as it is not moving during the surgery because of the drugs.

The procedure is gross to deal with it.  They stick an NG tube down the nostril into the stomach and suck out whatever is in the stomach..  Over 36 hours I was in the ER as they pumped this out and resting as best I could hoping the blockage would dissipate.

ER sucks!  Beds are WAY too short, nurses are being run ragged, no windows.  The only nutrition was from an IV drip.  NO food or water for 36 hours!  A few ice chips were awarded to me, yummm.

More on all this experience later, I will use this reply as a start in my blog experience.  Concentration is waning.

The move to the general population found me in a private room, food, water, tea, coffee, etc.... and a window!  All was much better and then discharged after 2 nights.

HOME:

Arriving home was a big deal the second time, more relief of being out of the hospital!  Up the stairs at the entry with the walker (2 steps) "Up with the good foot" Not bad at all

Real food, although hunger was very restrained.

An unpleasant result.  The doctor was surprised by the extent of the bruise!

An example of the bruising caused by the surgery.  My entire leg was bruised but
no pain was noted.  The baby aspirin regimen thinned my blood enough to lose the bruising 
in 4 weeks.

Observations:

When admitted to a hospital all the other medical services get disrupted. I was slated for home visits for Physical Therapy and monitoring of my knee dressing..  Those got cancelled!  Restarting took a couple days and many phone calls.  EBJ assisted!


Pain Medication:

I had requested NO OXY pain relief products, as it makes me mental, but had requested morphine and it worked very well for pain.  Mental ambiguity (confusion) was present plus the narcotic blocked up the  bowel movements in spite of several softeners, laxatives, prunes,  and the like.  4 days of the morphine was plenty!  After that ibuprofen/Tylenol regimen worked a treat.

Side note on Morphine:  I had been given this previously for twisted bowel relaxing and for the recovery of my spleen removal.  The stuff was smooth and worked a treat.  This time it seemed to be overkill.

I was cautioned by friends who had new knees that one shouldn't get behind the pain but the pain dissipated and now it is just stiffness and tightness.  I guess that was good for me to get off them.


The REHAB:

Probably because I am old, certainly because I had Dr. Huang, I got home PT and nurse visits for the first 5 weeks of rehab.  Younger friends who got a knee installed had to go to outpatient PT right away.

I will say the PT I got at home was superior and inspired me to work the exercises hard.

I am currently about to finish my 6th week, post surgery, and the heel slides are still tough.  I am using a strap to pull my heel closer and get more flex, holding each one for 5 seconds.  Sets of 10, 2xs each workout, 2 workouts a day.  I am also doing the heel slides without the strap trying to get the momentum to swing the heel a bit closer.  Same regimen as with the strap.

FLEXIBILITY:

(The goal is 125 or more of Flex)

The first measure was 83 D of flex, then 86 D 3 days or so later (they came twice a week), 89 D, 93 D, 98 D, 103 D, 110 D.  Shifted to outpatient at Joel Anderson (APT) and was measured at 115 in my 5th week after surgery.  After 8 weeks the Out Patient PT massaged my leg and then measured 128 degrees.

EXTENSION:  (This is how straight you can get your leg, goal of 0)

Starting with 5 D off straight (zero being the goal), then 2 D, 1.5 D, 1 D, 0 D, 0 D, 0 D etc...  Keep using the pillow under the heel for the quad sets to keep the 0 measurement.  10 reps, 2xs a workout, 2 workouts a day.  At the end of the 6 week there is still some tightness.  Holding each quad set 5 seconds.  The measurement here at 8 weeks was zero!

Stairs:

I was going every other step after 5 weeks but this was not fast or smooth going.  Very tiring and the railing was needed both up and down.

Entering the 6 week after, I am not using the rail all the time, more on the down for safety.  I can carry stuff up and down the stairs now.

Walking:

I am told to not limp.  I am using my phone as a step counter and am averaging about 10,000 steps a day with highs at 13,300.  I was using hiking poles but have not used them for 4 days now.  Not even sure where my cane is.

