Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, May 26, 2014

How to Really HEAL after Gallbladder Surgery

Healing Rule 1:  A trip to the BEACH;   Betsy at Ocean Isle Beach,  5/22/14
First of all,  a Happy Memorial Day to ALL.  I hope that you are enjoying the long weekend,  but remember to stay SAFE and also remember what we are celebrating today!  Don't ever forget those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces in order to provide us the freedom we enjoy.  God Bless them ALL.

OKAY (back to my post)----in order to help me get better after Gallbladder Surgery --and that nasty infection following the surgery,  my Sweetheart took me to the BEACH.  We had rescheduled our beach trip from the first week in May (due to my surgery) until this week...After having that infection,  I wasn't sure we'd even get to go this past week... BUT---we did --and  had a fabulous time...

We went to our favorite beach, to the Islander Inn in Ocean Isle Beach,  North Carolina (north of Myrtle Beach).  This is about the 10th year we have gone there in May ---and  we DID have a fantastic week.  The weather was truly PERFECT---with no rain and very few clouds all week long.

SO---today I'll take you on a 'healing' experience of a lifetime!!!!!!  Get some coffee and enjoy the photos!!!!!  Be sure to click on them for enlargements.


Healing Rule 2:  Find a wonderful inn on the beach, facing the ocean!
This year (because we had to change dates),  the inn worked with us to 'fit' us into this week.  We were in Building 6 (of 7) on the first floor --with parking below.  We actually liked the change!!!


Healing Rule 3:  Set up our chairs on the beach.   (Photo was taken from our room balcony)
It was amazing how 2 weeks could make such a difference in the number of people around... When we come the first of May,  there are not many people at all... This week,  there were MANY more people as you can tell.


Healing Rule 4:  Sit in your beach chair with a cold drink.  (Drink lots and lots of water!)
Neither of us came home with sunburns although we WERE out in the sun ALOT all week.   Thank Goodness for SUNSCREEN.....

A couple of the days were almost cool --due to the breeze,  but that last day (Thursday),  it got MUCH HOTTER...  (That made me realize why I don't like to go to the beach in the summer when it is extremely hot!!!! ha)


Healing Rule 5:  Enjoying French Vanilla Coffee with that wonderful man in my life on the Balcony!
We had our special coffee (gift from son/wife) on the balcony each morning while reading our daily devotions.   AND--we also enjoyed our lunch on the balcony!!!!  It was so nice to sit and just enjoy the ocean/waves/sounds/smells, etc... Love it!


Healing Rule 6:  Getting to see  'our' teeny tiny Beach House!!
Blog friends who have followed me for years will remember when this house was under construction.  We have followed this one for many years ---and I still cannot believe the SIZE of it.... Goodness---if I had enough money to really own a place like this,  I'm sure I'd also have enough money to pay a full staff to keep it up!!!!!!  Want one like this????  (As much as I love the beach,  I think I'd rather have a little log cabin in the mountains!!!)


Healing Rule 7:  Dinner at DOCKSIDE Seafood House in Calabash, NC
There are several really good seafood restaurants near Ocean Isle... A favorite of ours  is the LARGE Fried Scallops at Dockside... YUM!!!!!!  We can sit under the big Live Oak Tree and enjoy the waterfront while we are at Dockside.  We can also walk out on the pier and check out all of the fishing boats which bring those delicious shrimp, scallops,  oysters, etc.  to shore for us to enjoy.  Talk about FRESH SEAFOOD... It's the BEST. 


Healing Rule 8:  EXERCISE....
We enjoy taking long walks on the beach both mornings and afternoons.  It's great exercise for both of us ---AND we certainly need the exercise so that we can eat that delicious seafood!!!!


Healing Rule 9:  SLEEPING and/or NAPPING
Whether I'm on the beach --or in the room (listening to the waves),  it's great for napping and sleeping!!!!!!  LOVE it.


Healing Rule 10 and the MOST IMPORTANT:  Be with the most wonderful man in the world,  who takes such good care of me!!!
This photo was taken on 5/22/14 at the Gazebo at Islander Inn,  Ocean Isle Beach.   You all know how much I love George and appreciate everything he does for me...  BUT--this trip was one HUGE healing opportunity for me.. I feel GREAT!!!!!!!  Thanks, Honey!!!

