Wednesday, August 31, 2005
SPEECHLESS
After I posted yesterday morning and went to work I was horrified to see on CNN that the lake levee had been breeched and the city of New Orleans was 80% underwater. As the day wore on the situation went from bad to worse. As daylight allowed news crews to make their way into the hardest hit areas along the Gulf coast, it was apparent that the devastation was far beyond the worst case scenarios.
We didn't hear from John until late afternoon, and then he was able to audio post. The emotion in his voice told the story. Life has been changed forever for them and all of the people affected by the storm. As we watch, speechless, the coverage provided by CNN and other news channels, I am sick at heart.
My trip to the orthopedist today seems trivial in comparison, but that is my task today. I know that your thoughts and prayers will be with the victims as you go about your day.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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We didn't hear from John until late afternoon, and then he was able to audio post. The emotion in his voice told the story. Life has been changed forever for them and all of the people affected by the storm. As we watch, speechless, the coverage provided by CNN and other news channels, I am sick at heart.
My trip to the orthopedist today seems trivial in comparison, but that is my task today. I know that your thoughts and prayers will be with the victims as you go about your day.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Tuesday, August 30, 2005
THANKFUL
Yesterday I went to work sick at heart. I knew that John was in a very precarious position as Katrina took dead aim on New Orleans. Thank God for the blogosphere, as he was able to give us updates in that way so that we knew what he was going through. When I arrived at work, there was a small television on the front desk, tuned to CNN. I was so grateful that I would have a way to monitor the situation and see what happened as the storm progressed. It was soon apparent that Katrina took an eastward bobble just before she made landfall, and that New Orleans would escape not only a direct hit, but the storm has lessened in strength. While a category 4 hurricane is nothing to sneeze at, it is much better than a category 5.
As the day wore on, Biloxi and Gulfport suffered the brunt of Katrina's fury. I cannot imagine the devastation. Seeing the reporters struggle to bring the latest updates in the various locations while buffeted by waves of wind and rain was amazing.
I am so thankful. John and his family are safe, and hopefully will have minimal damage instead of complete destruction at their home. While our prayers were answered, and the city of New Orleans and surrounding area were spared the worst case scenario, the Gulf Coast has been devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with those people today, and the teams of emergency workers who will arrive on site to begin the long clean up process.
On a lighter note, Napoleon is still with me....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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As the day wore on, Biloxi and Gulfport suffered the brunt of Katrina's fury. I cannot imagine the devastation. Seeing the reporters struggle to bring the latest updates in the various locations while buffeted by waves of wind and rain was amazing.
I am so thankful. John and his family are safe, and hopefully will have minimal damage instead of complete destruction at their home. While our prayers were answered, and the city of New Orleans and surrounding area were spared the worst case scenario, the Gulf Coast has been devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with those people today, and the teams of emergency workers who will arrive on site to begin the long clean up process.
On a lighter note, Napoleon is still with me....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Monday, August 29, 2005
KATRINA
This morning my mind is with my family in New Orleans. Those of you who read my brother John's blog are no doubt keeping up with his frequent posts chronicling the hurricane. While his wife Barbara and dog Bear are riding out the storm in Baton Rouge with their son LJ, John is at the hospital where he works with the rest of the staff in Covington. It must be so difficult for all of them.
I hope that your thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Orleans and the entire Gulf coast, for they are all in grave danger. I can't imagine facing the day they will have today.
For the story of the great peacock caper, I posted that on Saturday night, and you can catch that below. Somehow in light of the danger Katrina poses today, it seems trivial at best. I hope that your day is a good one wherever you are.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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I hope that your thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Orleans and the entire Gulf coast, for they are all in grave danger. I can't imagine facing the day they will have today.
For the story of the great peacock caper, I posted that on Saturday night, and you can catch that below. Somehow in light of the danger Katrina poses today, it seems trivial at best. I hope that your day is a good one wherever you are.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Saturday, August 27, 2005
NAPOLEON SPEAKS
Last night we all watched Napoleon go to roost for the last time here on our country road. I set my alarm so that I could be up before he came down and took off. He has been here on my porch for the past several days, so I was confident. I grabbed the bread so that I could lure him from the roost to the garage where we would close him in until the man came to take him to his new home.