The Throne:

Point to note, getting to land on the throne was very tough to start with when the leg wanted to not fold.  These are comfort height toilets with no grab bars to assist going up or down.  I can't imagine using the short toilet, even now.

Getting up still requires the assistance of the cane at one point and certainly pushing off on the seat between my legs to get to the point where the legs can be effective enough for lift.

I use the handicap stalls when out and about, the grab bars do help.

Practical observations:

This is now after week 9.  I am able to rise up without using my arms to push up if my thighs are level.  Not so much if my knees are up hill from my hips.  Very helpful in getting on and off the throne. I still have to use my arms to come in for a soft landing.

Going up and down stairs/ladders is every other step, although it is slow.  I still like to hang on the rail or something, going down especially. Less than 4 steps needs no rail or handhold. 

I am hauling firewood around with the cart and bringing it in using the sling. 

Mounting and dismounting the tractor is easier than pre surgery times.  Same for the riding mower.

Starting the chainsaw made me realize I had lost a lot of upper body strength.  Hopefully, our trainer will kick my ass so I can use that thing! 

Applause-O-Meter:

Here is a photo from my phone which has been recording my steps for 6 months on this screenshot.






Physical Therapy for knee surgery:

Surgery January 3, 2024

 

Preoperative Exercises:

Ankle Pumps:   Gently pull toes up towards your knee then point towards the floor.  Both ankles together or alternating.  30xs every hour.

 

Quad Sets:  Press the back of your knees down into the surface as if you were trying to lock your knees.  Hold for 3 seconds, relax.  2 x 10, 2xs a day.  Advanced:  use pillow under heel

 

Glut sets:  Squeeze buttocks together as tightly as possible. Hold for 3 seconds.  2 x 10, 2xs a day

 

Side Leg Slide (Hip abduction)  Lie on your back, Slied your operated leg out to the side keeping your kneecap and toes up.  Keep your leg straight by tightening your thigh muscles; do not lift your leg.  Gently return to the middle.

 

Heel Slides:  Slide operative leg heel towards buttocks, keeping heel on the surface.  Slowly return to starting position.  Once you have gone as far as your leg will go, slowly straighten leg.  2 x10, 2xs a day.

 

Straight Leg Raises:  Keep your non operative leg bent for support.  Slowly lift operative leg off the bed, keeping the knee straight throughout the entire motion.  Lift no higher than the height of the bent  knee.  Slowly lower. 

 

Long Arc Quads:  (Knee Extension)  Sit your back against a chair.  Slowly straighten your leg and hold for 5 seconds.  Use non surgical leg assist  your surgical leg into extension.  Hold for 20-30 seconds, then relax

 

 

 

Post surgery : Pretty much the same as presurgery.

Quad Sets:  Press the back of your knees down into the surface as if you were trying to lock your knees.  Hold for 3 seconds, relax.  2 x 10, 2xs a day. 

 

Glut sets:  Squeeze buttocks together as tightly as possible. Hold for 3 seconds.  2 x 10, 2xs a day

 

Side Leg Slide (Hip abduction)  Lie on your back, Slied your operated leg out to the side keeping your kneecap and toes up.  Keep your leg straight by tightening your thigh muscles; do not lift your leg.  Gently return to the middle.

 

Heel Slides:  Slide operative leg heel towards buttocks, keeping heel on the surface.  Slowly return to starting position.  Once you have gone as far as your leg will go, slowly straighten leg.  2 x10, 2xs a day.

 

Straight Leg Raises:  Keep your non operative leg bent for support.  Slowly lift operative leg off the bed, keeping the knee straight throughout the entire motion.  Lift no higher than the height of the bent  knee.  Slowly lower. 

