Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Howdy y'all.  In spite of the fact that Wanda could not make it to the dance on Friday.  We all had a good time.  Jim even reviewed the dance Crazy Foot Mambo.  Go Jim!!!  AND Wanda is feeling much better.

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone.  I know most of us are not Mexican but I'll use any excuse for a party and a margarita. 

Update on Jim:  Last week I met with the surgeon.  He is very pleased with the rate of recovery and I can now go into the pool again.  Saw the hand/nerve specialist yesterday and he too is thrilled.  "The nerve is coming back."  I have a little wrist movement now.  Should NOT need additional surgery at this time. Yahoooooo.

Looking forward to seeing you all this Friday in Dunellen.

Lefty

 

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Happy May.  Lazy lefty is late again with the update.  So what else is new? :)  Busy week.  Class Monday at RRV, started the new class at South Plainfield H.S. on Wednesday, and of course, our Friday night dance.  Add that to doctor appointments this week and therapy 5 times this week, I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Anyway, let's all go dancing in Dunellen this Friday and have a great time.

Jim

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Hello everyone.  So much to say, so little time.

First we want to thank you for your support on Friday night AND at the St. Jude's Dinner-Dance on Saturday in Clark.  Both events were a lot of fun and we enjoyed the time we spent with all of you.

Our next beginners class begins at South Plainfield High School NEXT WEDNESDAY, April 30.  If you plan to attend or have friends that you want to send, you need to call the school NOW!!!  We have some great NEW dances to teach at this class.  You don't want to miss it.

Most of you from Friday nights know Ruthy, our champion dancer and friend.  She underwent knee replacement surgery last week and we want to all wish her a speedy recovery.  If you want to send her a card or note, here is her address:
                    Ms. Ruth Hardy
                    1049 Richard Terrace
                    Rahway, NJ 07065

Next we have to tell you how proud we are of the class at the Renaissance at  Raritan Valley (RRV)  clubhouse on Mondays.  Prior to the class we were teaching ourselves a new dance, Crazy Foot Mambo.  They wanted to learn it so we added it to the evening schedule.  20 minutes later we were all doing the dance.  Even Jim learned it!!!!!!  Anyway, they did great and we will teach it to you if you are there on Friday evening in Dunellen.

On the medical front.  Jim had a doctor appointment Monday with the hand specialist.  He wants changes made to the therapy splint and Jim went to JFK Hospital on Tuesday morning to get that done.  They will work on a new appliance. Hand therapy Mon, Wed and Friday.  Arm therapy Tues and Thurs.  Appointment with surgeon next week for a checkup.  Where do I ever get time to dance????

Have a great week.

Lefty                               

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Howdy y'all.  Got a little lazy and didn't update last week, sorry.  Hope you all survived tax day.  We need to get rid of the taxing frustrations and DANCE THIS FRIDAY.  Come join us on Friday night in Dunellen and at the St. Jude's Dinner-Dance on Saturday.

See you there.

Lazy lefty

Sunday, March 30, 2008

We had a great dance on Friday AND had the opportunity for some of you to join us at the Diamond State Dance Workshop in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday.  We danced with Joanne Brady, John Robinson, Junior Willis, Dancing Dean, Tom and Ellen and the Cityline Dancers.  It was a great field
trip;  our first in 2 years.  We will have to plan others with you all.

This week: dancing in Somerset on Monday and Dunellen on Friday.

Time is running out for the St. Jude Dance tickets.  It's only 2+ weeks away.  YOU NEED TO GET YOUR TICKETS FROM DJ BILL AND JOHN THIS FRIDAY IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE THEM.  We do not know if we will have any after FRIDAY.

Have a great week.

Lefty                               

 

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

We hope everyone had a great Easter weekend.  We drove over 900 miles over the weekend and JIM did over two thirds of the driving.  Lefty strikes again!

This week we have a fun packed evening planned for Friday.

Some of you are joining us for the Joanne Brady dance workshop in Wilmington, Delaware.  We will have a fun time and should be bringing back some great new dances to Dunellen.

Get your St. Jude's Dinner-Dance tickets from us THIS FRIDAY.

Come dance with us on Friday.  We'll have a blast.

Jim

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Watch out world, Jim (lefty) is back on the road.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Thank you for your indulgence on Friday when we did the Bunny Hop in celebration of Easter and upcoming spring weather. 

The dance for the Girl Scouts on Saturday was a blast.  Hundreds of little girls all screaming for joy when Hannah Montana and Cotton Eye Joe were played.    

Update on Jim:  I now start hand therapy as well as the arm physical therapy three times a week.  I take my driving test on Monday using me left hand and the steering ball.  Wish me luck.

NO DANCING THIS FRIDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY.  We'll be back next week, March 28th.

