Doctor Ortiz was pleased with the surgery; he believes he smashed my kidney stone to bits. I’m still feeling the effects of the anesthesia, and I plan on resting for a few hours.

As we came into the driveway, I saw this beautiful image of two poppies against the red barn. It was a picture that needed to be taken.

I’ve got a couple of days of rest ahead of me and some discomfort. It seems the operation went perfectly.

I think it’s a miracle to have the kidney stone smashed to bits and be home 90 minutes later.

For all of the problems, we also can make miracles. We stopped for lunch at a cafe along the way.

As always, we managed to have a lot of fun. I love kidding around with the nurses.

(Maria and I always end up taking photos of one another with our iPhones)

This is a big deal for me; my surgeries were over, and both went well. I hate being in those hospital gowns, but I remember nothing of the operation.

It’s time to give thanks and move forward, look ahead, stay healthy, and get healthier. Maria was always wonderful; we have fun talking with the doctors and nurses about life, kids, dogs, and health.

There was also a lot of laughter —time to rest, more later. I’ve got my last fund-raising for Folasade and her college life. This weekend I’ll take it easy.