Saturday mornings are always nice, even when one is not working for a living and the days all run together. I think I got up by 9:00 am and hobbled into the kitchen for some breakfast cereal. I was greeted by exuberant pooches again...at least they are consistent and really like me!! No sunshine in Portland, and it actually felt like a late winter morning will cool temps and a stratus overcast.
The first order of business was to find a doctor! Ashley thought it would make good sense to go to her doctor group since she has had experience with them and trusts that they would be thorough. So we called. And they no longer are open on Saturday. That left another urgent care center as the probable care provider. Since we didn't know how long it would take to go through the process, Ashley dropped me off at the nearby clinic where I was immediately processed....they are so good at getting the background information AND the co-pay! After all that attention they gave me initially, I sat and waiting for a long time before being seen.
Dr. Jennifer England came in finally and took a good look at the foot. She didn't seem surprised by anything that she saw, which gave me some relief. At least the procedure used back in Fresno must have been still on the books! It still felt medieval to me given today's technological advancements in medicine. I got my money's worth! Dr. England was the female equivalent of Robin Williams and she really entertained me while taking the packing out of the foot then repacking it. I laughed so much I completely forgot the fact that there is still a gaping hole in my foot an inch long.
The doc released me...until Monday, when I have to return for another round of unpacking and packing the opening so it'll continue to drain. This doctor visit only took four hours! I'm getting used to half days hanging out in lobbys with lots of sick people. So I called for my taxi, Eric and Ashley, who had stopped by the clinic earlier while I was still in the patient area and were told it would be another hour....so they ate lunch while I was stuck in there. No worries though, they picked me right up and drove me to Qdoba so I could pig out there.
I spent the afternoon keeping the foot elevated and away from the ever curious Lucy who relentlessly wants to lick the foot.
Late in the afternoon we drove to the Lloyd Center Mall, and I hobbled very slowly into the mall and to the food court. We ate at Steamer's Asian Street Bistro, a very impressive, high quality fast food setup with lots of tasty dishes at very reasonable prices. Eric and Ashley did some shopping while I entertained myself sitting and watching people go by. What a contrast from the trail!
When we returned to the house, I had planned to do some journaling, but got caught up in the second season DVD series of 24 along with Eric and Ashley who were intently watching. After one episode I was hooked.
I wait patiently for the foot to heal and I'm looking forward to the point when I no longer have to go to the doctor every other day for more treatment!
Good To Go called today from the trail. He was in Mammoth Lakes with Little Big Man and Evan. He reported more snowfields at the pass and beyond, between VVR and Red's Meadow. Maybe by the time I'm back on trail it will all melt. Yeah, right. Keep dreaming Rabbit!