 

Long Arc Quads:  (Knee Extension)  Sit your back against a chair.  Slowly straighten your leg and hold for 5 seconds.  Use non surgical leg assist  your surgical leg into extension.  Hold for 20-30 seconds, then relax

 

Advanced PT from home visits:  (Sean)

 

Double leg Heel rises with support, calf raises:

While standing next to a chair or countertop for support, raise up on your toes as you lift your heels off the ground.  Return heels to ground and repeat.  10 xs, 2 sets, 2xs a day, hold for 5 seconds.

 

Walker Marching:  While standing with a walker, lift up one knee allowing it to bend as your raise your foot off the floor.  Set the foot back down and perform same on the other leg.  10 times, 2 sets, 2xs a day.

 

Walker squats:  Stand in a walker with feet shoulder width apart.  Begin by bending knees and lowering your body into a squat, as if you would be sitting into a chair.  Don’t sit, your body weight  should be directed mostly touching the chair with your buttocks, straighten  your knees and rise back up to a fully standing position.  Knees should bend in line with the 2 toe and not pass in front of the foot. 

10 times, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.

 

Walker Hip Abduction:  While standing up using a walker, raise your leg out to the side.  Keep your knee straight an maintain your toes pointed forward to the entire time.  10 times, 2 sets, hold 2 seconds, 2 xs a day.

 

Walker Hip Extension:   While standing up using a walker, extend your leg behind you.  Do not allow your back or chest to move.  Also, keep your knee straight the entire time  Lower your leg back down and repeat.  10 times, hold 2 seconds, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.

 

Quad Sets:  Press the back of your knees down into the surface as if you were trying to lock your knees.  Hold for 3 seconds, relax.  2 x 10, 2xs a day.  Advanced:  use 5 “ pillow under heel.

 

Heel Slides:  Slide operative leg heel towards buttocks, keeping heel on the surface.  Slowly return to starting position.  Once you have gone as far as your leg will go, slowly straighten leg.  2 x10, 2xs a day.

 

Heel  slides advanced :  Attach a strap to operative foot and pull the heel as far as you can.  Count to 5 then release.  10 times, hold for 5 seconds, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.

 

Out Patient Physical Therapy:  Joel Anderson (Anderson Physical Therapy , Arlington WA)

 

Double leg Heel rises with support, calf raises:

While standing next to a chair or countertop for support, raise up on your toes as you lift your heels off the ground.  Return heels to ground and repeat.  15 xs, 2 sets, 2xs a day, hold for 5 seconds.

 

Walker Marching:  While standing with a walker, lift up one knee allowing it to bend as your raise your foot off the floor.  Set the foot back down and perform same on the other leg.  15 times, 2 sets, 2xs a day.

 

Walker squats:  Stand in a walker with feet shoulder width apart.  Begin by bending knees and lowering your body into a squat, as if you would be sitting into a chair.  Don’t sit, your body weight  should be directed mostly touching the chair with your buttocks, straighten  your knees and rise back up to a fully standing position.  Knees should bend in line with the 2 toe and not pass in front of the foot. 

15 times, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.  Lower to bed with out siting.

 

Single leg balance:   While standing up using a walker, raise your non-operative  leg out to the side.  Keep your knee straight and maintain your toes pointed forward to the entire time. Raise leg forward, then raise leg back.   15 times, 3 sets each leg, hold 2 seconds, 2 xs a day.

 

Standing Balance:  Stand on operative leg, balance for 30 seconds.  5 times, 2 sets, 2xs a day.

 

Step downs:  4” step,   Step down with your non operative leg until the heel touches, then come back up.  10 times, 3 sets, 2 xs a day.

 

Standing Knee Extension:  Straighten operative leg while standing, step your weight on to the non operative lege keeping it straight.  20 times, 2 xs a day.


Quad Sets:  Press the back of your knees down into the surface as if you were trying to lock your knees.  Hold for 3 seconds, relax.  2 x 10, 2xs a day.  Advanced:  use 5 “ pillow under heel.