Hugs,

65 comments:

Rohrerbot said...

Great healing techniques:) We're going through the gallbladder issues here as well. Micheal has to go in for surgery in July. He had a not so pleasant experience several weeks ago. Glad everything went well and you look GREAT! Chris

Rohrerbot said...

Great healing techniques:) We're going through the gallbladder issues here as well. Micheal has to go in for surgery in July. He had a not so pleasant experience several weeks ago. Glad everything went well and you look GREAT! Chris

Anonymous said...

Happy to see you again after all the surgery. It is a wonderful technique to get our mind changed and to get relaxed. Change of place will make many difference in us.

Jo said...

Hi Betsy, I never knew you'd had an op or the infection. But am glad you recuperated and healed so well. The setting and the company has helped you to look GREAT! Blessings. Jo (PS) I agree with you on the "teeny, tiny" beach house; I'd opt for a small cabin in the mountains any time. xx

MadSnapper said...

it is a beautiful beach, great photos

Snap said...

Marvelous healing techniques ... add them to your waterfall book! ;) Glad you are completely recovered and enjoying life.

Neal said...

Was that "healing" trip covered by Medicare? :) I'm sure George thought it was a sacrifice to take you on such a trip....but someone has to do it. :) From looking at the pictures it looks like you had a great time.

Anonymous said...

Betsy I'm so glad you're recovering well. What a fun photo trip this post has been. I feel quite sure I'm going to learn so much about my state and surrounding areas through your blog. Thank you for sharing. . .

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

The ocean is very healing, and I'm glad you and George were able to spend time there. Lovely photos.

May you continue to heal and get stronger with each new day. Have a great week.

FlowerLady

Adrienne Zwart said...

Hi, Betsy. I didn't realize that you had developed an infection. I'm so glad you have such a thoughtful husband and that this trip was relaxing and healing for you!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, what an excellent way to heal from your surgery.. Time at the beach always makes me feel good. Lovely photos.

The Furry Gnome said...

Your healing week sounds like a joy in itself!

Latane Barton said...

The ocean is really healing and I am so glad that you and George got to go. You made my mouth water. I do love fried scallops. Yummy. Take care of your self. Hugs. Latane

Shug said...

It is amazing how the mind can boost our healing, when we relax and allow the balance of nature and happiness to do it's job. I can sense a whole lot of "HAPPY" in this post!!
Enjoy your day and all the blessings that it holds...
Shug

Nellie said...

Love those "Rules of Healing!" So glad to hear you are feeling better now. That was definitely a beautiful place to go to accomplish your recovery.

Hugs,
Nellie

George said...

I'm glad the healing trip worked, and your feeling much, much better. But I promise you don't have to have surgery for me to take you back!

Anonymous said...

hi Betsy, its so nice to meet you, I am a friend of kimberly and read your comment there today, I just had to come visit, I had my gall bladder out an was curious lol, You had a beautiful spot on the beach to recover, what amazing photos, I'm so glad you are well and happy,

DeniseinVA said...

Now this is how to recover! So glad your Sweety took you to this wonderful place. Glad you are feeling a whole lot better! Your photos were super. Those houses out there are an amazing size and I am with you, I would love a little log cabin but I do love the ocean, maybe not on a hot humid day. I don't like to bake but I love looking out over the water with long walks along the beach, and of course I adore the mountains. We were in the Shenandoah's again yesterday. Wishing you and George a wonderful day today.

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful place and I'm so glad you are feeling so much better!! A trip like this is the best of medicine!! And so much fun for you and George both!! You look like a little, skinny teenager having a ball and at our age, that's the best of all!! Thanks as always for sharing with us, Betsy!! Have a great new week!!!

LV said...

First, hated to hear you had so many issues with your surgery. Getting an infection is scary. So thankful you are the healing road now. Nothing like a place like this to refresh your mind and body. Loved the grand tour. You look so cute.
You are very fort6unate, good men are hard to find these days.

linda m said...

So glad you are feeling better. Those are some great healing tips, especially the last one.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great to have you back and to hear all about your healing tips. You certainly look wonderful and it has done you the power of good. Love the ocean.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Glad you are feeling better. I went to the Florida Keys a couple of weeks after having knee surgery. Sunshine and salt water is very healing indeed.