I walked out into the cool August morning and looked up at Napoleon's branch. It was empty. I looked around, and not seeing him I began to holler "here chick, chick, chick." Nothing. At 6:30 in the morning he was gone, and wouldn't answer the call of his master's voice.
I have seen him throughout the day, but he refuses to come from Bob's house across the cow pasture. It is so odd. When I called Bob to see if he saw him, he said not since midday. I told Bob that I had a man coming to take him to the farm to be with other peacocks. He wanted to know why. Why?
So, my blog friends, it seems that Naoleon and the neighborhood have spoken. I guess he will stay. If he is happy, I guess I can put up with peacock feathers and droppings on my porch. That is what soap and water are for. We'll see what the morrow brings. As my grandmother used to say, "sometimes all signs fail." So true, so true.
Until next time,
Becky
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I walked out into the cool August morning and looked up at Napoleon's branch. It was empty. I looked around, and not seeing him I began to holler "here chick, chick, chick." Nothing. At 6:30 in the morning he was gone, and wouldn't answer the call of his master's voice.
I have seen him throughout the day, but he refuses to come from Bob's house across the cow pasture. It is so odd. When I called Bob to see if he saw him, he said not since midday. I told Bob that I had a man coming to take him to the farm to be with other peacocks. He wanted to know why. Why?
So, my blog friends, it seems that Naoleon and the neighborhood have spoken. I guess he will stay. If he is happy, I guess I can put up with peacock feathers and droppings on my porch. That is what soap and water are for. We'll see what the morrow brings. As my grandmother used to say, "sometimes all signs fail." So true, so true.
Until next time,
Becky
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Friday, August 26, 2005
COUNTRY ROAD UPDATES
Things are going along fine here in Smalltown. I have not been completely AWOL without good reason. I have had Matt here for a short visit, and of course my time has been short.
Napoleon has been unpredictable this week. Night before last he didn't come home at all, and the oak tree looked very empty without him perched on his roosting branch. I was afraid he had decided to move along before he had to make the move to the country on Saturday, but he was here when I came home from work last night and is on his perch this morning.
Scaredy is still gone. It has been six weeks now. In his place a new little stray has taken up residence. She is a pretty little thing, but I do not need another critter. Hopefully she will make her way on down to mom's house.
I will post and let everyone know how the big peacock moving caper goes. The plan is to lure him into the garage, close the door, and the man will go in and snatch him. Evidently he has done this before, and it amounts to no more than picking up a dog or cat when you know how to do it. I am somewhat skeptical, but then I have never snatched a peacock before. I'm sure the story will be a good one.
Have a great TGIF day, and I will see you here in the morning....on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Napoleon has been unpredictable this week. Night before last he didn't come home at all, and the oak tree looked very empty without him perched on his roosting branch. I was afraid he had decided to move along before he had to make the move to the country on Saturday, but he was here when I came home from work last night and is on his perch this morning.
Scaredy is still gone. It has been six weeks now. In his place a new little stray has taken up residence. She is a pretty little thing, but I do not need another critter. Hopefully she will make her way on down to mom's house.
I will post and let everyone know how the big peacock moving caper goes. The plan is to lure him into the garage, close the door, and the man will go in and snatch him. Evidently he has done this before, and it amounts to no more than picking up a dog or cat when you know how to do it. I am somewhat skeptical, but then I have never snatched a peacock before. I'm sure the story will be a good one.
Have a great TGIF day, and I will see you here in the morning....on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Wednesday, August 24, 2005
SUSPICION
Now that I have found a home for Napoleon, and feel good about the fact that he will soon be cavorting around with other peacocks and various and sundry bird fowl, I think he is getting suspicious. Last night when mom came up to feed him some bread before he went to roost, he was nowhere to be found. We called and called. And called. And called.
We had just about given up when I spotted him across the field by Bob's garden spot. He was looking our way, and giving us that unconcerned, bored, regal look he has down to perfection. We began top call him again, both of us hollering ''here chick, chick, chick," at the top of our lungs. Slowly, he began to make his way across the field, stopping to investigate something that caught his notice and pecking here and there at who knows what. Mom had torn his two pieces of bread into little pieces when we thought he was nowhere to be found, and left it on the ground in front of the bench. While we had been waiting for him to come home, the stray kitten had come to feed. Napoleon is wary of her, as she is young and likes to stalk him. That, of course, is the height of optimism. It is also odd, as she is in the same boat he is. A guest at my table, so to speak. How soon she forgot how grateful she was to find a helping hand and a meal. Napoleon went the long way around the garage to his bread, and I kept the kitten at bay with my crutches so he could eat. It was nearing dark, and he gets more anxious to get to roost than to eat.
