Sorry for the long silence, folks. A planned short break went long, in part because of other commitments and in part because of an extended hospitalization when supposedly "routine" (albeit emergency) surgery was followed by a near-record-setting series of complications. Thanks to good care, some fast surgical work and very intensive antibiotics, plus the support of friends and family, I'm doing alright now. In fact, I hope to start traveling again in the near future. (Come say hi at the NWFA Expo.)
So that's what's new with me. Now to tie this post into wood, I want to note that the hospital I was in is a new building, opened in 2008. It is a lovely facility done mostly with cherry finish work (molding, wall panels, doors, etc.):
The main lobby features strand bamboo flooring, while the majority of the public halls and rooms use an LVT with a wood print. Clearly great attention was taken to make everything feel non-institutional. It's a hospital-you can't get around that-but they've worked hard to make it a bright and warm place that doesn't feel cold and sterile like hospitals of the past. The real wood and wood look really helps create a warm feeling that I have to believe helps promote healing. I know it was a positive for me.
Beyond the wood, I need to say that everyone working there was incredible. I must thank all the caregivers for their professional and personal attention. Mind you, a little less attention wouldn't have hurt-I could have done without the nightly wake-up calls every two hours for a check of my vitals-but it just makes me appreciate being home in my own bed more.
So that's where I've been. Now that I'm back at the computer again, what green issues would you like to discuss? I have a few ideas and I expect to have a lot more to offer up on EPA formaldehyde regulations later this year, but until then, what are the day-to-day issues everyone out there faces? Let me know what you want to see covered!
