A little update and house/cat sitting job

April 1, 2023

I fell very far behind on my last journal of my trip through Africa. Will continue to work on that although basically, the Africa section is done. I continued with a bit of cycling in Canada and the US before a bit of a forced break.

My last days of cycling had caused what I thought was just a recurring foot problem. Well, it was that and oh so much more. In the end, I needed foot and ankle surgery. Lucky for me, I had been asked, and had agreed, to house and cat sit for Rachel and Patrick Hugens so they could go off on a trip. They are pretty well known and very experienced cyclists and I had previously met them, both at their home in Boise as well as a chance meet up when they were on their Northern Tier trip. I would have a place to recover and take it easy after surgery.

Here’s their journal. They are traveling through Morocco and Europe until mid-June

Racpat Morocco to Holland 2023 - CycleBlaze

I did a bit of bouncing around and visiting friends before having the surgery in Phoenix and spent the first 3 weeks recuperating there before heading to Boise. Just fyi - I had a partial plantar fasciitis release, a tarsal tunnel release (basically like carpal tunnel, but in the foot) as well as a repair of almost completely torn ankle ligaments that didn't really even bother me. I was non-weight bearing for two weeks, then in a walking boot for another 2-3 weeks, and finally, a sturdy ankle brace for 4 weeks. Not a whole of chance for exercise during that time although I got some in the last month.

At least my dr picked a nice color for the cast

A rainbow of colors after stitches have been remove. I had incisions on both the inner and outer ankle.

I really enjoyed my down time at their house and taking care of their three kitties. Had I known how much I would appreciate being in the same spot every night, I would have agreed to their initial request which was a bit longer. Instead, I'm splitting duties with Patrick's parents who have housesat for the before and will be coming over from Holland.

Tashi - she’d always come snuggle with me when I went upstairs to watch tv

Miles - he clearly wants to come with me as he’s sitting in my suitcase as I’m packing up.

Ocho - he was cuddly, but got sick my last week there which was a bit stressful as no clear diagnosis could be made. He started getting better right as I was leaving.

I actually really enjoyed the down time and being in the same place every day. It went so well they've asked me if I would be interested in doing it again for them in the fall. A solid yes from me, but in the meantime, I can get in a bike tour. Let's hope my foot is up to the task.

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Rachel and Patrick HugensThank you for taking care of our cats and house so well. We will see you this fall.
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11 months ago

Kim JohnsonTo Rachel and Patrick HugensYou are welcome. Glad Ocho got better, was worried it was going to cost me my job for awhile, lol.
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11 months ago