We are also looking forward to the Joanne Brady workshop in Delaware on the 29th.  We hope to bring back some great dances for all of you.

WE NOW HAVE TICKETS FOR THE ST. JUDE'S DANCE ON APRIL 19.  SEE US FOR TICKETS WHEN WE RETURN ON THE 28TH.

Have a great week and a Blessed Easter.  We will see you all on March 28.

Dance on,

Wanda and Jim                       

 

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

This is a busy week.  The RRV dance Monday, Dunellen on Friday and the Hunterdon County Girl Scout Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday.  Where do we get the energy???

Update on Jim:  We are now scheduling additional therapy for the right hand. Handicapped driver training is being scheduled.

We now have tickets for the St. Jude's Dance.

The Joanne Brady Workshop at the end of the month is SOLD OUT.

See you on Friday night.

 

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Yes we danced last Friday in spite of the snow.  It's warmer this week so no more snow.  Let's all go dancing Friday night.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Sorry about canceling dancing on Friday night, but with the freezing rain that was expected after the snow we wanted everyone to remain safe.  I have emailed the weatherman and put in an order for good weather THIS Friday night.  We hope to see you all in Dunellen.

Jim sees the doctor for the monthly checkup on Wednesday.  We'll have a report for you on Friday.                      

 

Friday, February 22, 2008

Dancing canceled tonight due to weather.  Stay home, stay safe.  We'll see you next week.

Monday, February 18, 2008

On Friday Dave reviewed "Feel The Love" and taught "Tequila."  DJ Bill filled in for us while we spent the weekend with our daughter and son-in-law in North Carolina.  We really appreciate their filling in for us and making Friday night a memorable one for all of you.

Wanda and Jim will be back on Friday night as well as teaching at the RRV clubhouse on Monday at the South Plainfield High School on Wednesday.  Back to our busy schedule!

Medical update on Jim:  There has been a little more finger movement due to my exercises and physical therapy 3 times a week. Right arm movement has improved tremendously but since the ability to grip with the right hand is minimal, I still can't work and am  not allowed to drive.  Good thing I am learning to type better with just my lefty hand.  Good for you too since you are the one reading this.  Spell check is a big help.  I see the doctor next week so we will discuss work and driving among other things.  My leg has improved quite a bit and did not have a swelling problem on trip to NC in the car.  Wanda drove the whole time!!!!!

We hope to see all of you on Friday night.  Have a great week!

Lefty

 

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Last Friday Wanda taught a new dance, "Feel The Love."  We all had a great time but missed DJ Bill and Pat who were in New Mexico for the week.  DJ Bill returns this Friday night.  We missed them both.

Also this week, Dave Farrell has agreed to teach us a new dance.  We are really looking forward to it.

Jim continues to improve with his physical therapy.  The range of motion of his right arm has made great strides.  Still a long way to go on the right hand but we are excited to know that nerve regeneration is progressing.

Have a great week.  Come dance with us on Friday night.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Friday night was a fantastic evening with our Soup & Sandwich night and celebrating 12 years of Dancing In Dunellen.  Thank you all, for your help and support and for all of the great food you brought.

Now for the Jim update.  Jim had two doctors appointments last week, including a nerve test called an EMG.  The results show that Jim's nerves are regenerating but he still can't work or drive for a few months and still needs physical therapy 3 times a week.  Can't dance either, but the leg is better so he's getting around okay.

We look forward to seeing you all at next weeks dance.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

We had a really nice crowd on Friday evening and a lot of fun.

DON'T FORGET, next Friday night is soup and sandwich night.  Please bring something to share with your dancing friends.  Still only $7.  We will have food 7 till 8 PM.  NO LESSONS THIS NIGHT.  We will eat in the upper hall and move to the dance floor around 8 PM or so.  Hope you can make it.

This Wednesday we start the beginners' class at South Plainfield H.S., a great place to learn line dancing.

This will be a busy week for Jim; EMG test on Tuesday, meeting with surgeon on Wednesday and physical therapy on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

We'll tell you about it later.  Have a great week.

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Jim was on his own DJing last Friday, but we all survived.  This week DJ Bill returns to give Jim a hand.  Dave taught "Kill The Spiders" to those of us who didn't know or had forgotten parts of the dance.  Thank Dave.

Jim is showing additional recovery improvements with a little more finger movement.

Yes, we are dancing this Friday night.  Don't forget that next week, Feb 1, we are having our soup and sandwich dances.  More details will be discussed on Friday.

Have a great week.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Friday night's dance was a lot of fun.  We are fortunate to have Dave Farrell filling in with dance instruction.  This week Dave taught us "Key Lime."  Again we have to thank everyone that came early and stayed late to help us and those that lent a hand throughout the evening.  We could not have done it without all of the help.

And again, thanks to Dave and DJ Bill for all of their help with dance lessons and DJing during the evening.