 

Heel Slides:  Slide operative leg heel towards buttocks, keeping heel on the surface.  Slowly return to starting position.  Once you have gone as far as your leg will go, slowly straighten leg.  2 x10, 2xs a day.

 

Heel  slides advanced :  Attach a strap to operative foot and pull the heel as far as you can.  Count to 5 then release.  10 times, hold for 5 seconds, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.

Out Patient Physical Therapy Version 3 (assigned March 9, 2024):  Joel Anderson (Anderson Physical Therapy , Arlington WA)

 

Heel Slides:  Slide operative leg heel towards buttocks, keeping heel on the surface.  Slowly return to starting position.  Once you have gone as far as your leg will go, slowly straighten leg.  2 x10, 2xs a day.

Heel  slides advanced :  Attach a strap to operative foot and pull the heel as far as you can.  Count to 5 then release.  10 times, hold for 5 seconds, 2 sets, 2 xs a day

Standing Balance:  Stand on operative leg, balance for 30 seconds.  5 times, 2 sets, 2xs a day.  JUMP TO THE LEG AND CATCH BALANCE

Walker Marching:  While standing with a walker, lift up one knee allowing it to bend as your raise your foot off the floor.  Set the foot back down and perform same on the other leg.  15 times, 2 sets, 2xs a day.  FLEX KNEE FULLY

Walker squats:  Stand in a walker with feet shoulder width apart.  Begin by bending knees and lowering your body into a squat, as if you would be sitting into a chair.  Don’t sit, your body weight  should be directed mostly touching the chair with your buttocks, straighten  your knees and rise back up to a fully standing position.  Knees should bend in line with the 2 toe and not pass in front of the foot. 

15 times, 2 sets, 2 xs a day.  Lower to bed without sitting.

Jump Balance:  Jump from foot to foot and balance on each side as much as possilble.

Kettle Ball Squats:   Right leg forward, left leg straightish.  Reach down and bend the front leg to pick up kettle ball. 10xs, 2 sets

Partial Lunge to 14”:  right leg forward and back leg bending, working the front leg most.  10xs, 2 sets


Saturday, December 23, 2023

Traveling from Zihuantanejo to Seattle in 2023

 Read at your peril, I will post this excerpt on my blog as a reminder to all travelers how things were in 2023.


We both, the Countess and myself, hate the airport experiences, but apparently are a necessary evil.  This trip home was remarkably smooth with some unexpected detours (one anyway).

It starts with a taxi ride from Casa Iguana to the airport, but we got a newish taxi with great AC and a sedate driver.  We asked him to take us on the scenic road out the back way from Zihua.  There were several new homes/buildings going in.  It makes sense as the new concrete road has power (maybe water too?)  The road was finished all the way to the airport highway and put through, about 4 years ago and goes through some most excellent sea and valley overlook view properties in it's 10? mile length.  ($500 peso ride)

The lines at the check in at Zihua were shortish but grew after we got in line, that was the longest delay in the entire trip!  That line was maybe 15 minutes, but then we were there exactly at the 2 hour before the flight.  We both saw families with HUGE amounts of luggage.  UGH  We checked our one small bag each for the first time and found that a better experience than carry on.

After getting the boarding passes we steeled ourselves for the Mx TSA and found NO line.  We were the only ones going through!  Shoes/belt could stay on!  Lori's hip gave the usual metallic scan issues but that is to be expected.  I guess next time I fly, the same will occur with my new knee/s!

The wait at the airport was tolerable as ice cream and water were easily purchased and the crowd was quiet.  We did find a Westjet flight that was direct from Vancouver BC to Zihua and will research it for the next journey to Mx.  

Boarding in the B group with only our little backpacks was a treat, putting on the face masks for the flight while the bus filled up behind us, we were in the 7th row.  No need to stash heavy stuff overhead.  3.5 hours to LAX and we had an empty seat in our row!

LAX has that interminably long walk to customs but when we got to the line snake there was another group from Asia (huge group) just starting to arrive.  We got in line with only 3 families in front of us so that line was short and the exam from the Border agent was really short and sweet.

