Two weeks ago my right knee was replaced sugically and  though I can't say this has been the most joyful experience of my life, I've had A+ ratings from the hospital staff, the therapist, and the nurse who comes to tend me and do "post-op" evaluations.  I just walked to the in-house laundry to put in a load of clothing (trying to do as much for myself as possible).  I'm supposed to use the walker which I have done faithfully, but using that and towing a laundry cart is something of a challenge.  But, by now it is in the dryer and I'll manage to get it all back to my apartment when it is finished.  On Wednesday the stitches will come out.  I doubt that will make it more comfortable to walk but. . .

Two things are important.  I'm able to use my laptop (knee is supposed to be kept straight to reduce swelling so with my back against the wall and the knee extended along the  bed, I am here to offer a bit of writer news.  Among the books borrowed or stolen that I'm getting around to reading is Word Detective by Evan Morris, published  in 2000.  Morris is a columnist for Eastern Newspapers.  The information is humorously written.  The column responds to questions from readers about the origins of words and phrases.  Beginning with "amok."  The book makes fascinating reading and I highly recommend it to writers seeking the precise word or reference.  Or anyone fascinated with the derivation of terms.  Another book at hand is Hog On Ice.  (It is named for the Scottish saying "independent as a hog on ice."  My mother used to cite this to me as an ideal state for a young woman. "Be independent as a hog on ice."  Now, as a farm girl in country where we raised hogs, I knew that a hog caught on a slick icy surface would NOT be a very independent creature.  It wasn't until I came upon this book, Hog On Ice,  that I discovered the orgins of the phrase. In the Scottish game, Curling, a heavy stone with a handle is slid over the ice in the attempt to push a contender's stone out of the way.  Sometimes a stone gets stuck, frozen in one place.  It was called a "hog," and remained adamantly, "independently," frozen in one spot until it was forceably removed by a player. Mystery of Mom's admonition explained!That isn't the whole story, but I hope you will  check into these books for enlightenment and sometimes, exactly the color you seek in your writing. 

Until next blog, It would be great to hear from any of you!  Willma