Still in the Burn Unit and shall be so for a long time yet.

The latest thing they've had me do is low impact PT and excercise by walking in a swimming pool with the help of therapy nurse Ethel Fewell, whom we refer to as "Ethel Mermaid". I can do a lot of excercises in the pool even for my left arm and shoulder, so I may look strange thrashing around while I walk, but it does all have a purpose. I can walk long distances, but can't swim (or dance or run for that matter). And I find that the issued Speedos don't make you walk any faster. I just walk up and down while Ethel takes time to tell the class of old ladies to one side of the pool where to strategicly place balls and noodles....

There are also various exercise machines in an adjoining room, but you have to try to avoid the times that Hurty Gertie is in charge of the room. She applies more torque than Torquemada. The pain pills can hopefully make me even Morphine-dish than she is....

I can lift my left arm about 3/5 of the way up. Progress is slow, but progress it is, nonetheless. Dr. Lance Boyles the Dermatologist has me applying more creams to my body than some women I've been with. Special stuff for feet, knees, burnt skin, face and whatnot. The wounds are still there and ugly, but have gotten better under the dreaded compression shirts.

I can no longer bill myself as the New Crispy Minstrel. I suppose being the Old Crusty Minstrel represents some sort of progress.

I used up all my seasonal Eggs-essential thoughts over Easter in trying to rise to the occaision, but I can still watch the new orderly, a female ex-boxer we call Bedpan-Dora, observe the "Pass-Under" with the more immobile patients all year.

That's all for now, as I have a hot se-date with a pain management nurse.....