The checked luggage had to be retrieved, which was new to us as usually we are carry on but it showed up and we had to roll it a short distance and some agent from AK air took it and we were out into LAX and heading to get back into TSA approved space.  Again, minimal line, maybe 3 bodies?

This time there was a SNAFU at TSA as we were told to take out all large electronic items and phones.  We did, but neither us or the others near us considered a Kindle a large electronic item.... We had to send our backpacks back through again...  Shoes off, but belt and wallet were fine.  Into the LAX nightmare!

We went to our favorite food vendor (The Golden Road) that has sit down spaces and waitstaff who bring you menus and food and take care of you!  There was a line waiting to get in and some QR code thing that I signed up for putting us #20 in line!  While I was registering the QR thing, the line went away and a waitress came up and asked us if we would like to be seated!  We got a booth for 4, ordered a great turkey melt with fries and ice tea.  Great food and service!  When we had finished eating we had moved up to #17 in the QR thing.  We made it to our gate with 20 minutes to wait until boarding (Group B again) and found on take off we had an extra seat empty in our 7th row again!

There was an issue, all was not perfect in flight land.  In row 5 (the last in First Class) there was a screaming child!  OMG!   I would have throttled it and so would Lori.  I took out my hearing aids and put in ear plugs.  All gooder!  Traveling with children?  Paying First Class and then have that noise right there???  Issues all.

We got to Seattle a bit early (2.5 hour flight), were the last ones on the shuttle train to baggage claim!  Claimed our luggage and found our shuttle to the Marriott parking right away!

Adventure time started then, as I unlocked Zorro (the 2023 Subaru Outback I had purchased less than a year ago) and loaded the luggage.  NO start!!!  Apparently, we discovered sometime north of Seattle, we had left a map light on when we had arrived at the parking at 04:00 hours on our trip going to Mexico and not noticed it.  The battery was too low to start the car!  What to do??

The parking lot concierge was a young man who had a very small jump box device came out after we asked him to.  We all looked under the dash for the hood release (I had never used it) for maybe 5 minutes..  It was hiddenish.  Then with the hood popped, the safety release was also tough to figure out, another 5 minutes.  Once that was done though the jumpbox worked perfectly and we warmed up the car a bit and were homeward bound.  Dry roads at 38F and very light traffic at midnight all the way to Maryville and then some good rain.  

We exited at Smokey Point and had all green lights home!  (4?)  It was a very smooth journey.

No precipitation at Griffin Hill, but it had just rained, getting the luggage in was a dry experience under a half moon and Milly the dog was VERY happy we were home!  So were we!

Sleeping in our own bed is a luxury!  With the outside temperature 40 degrees colder this morning we had to add more layers instead of just putting on a swimsuit.  So it goes.  The Big Dark is behind us and the days will be longer tomorrow than today!  Our 'vacation' from our day to day retired living was wonderful and relaxing!

Friday, September 29, 2023

GHEDI Fall 2023 The few, the Proud

 



THE GHEDI:  Fall of 2023

This event was held the day after the Equinox occurred.
The weather was dry until the last bit of the first round.  Then it rained pretty good.  Umbrellas were required for watching the second round.

There were 8 brave souls who showed up to have fun.  The fun factor was not reduced by this light turnout.  We played as a group of 8.  The round on the 18 hole course introduced the option, USE the ring!  It was an extra throw and take your best shot on the drive.

All players had an option to use the ring and it worked for about 1/4 of the holes that someone hit a good ring throw.  They are hard to control.  The Count lived up to his nickname of 'Lord of the Ring' on a few holes.

This may have been the smallest population for a GHEDI ever, but the fun was still there!

Bloody Mary's were mixed and distributed to all on arrival.   Ron was doing the mixing!

The group photo was taken after the first round and before the Championship round on the 10 hole course.  The rain had commenced by then and the heater and fire table in the clubhouse were a good thing.