Serenity Cove said...

Glad you are feeling better and it looks like you had a great vacation!

Out on the prairie said...

I'm glad to see you back on your feet. What a great way to really heal, but by the ocean. Ate fresh trout this morning, but sat through two small rains to catch enough.

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
First I want to say how glad I am that you are better. HOW ROTTEN THAT YOU GOT INFECTION!
Your photos make me want to head to the beach. It all looked so wonderfully relaxing.
Your George knew just what was needed to get his girl back on her feet again!
You take care now-Kimberly

David said...

Betsy, You really have a great formula for healing! Nothing like fresh air, sunshine and the sea... We have Ocean Isle or Oak Island on our short list of places to go with my wife's sister and her husband. We've been to Calabash before and indulged in some of those great fish dinners... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Ginny Hartzler said...

I am so glad you are all better, Betsy. The infection must have been awful, I fortunately did not have to deal with that. SO, no cooking or housework for you, the prescription is total rest and sun! Really, you look like a beauty queen on the beach!!!

Linda P said...

I've come to recognise that beach location through your blog posts when you've taken a break there. Glad your time spent relaxing there with your dear husband has helped in your recuperation.
You look fit and happy and I'm sure George is happy too now that you're feeling so much better.

Susannah said...

Glad to hear you are feeling much better! I does take some time but your plan was a good one. And having a wonderful husband like yours certainly does help.

Blessings for continued good health,
Susannah

happyone said...

Sounds like a great way to heal and glad it did the trick. : )

Kay said...

Looks like you had a fantastic trip and you look like it did help you in your healing process. I saw some of these photos on FB as George posted some of them and so did you. Always love your photos.

Small City Scenes said...

Welcome back!! You sound healthy and happy. I love all your rules for healing. So true!!!
Excellent photos too.
Bob and I need to get to the ocean beaches out here.
Anyway it is always good to get home no matter how much fun it is to be gone. MB

Liene said...

So glad you're feeling better! Happy Memorial Day!!

Tabor said...

OK, my dear, you need to get surgery more often if it makes you look ten years younger as all of these photos do!! You look in pink of health and so happy.

A Colorful World said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog so quickly after your return! You look FABULOUS! The week at the beach did you a world of good, and the photos are awesome! Mom went to Nags Head two weeks ago and was there 4 or 5 days. You'll have to check out her recent posts. Take care. God bless! And remembering those we honor on this important day!

By the way, our actual anniv day is the 29th because the year we got married we set it for the 30th, and the church couldn't accommodate us on that day because it was Memorial Day that year, so we had to change to the 29th. :-)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

So glad the beach was good for you. Lots of smiles!

Kay said...

Today is such a crazy day, but I'm so glad you asked me to stop by. I could calm down and relax and feel myself more peaceful again. That last photo of the two of you brought a HUGE smile to my face. Sigh....

Terry and Linda said...

Looking good, Betsy! I'm glad you and George had such a good time!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife@wordpress.com

Arkansas Patti said...

Looking good Betsy!!! Sure am glad you are healing so well. Sunshine and sea air are infection chasers.
I was a bit worried about you when I heard of the Myrtle Beach shootings.
Glad you were no where near it.

diane b said...

How wonderful to have a man like that and to see that you are feeling better.

Ann said...

Now that is recuperating in style. I can smell the fresh air and feel the wind coming in off the water.
A beach house like that would be nice but it would have to be a vacation home because I want that cabin in the mountains too :)

Chatty Crone said...

What a great prescription for peace and harmony. That place looks great - I see what they meant by being on stilts! You look terrific by the way. Glad you are feeling better. You two looked great on the lovely beach. sandie

Jim and Sandie said...

That George really does know how to pull off a healing. So glad to hear you are feeling better and on the road to complete recovery. I love "your" beach house but it wouldn't be for me.

Susie Swanson said...

There's no better medicine for what ails you then the beach. Sounds and looks like ya'll had a great time . I'm so happy you're doing better. Lots of hugs and love, xo

amanda said...

