Mardi gras

“I was supposed to volunteer at the Canadian Ski Marathon this week-end, but the doctor's office called and I'm going to have my first knee operation Friday.

This is a real stroke of luck.

I blew my knees by overtraining last April for Mount Rainier. I called my knee doctor (he had operated on both knees some years before) and made an appointment for an MRI which I got last November.

Now, elective knee surgery for a 59 year-old man is not a priority in the system and my doctor is one of the best anywhere (the doctor for the Montreal Canadiens). When I saw him the nurse said I probably wouldn't get operated on until the autumn. She comes from the local village (her father had been mayor) and put me on the stand-by list because I'm retired and available at any time. While driving home my cell 'phone rang and it was the nurse telling me there had been a cancelation and I would be operated on Friday.

This morning the hospital 'phoned and said they will call me to-morrow giving me the time.

My buddy said he'd drive me in (otherwise I have to stay overnight), but I just might take the coach in to Montreal. Anyway I get all the details to-morrow at the doctor's office.

Of course everything would have been immediate if I could pay, but it ain't bad as it will cost me nothing out of pocket (we pay for health care through taxes), important for an impoverished, rural high school teacher on early retirement.

Just wanted to share.”

“Good luck Doug - hope it goes well!”

“Srove Tuesday?? WTF?

Fat Tuesday, bro.”

“Good luck Doug, heal quickly.”

“Awesome you get in early! Best wishes for a quick recovery Grem.”

“Shrove Tuesday is an acceptable term.”

“Great. Glad to hear you'll be getting back in shape.

Actually, I'm anxious to hear how this turns out. Much good luck to you.”

“Actually, shrove refers to 'shriven', that is to have things removed from you - in this case sin following Confession just befor Lent so that one can begin the approach to Easter sin-free (one is shriven' after Confession).”

“Crap. We missed this one during last night's Trivia contest because Gremlin didn't post the explanation in time. Thanks a lot. I could have won some free nachos!”

“Sorry, man.

I just got back from pre-op in the city. They're telling me that FYAO is out of the question.

Post-op is Feb 14 and my doc is a sicko, too. I'll see how I am and talk to him. FYAO starts the next day.

Wish me luck.”