8 players after a first round of disc on the 18 hole course.




When asked to do something odd for the photo, this is what we did.

Kudos and Props to the photographers of the round.  J-Lo and Gazza did the documentary with the cameras.  

There was a CTP/Ace Pot.  Winners were Hawkeye, Doorman (2 CTPs) and the Count.  The Ace Pot was taken by Ron! on the last hole of the tournament on hole 10!

The closest thing to an injury was PK finding the hot wire in the pasture.




The clubhouse, pre disc .  Note the Bloody Mary in the hands of the Count.

There was no awards ceremony as we ended the final round.  Too wet and it was time to hit the road but all was good.

J-Lo doing her turbo best to get a bird on hole 2.

PK taking his only bogie of the round on hole 3.





The second round was played somewhat differently than in past GHEDI tournaments, but with success.  

No partners were assigned for a best disc format, instead the 3 brave souls were all playing Cali disc golf with one extra stroke free per hole.  PK, Ron, and Hawkeye had a good competitive round with the lead changing nearly every hole.  They were observed by the Doorman and the Count.

Final result was Ron and PK at par with Hawkeye at  +1.  Close game!!!

The Doorman teeing off on 7, a CTP hole and he collects after taking Ron by 1/16".  Hawkeye measured with a string for the mediation.


J-Lo teeing off on 8.


The group trudging off after playing 9.  Heading for the clubhouse and a snack? before continuing.



The photo documentation on Hole 11 is remarkable.  Also a point to note, the camera shy Gazza is only shown in the group photos.  Next time that will be rectified if possible.

Some classic awards:

First Place on the 18:   PK  (-11)
Hot Chick award:         J-Lo (+1)
Nutcracker:   PK hitting the electric fence
2nd Place on the 10:  A tie with Ron and PK for first and 2nd.  (both with par)
Forget Me NOT:  Doorman (losing his bag of disc as he went over the fence to retrieve his disc on 14.)  There was a bag of discs left in the clubhouse by Gazza. 



PK with a fairway approach on Hole 11.

PK with his tee shot on 11.

King Tutt teeing off on 11.

The Count after his throw and the Doorman getting ready to throw his ring on 11.

J-Lo teeing off on 11.

Hawkeye preparing for his ring throw on 11.





The Doorman watching his flight of disc or ring? on 11.

The Gallery observing on hole 11.

The Doorman assessing a throw.




Hawkeye shooting his approach on 11.

PK and King Tutt assessing their approach on 11.



The Lord of the Ring prepping for a big throw on 14.
This use of a ring was good for a Bird!


Hawkeye mapping out the ring throw on 15.



King Tutt and the Doorman consulting.







The group on the largest tee pad in the world getting set to throw 18.

The  GHEDI tournament is remarkable for the fabulous attitudes of all involved.  Positive attitudes prevail.  In the course prep with the assistance of Eye and Cajun (neither one played due to previous commitments) to the scorekeeping by The Doorman. The smiles by all during the event made for a great day!

Monday, June 19, 2023

GHSDI 2023






The GHSDI TOURNAMENT

Griffin Hill Solstice Disc Invitational, 

(GHSDI  is pronounced GHOSTY!)

June 17, 20223

 

A bit of history:

This event in 2023 is the second annual occasion.  It is a replacement for the Spring GHEDI (Equinox) which has been going since 2008.  The spring event, while always fun, was just a bit too damp and cold.  It snowed 3+" during 3 episodes and the rain was consistently soaking during most of the other affairs.

Last year, 2022, an experiment was tried, the result was the GHSDI (Pronounced ghosty, decreed by the Scorekeeper).  The gooder weather found in mid June tipped the scales to abandon the spring adventure in favor of this much better weather.  The Fall GHEDI will continue to occur.


The clubhouse as we waited for the start.

The weather:  

As predicted, it was chilly for the middle of June with a high of 56F.  However, it was dry on the ground and nothing fell out of the sky!  A bit of wind but no matter.  As a matter of record we should have had 70F but the weather had it's own way with us.