You both look fabulous - what a wonderful healing getaway! You & George sure know how to live the good life. So glad you're feeling better, Betsy!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, too.. I had been away from blogland for almost two weeks and was missing it! Somehow my post published with a very old date, so I worry it didn't show in the blog feed. Glad you found it. And glad I got to share in this "good medicine" of yours!! Very uplifting.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm happy you are feeling better now, Betsy. You had just the right prescription for getting rested and healing! Take care and don't overdo, so you can continue to get better for those summer hikes ahead. Have a great week!

Joyful said...

Hi Betsy, I read about your comment on Jo's blog and came back to see about your trip. The setting on the beach looks wonderful and you look like you are having a whale of a good time. I'm so glad it was healing for you because it sounds like you went through a lot. I'm like you, preferring the quiet of the beginning of May before crowds can gather and I also like weather that isn't quite so hot like you had on Thursday. The cabin in the mountains sounds pretty good to me too, lol.

So glad too that George takes such good care of you. God bless you both.

Miss Debbie said...

Good for you...but I am a tiny bit jealous! We are due to go to the beach in July, but I don't think I can wait that long! So glad you are felling better!

carolina nana said...

Glad you are feeling better. A trip to the beach is a great healing tool.
My family is going to spend our vacation this summer for the first time on Ocean Isle. I finally found a great house there that is big enough for us all and on the ocean front. It is on East 2nd street up toward the Holden Beach end of the island. Where is the Inn you stay at located ?
This will be our first trip to Ocean Isle but from your pics it looks great. Of course it will be hot and more crowded in July when we go but hopefully it will be fun.
I almost had a house rented up on Topsail island when I did one more search of the southern islands and found this OI house so it must have been meant to be !!
Blessings
Marilyn

Ruth Hiebert said...

The smile on your face tells the story of how much you enjoy being there. I love seeing that.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely husband you have! This looks like the perfect cure!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm so glad your week at the beach helped you to heal and feel better, Betsy. George had the right idera! Your photos are fabulous. You know I LOVE seafood so I was drooling when you showed your fried seafood dinner on facebook. I know you are happy to be home now, as am I, from our California vacation. There's no place like home! :)

Unknown said...

That is so beautiful! Theres nothing like being at the beach really, you look very jealthy to me. Hope youre healing well. Enjoy your week. We have a locely and sunny morning here today

Catherine said...

Now those are some perfect ways to get feeling better! Love all that sunshine and sand you took in. I'm so glad you are feeling better.
Keep healthy Betsy!
xo Catherine

Beatriz said...

You look great Betsy!
I always knew that everything would work out in the end!
What a brilliant idea to go to this beach in North Carolina, it looks like a place made to rest, isn't it!
It's also great to cultivate wonderful days like this for life. By the way, I LOVED all the photos! Ypu and your inseparable camera made me travel to this place, with its blue sky and blue ocean......

Hugs from the South!

Bia

Dorothy said...

Wonderful pictures, Betsy! I'm so glad you are doing so well! Nothing like a trip to the ocean!

Hootin Anni said...

Being that your surgery wasn't too invasive...the infection worsened? The sun and Vitamin D on your trip helped immensely, I'm sure.

Janice K said...

I'm so glad you are once again doing well. I'm sure the beach trip was the best medicine of all!

Joy said...

Thats what I call a love and healing trip. I wish to do like that with my hubby sometime :)
My blog is not updating agsin in blogger feeds. Dont know what to do:(

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love your advice here…good job Dr. Betsy!!! :)
So glad you had a nice visit with your sweetheart George…..and one day, we'll go in on halfsies with that beach house. Ok, maybe thirdsies???
Glad you are feeling better.
XOXOXO

Connie said...

Beautiful photos, Betsy! It looks like you had a fabulous time. I'm glad to hear it was a healing trip for you and that you are feeling better now. :)

White Lace and Promises said...

This would do it! Yes, this would heal anything. Nothing gives me peace like a week on the beach. I missed mine this year because of course, we spent time in Nasvhille. That's okay, but I sure do miss my beach trip. I'm so glad it's just what the doctor ordered.

I don't why I'm not getting your posts to show up on my feed. That's how I know to comment.

Continue to get better. Blessings, my friend.

Rose said...

Sounds like you had the perfect time...and got well while you had it.

SquirrelQueen said...

Betsy, I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. As far as I'm concerned the beach can cure anything. I love the last photo of you and George!