NOW THE MEDICAL UPDATE.  Jim continues to improve, as you saw last night.  Physical therapy is now three times a week and is going very well.  Arm movement has increased another 20 degrees in the past few days.  Finger and wrist movement is still minimal, but there is a little more than last week.  This part will take the most time.

Everyone have a great week.  We hope to see you all again next Friday evening.

Jim & Wanda

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Our first dance of the new year in Dunellen was one of the best ever. But we could not have done it without all of your help.  Thank you all for the assistance throughout the evening, and to those that came early and/or stayed late to lend a hand with setup and cleanup.  We need the help right now and we really appreciate your pitching in.

One special announcement.  Our family is growing again.  Longtime dancers Fran and Tom Dombrowski have two new grandchildren born on January 3.  We wish Jacob and Kiley, their parents Heather and Eric and grandparents Tom & Fran the best and hope to see Tom & Fran this Friday so we can all congratulate them in person.

We'll be back dancing in Dunellen again this Friday and with DJ Bill's help, I'll have some great dance music for you.  See you then.

l

Thursday, January 3, 2008

FIRST, THE MEDICAL UPDATE ON JIM.  I WENT TO THE SURGEON IN NEWARK YESTERDAY (Wednesday) TO HAVE THE STITCHES REMOVED.  THE INCISION IS HEALING NICELY.  THEY TOOK X-RAYS AND ALL IS WELL WITH THE BONES TOO.  I DON'T HAVE TO WEAR THE SLING ALL OF THE TIME NOW, THOUGH THE DOCTOR DOES WANT ME TO WEAR IT AND THE WRIST BRACE WHEN I AM IN PUBLIC.  I WILL BE CONTINUING PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR A LONG TIME AND WENT AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.  THE RANGE OF MOTION IN THE RIGHT ARM CONTINUES TO IMPROVE.

THE VERDICT IS STILL OUT ON THE RADIAL NERVE THOUGH.  I GO BACK TO THE DOCTOR IN THREE WEEKS AND IN ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO WILL MEET WITH THE DOCTOR TO DETERMINE IF THE NERVE IS IMPROVING AT ALL OR IF FURTHER SURGERY IS NEEDED.

MY LEFT LEG IS ALSO IMPROVING TREMENDOUSLY.  CAN'T DANCE FOR A WHILE, BUT THE SWELLING IS WAY DOWN AND THE REDNESS NOW JUST LOOKS LIKE SUNBURN (A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT.)  I WAS ON MY FEET A LOT YESTERDAY.  LEFT BEFORE 7 AM FOR THE DOCTOR APPOINTMENT, NOT HOME TILL AFTER 1PM.  PROPPED UP LEGS FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, THEN OFF TO PHYSICAL THERAPY. AND, STILL, THE SWELLING STAYED DOWN.  THAT'S EXCITING TO ME!!!

NOW, FINALLY TO DANCING.  WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT GETTING BACK TO DANCING THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN DUNELLEN.  I STILL CAN'T CARRY THE EQUIPMENT AND AM STILL ONE-HANDED, SO I WILL BE RELYING ON DJ BILL AND OTHERS FOR ASSISTANCE. BUT WE ARE PLANNING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF DANCING THIS FRIDAY AND WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US.  SEE YOU THEN.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!  AND IT IS A GREAT YEAR. 

I WAS REMINDED BY DJ BILL AT AROUND 2:30 AM THAT WE WERE OVER TWO HOURS INTO THE NEW YEAR AND I DIDN'T FALL OVER YET, SO I AM OFF TO A GREAT START.  I AGREE!!  2008 HAS STARTED OFF WELL AND WILL HOPEFULLY CONTINUE TO GET BETTER FOR ALL OF US.

WE WISH EVERYONE A HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND DANCE FILLED NEW YEAR.  AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THIS FRIDAY IN DUNELLEN  AS TINY TIM SAID, "GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL."

JIM AND WANDA

Sunday, December 30, 2007

JIM HAS NOW HAD TWO PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSIONS.  SHOULDER AND ARM IMPROVING, NOT MUCH FROM THE RIGHT HAND YET.  TWO MORE SESSIONS THIS WEEK. ON WEDNESDAY THE SURGEON TAKES THE STITCHES OUT OF THE ARM.  AFTER THE CHRISTMAS DRIVE THE LEFT LEG SWELLED UP A LOT AND TURNED MAROON.  WITH LEGS RAISED UP FOR TWO DAYS NOW AND ANTIBIOTICS, IT HAS IMPROVED A LOT.  BACK FOR A CHECKUP ON MONDAY.