The attendees:

The sign up sheet had 32 (the limit) at one time and one official Wait List thrower.  Three unexpected arrivals came but everyone got to play!  24 players on the course for the opening bell.  Perfect sized tournament!

The Group Photo

The food (a Potluck):

To give the devil his due:  B.Eh contributes his amazing Bloody Mary's for all who would like one before the registration even opens.  The popularity of this is evident in the photo above by looking for an orange solo cup in hand of many of the players.





Kelli adding style to the course! Another Thruster!



The Count made a corn chowder, Garry made his award winning British Chili, Cajun made a Jumbalia, there were meatballs, Lefty made some exquisite coffee cakes, Melodie brought some shrimp in a sauce, Kelli made fresh chocolate chip cookies, the Rear Admiral brought some experimental sugar cookies, and there was a bunch of other food items.  No one went away without extra calories!


Teeing off on Hole 1 for the Team 10




The largest group playing on the 10 hole
championship
course.  Team 10


The Play:



The score card tells all!



The results:

There are multiple awards given out at the end of the action.  None is more coveted than the 2nd Place Award.  This trophy has it's roots in the Science Olympiad for Lakewood High School.  The team of high school students, coached by Count Ferrari, took 2nd place.

It has been awarded many times and it keeps coming back for more admirers.  It goes to the pair of players (one has to take it home) who come in 2nd in the Best Disc Doubles (Team 10).  A tradition wsa established that the recipient takes it home and adds an embellishment.  The net effect of all this attention is pretty garish but fun.

This year it was won by B. Eh? and the President.  The President took it home and the Count received a text the next day...  The wife says it has to go in the office or garage.  NOT suitable for the front room!

What will the President do?  Stay tuned as it only has to wait until the Equinox to return it.






The President from the Upper Left displaying the 2nd Place Trophy.

Awards:



There were many awards given.  

Best Rookie:  Katherine (+27)
Nut Cracker:  Red Dragon almost getting over a fence straddle.  OOOH!
(Note:  This was a remarkably un-injured day, this trophy is awarded to the most injured)
Forget Me NOT:  Turbo / Biscuit (Left stuff on the course)
Biscuit celebrating his 40th Birthday and enjoying his youth!

Straight Shooter:  Cajun (most aces)
Dragon Chaser:  7th Place on the 18
Course Clean UP:  Jerry Garcia, B-Eh,!, Cajun
Hot Chick:  Melody +2

CTP payoffs:
Hole 4:  Cajun with an ACE
Hole 7:  PK
Hole 10:  OKAJ
Hole 15:  Turbo



Who is this MYSTERY Cajun?
Ace and CTP payout.

Playing Hole 5/18 going UP 199'

The winner of the Rookie Award standing 
next to hole 18/18.
Can you hit the broad side of
a barn?

Contemplating the throw from 
the largest tee pad in the world.
Relaxing at the clubhouse between rounds
The manure pile hazard with Dragon Chaser waiting to make his bird shot.
Waffle Dough and Cheetah looking on.
Coach shooting for a bird shot on 9 with the pond in the background.
Lefty and Melody watching as they play to 11.

Teeing off from 15/18
A CTP hole.







Cheerleaders, The Doorman and the Rear Admiral



A putting contest:

It cost the players $1 for each round.  Winner is the last person to standing, when only one disc remains in the target. IF every disc misses, then all players are back in. 

The Ring of Fire takes place in the largest tee pad with a ring 10m in radius.  A count is made, 3,2,1, throw and all discs are sent to the target.  We had three rounds.  Cajun was the director and the winner of round one.

A Note for the IRS:  Cajun won one CTP, half of an ACE Pot, and one round of Ring of Fire.  It paid well, nearly $50!


NOTE:  Put the video on full screen to see the action!

The Ring Of Fire

Another view with a bit of magic!


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