Getting prepared for surgery is more than showing up and signing in. There's the blood work, EKGs and other tests to make certain the body will withstand the surgery. I'll do my final "check in" on Monday for the Thursday knee replacement.

It has been nearly two months since I went on what should have been a pleasant vacation to Zion and Bryce Canyon. A day and a half into it, my foot gave way, resulting in my leg going one way and my knee in the opposite direction. The result was a loud  crack which I still hear. My good friend Pat bore the brunt of my pain. Hopefully, I get to make it up to her and myself once the rehab is over and my life, I HOPE, begins anew.

I've made lists for my lists but I fear I will forget something. I'm now at day 5 before surgery, so I've stopped takipng anything containing aspirin and stopped the intake of spirits. After the accident, we went thorough the house and removed temptations that could get me in trouble, like throw rugs and anything I could snag the walker on. That, and the cute toilet riser will remain in effect until need is over.

My friend Clare (bless her) is returning to take care of Sandy and Frisbee when I'm in the hospital. She's going to stay with me when I get home from the hospital when I face...... we'll see.

I've paid my bills, cleared both desks and made an appointment for a final manicure and pedicure. This is anything but frivolous! It serves as psychological lift and gets my toe nails cut because I have no idea when I would be able to reach them again.

I've also let select family and friends know where my stuff is. I fully intend to go in and come out of the hospital but one never knows. It goes back to my Girl Scout training of being prepared.

My doctor already has my advanced medical directives, including my desire to be cremated at the end-end. Lean as my estate is, there's enough to take care of my end proceedings with a bit left for distribution, as indicated in my will. Those in charge know what to do.

Within reason and without climbing ladders (I'm already having a knee replaced), I intend to clean up some of the stuff around my house that even I don't know what to do with. There's an endless number of pictures of people whom I don't even remember. I am going to try to scan and archive and keep with the rest of my photos that reside on my external hard drive. During rehab, I will upload to an online service for all who are interested to see.

Over the years, if someone has admired something I possess, I have indicated "it's yours once I'm dead." I mean it. If you see me in the next couple of days, reenforce your wishes by putting your name on the back of a painting, piece of furniture, electronics or whatever.

Other than four more days of unending pain, I am ready for this. I thank those friends who have made this very long two months bearable; particularly Barb and Donna of the shower watchers and I will remain eternally grateful to Larry & Carol for being the "poop" brigade....

Still nervous, as anyone should be before surgery, I am a bit comforted that my house is in order and my final wishes known.

Now for a totally scientific request.............. please keep your fingers crossed!