NOW THE IMPORTANT DATES:

DUNELLEN DANCING RESTARTS FRIDAY JANUARY 4

MONDAY CLASSES AT RENAISSANCE AT RARITAN VALLEY SHOULD START MID JAN. (listen to clubhouse announcements for details)

BEGINNER CLASSES AT SOUTH PLAINFIELD H.S. START WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!   SEE YOU FRIDAY EVENING.
 

Thursday, December 27, 2007

HOWDY Y'ALL. HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS. WE JUST GOT BACK FROM CHRISTMAS IN THE PITTSBURGH AREA WITH OUR KIDS AND FAMILY.
MEDICAL UPDATE - JIM'S ARM FEELING BETTER, LESS PAIN, BUT VARICOSE VEINS IN LEFT LEG ACTING UP, HURTING AND SWELLING DURING THE TRIP.  MUCH BETTER TODAY THOUGH.  JIM CAN'T DRIVE SO WANDA HAD TO DO THE 375 MILES EACH WAY.  JIM GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY LATE THIS AFTERNOON FOR THE FIRST TIME.

WE ARE STILL PLANNING TO DANCE ON JAN 4.  WE WILL NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP WITH SETUP AND CLEANUP.  MORE ON THAT LATER.  

MORE SOON, CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY, I HOPE TO UPDATE AGAIN THEN.

JIM

Friday, December 21, 2007

ANOTHER FRIDAY NIGHT----BOY DO I MISS DANCING WITH ALL OF YOU. 

I WENT TO THE SURGEONS ON WEDNESDAY FOR A CHECKUP.  THEY REMOVED THE 15 POUNDS OF PACKING THAT COVERED MY ARM.  NOW I CAN WALK WITHOUT AS MUCH CONCERN ABOUT FALLING OVER DO TO THE EXTRA WEIGHT.  I'M TRYING TO STAY "IN LINE", FALLING IS NOT A GOOD VARIATION.

I CAN ONLY TYPE WITH ONE HAND, WHICH IS TOUGH.  I WAS NEVER GREAT AT TYPING BUT I AM REALLY SLOW NOW.  SINCE I MAY NOT HAVE USE OF THE RIGHT HAND FOR MONTHS, I AM GOING TO TRY TO TEACH MYSELF TO WRITE WITH MY LEFT HAND.  I HOPE TO START PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ABOUT A WEEK TOO.

EVERYONE PLEASE HAVE A JOYOUS AND SAFE CHRISTMAS.  WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Jim & Wanda

 

Monday, December 17, 2007

JIM HAD SURGERY ON HIS ARM LAST TUESDAY (12/11) AND IS NOW EQUIPPED WITH A FLASHY NEW STAINLESS STEEL PLATE AND ROD IN HIS UPPER RIGHT ARM.  I WAS RELEASED FROM UNDNJ IN NEWARK ON FRIDAY EVENING 12/14.  TYPING IS DIFFICULT WITH JUST ONE HAND BUT I'M GETTING BY AND WILL NOW TRY TO GIVE YOU REGULAR UPDATES WHILE I AM BACK AT HOME.  MAY STILL NEED ANOTHER SURGERY SOON TO REPAIR NERVE DAMAGE.  WE SURE DID MISS DANCING WITH ALL OF YOU LAST FRIDAY BUT AT DANCE TIME I WAS STILL WAITING TO BE DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL.

WE ARE HOPING TO RESUME DANCING JAN 4, AS PLANNED.  MORE IN A DAY OR TWO.

 

Saturday, December 8, 2007

LAST SUNDAY, JIM TOOK FLYING LESSONS OFF OF LADDER WHILE PAINTING THE LIVING ROOM.  THE FLIGHT WENT VERY WELL,  THE LANDING..............
WITH A DISLOCATED SHOULDER AND THE UPPER ARM IN 4 PIECES THE DOCTOR AT SOMERSET MEDICAL CENTER DID A GREAT JOB OF REASSEMBLY BUT MORE IS NEEDED.  ON TUESDAY THEY WILL OPERATE AND I WILL GET SOME SHINY NEW STAINLESS STEEL PARTS.  CAN'T WAIT.

WATCH THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES.  I'LL TYPE AS MUCH AS I CAN WITH MY LEFT HAND ONLY. 

ON FRIDAY NIGHT WE DANCED WITH GREAT HELP AND SUPPORT OF BILL NORRIS WHO HELPED DJ AND CAME EARLY TO SET UP ALL OF THE EQUIP.  WE COULD NOT HAVE HAD A DANCE IF IT WASN'T FOR BILL.  THANKS TO BILL, TOM, JOHN, JOANNE, MELANIE, DREA, DIANE AND BOB FOR ALL THE HELP PACKING UP AND CLEANING.

DANCING WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE BALANCE OF DECEMBER.  WE WILL BE BACK ON JANUARY 4TH.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Next year's St. Jude's Dinner-Dance has been scheduled for
Saturday April 19, 2008. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !

Wanda & Jim