Thank you, portage dog.  I am healing very well from the surgery itself, but one of the common side effects of this surgery is dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and right now I am still struggling with that.  When they do the diskectomy through the front of the neck they displace the esophagus, and evidently the esophagus often doesn't appreciate that displacement.  On Day 15 I am beginning to see light at the end of that tunnel (and it could be worse, as I am told the effect sometimes lasts for months), but it has been rather upsetting.

But I am getting back to activities; walking outdoors each day, riding the stationary bike, doing some of my normal household chores (and very thankful for Spartan1 who  does what I either cannot do or just don't feel like doing yet.)  Adjusting to the brace has been a constant challenge, and while I won't miss it when it is gone, I also realize it is helping me not to injure my neck during the healing process.

Every day is a gift.

Re: the moose.  We have been going up for a cabin week on the Gunflint with Anna since she was four years old.  Almost never have seen a moose on one of those excursions--in fact, I am not sure I can cite another time.  This trip we had five moose sightings!  One was quite fleeting, just a glimpse.  But the one in yesterday's photo was, obviously, really fun.  And there was another time when we saw a moose with calf that just gave our granddaughter some thrills as she stood with her camera and captured the scene.

Never can predict what joys the canoe country has in store for you.

Re:  the spider.  I only sent this one in because I know how much SoloTripper loves them!   

This one damn near killed me.  My leg swole up so bad that I couldn't bend my knee for a week.

Awwwww......   shucks SP2!  That is cutest tiny little turtle!  Great photo by your granddaughter! 

pd

Does anyone know the real name for the "angle grass" in today's POD?