In America in 2020, there are new steps to take, new barriers to cross, new procedures to learn. I’m scheduled for surgery Monday, but there are many steps to surgery now, I’ve learned.

This week, I had to get checked by my cardiologist to make sure my heart was in shape. That was one EKG and various tests, blood work, etc. I had to go to the hospital for a pre-surgery meeting that lasted two hours and took three nurses.

We went over every medication I’ve ever taken and every health issue I ever had. All of this was going to the anesthesiologist, who I have to meet  with separately.

This morning I had to get up early to go to the hospital again for my Covid-19 test, the third of the year.

Maria can’t come inside the hospital, she can only drop me off. I have to stop taking a number of medications. I guess the anesthesia adds some dimension to the procedure.

They are calling this surgery, not a “procedure,” mostly because it’s taking place in a full hospital operating room. As surgeries go, it’s not a big deal, I’ll be taking the week off from exercise.

When the surgery is complete, and I’m ready to go home, they’ll call Maria and she can come and get me.

Maria and I are planning a two-day getaway for Christmas at our favorite Vermont Inn.

I’ve got three books stacked up to read and some audiobooks for my Iphone.

This will hopefully be the last surgery for a while. I feel good about it, and grateful for the restoration work on my heart. I am much blessed to have doctors that I really like and listen to, and who listen to me.

I think we’re finally all set and ready to go. Details to come. Many thanks for your kind words and good wishes.