We finally got everyone fed, and Napoleon, feeling the urgency of encroaching darkness, flew directly up to the roof of the house. After making sure there were no imminent threats, he flew on up to roost. It is really something to watch.
Hopefully he will stay here until the man comes to transport him to his new home. If he knew what he was going to, he would want to go now, I am sure. Keep your fingers crossed that he is still here come Saturday for the trip.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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We had just about given up when I spotted him across the field by Bob's garden spot. He was looking our way, and giving us that unconcerned, bored, regal look he has down to perfection. We began top call him again, both of us hollering ''here chick, chick, chick," at the top of our lungs. Slowly, he began to make his way across the field, stopping to investigate something that caught his notice and pecking here and there at who knows what. Mom had torn his two pieces of bread into little pieces when we thought he was nowhere to be found, and left it on the ground in front of the bench. While we had been waiting for him to come home, the stray kitten had come to feed. Napoleon is wary of her, as she is young and likes to stalk him. That, of course, is the height of optimism. It is also odd, as she is in the same boat he is. A guest at my table, so to speak. How soon she forgot how grateful she was to find a helping hand and a meal. Napoleon went the long way around the garage to his bread, and I kept the kitten at bay with my crutches so he could eat. It was nearing dark, and he gets more anxious to get to roost than to eat.
We finally got everyone fed, and Napoleon, feeling the urgency of encroaching darkness, flew directly up to the roof of the house. After making sure there were no imminent threats, he flew on up to roost. It is really something to watch.
Hopefully he will stay here until the man comes to transport him to his new home. If he knew what he was going to, he would want to go now, I am sure. Keep your fingers crossed that he is still here come Saturday for the trip.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Tuesday, August 23, 2005
BREAKING NEWS
Things happen for a reason. I am working an alternate duty assignment at the office while my leg is healing, and have been assigned to the front desk answering the phones. Each day the communications personnel rotates and I work with a different person on the phone console. In the course of the day the operator I was working with during my shift was telling me about her farm. I asked if they would like a peacock, but she said no because they didn't have any birds. She did tell me about a friend of theirs who has all kinds of birds on his farm. When I told her about Napoleon, she called him.
The day wore on, and we were busy. Lunch came and went. In the afternoon I got a call from the man she had told me about. We had a nice conversation about Napoleon, and he was excited to get him. He has ten peacocks as well as many other types of exotic birds, and assured me Napoleon would have a very good home. He will be coming this Saturday to get Napoleon.
Although Napoleon is happy here, he is going to be ecstatic to get to a nice country farm where there are other peacocks. Right now he is a duck out of water, so to speak. Once he finds out what he has been missing he will hopefully forget the fright of being caught and transported out there.
I hope that there is a way he can band Napoleon so that I can keep up with his progress. Once he settles in and picks a mate, there will be little Napoleon Leopolds running around. The man told me that his peacocks winter very well, and even with their full, glorious long tails, can fly up into the trees to roost. He has barns, natural springs, perches, pens, everything that Napoleon will need.
After nine weeks, our beautiful Napoleon will be leaving us....here on our country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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The day wore on, and we were busy. Lunch came and went. In the afternoon I got a call from the man she had told me about. We had a nice conversation about Napoleon, and he was excited to get him. He has ten peacocks as well as many other types of exotic birds, and assured me Napoleon would have a very good home. He will be coming this Saturday to get Napoleon.
Although Napoleon is happy here, he is going to be ecstatic to get to a nice country farm where there are other peacocks. Right now he is a duck out of water, so to speak. Once he finds out what he has been missing he will hopefully forget the fright of being caught and transported out there.
I hope that there is a way he can band Napoleon so that I can keep up with his progress. Once he settles in and picks a mate, there will be little Napoleon Leopolds running around. The man told me that his peacocks winter very well, and even with their full, glorious long tails, can fly up into the trees to roost. He has barns, natural springs, perches, pens, everything that Napoleon will need.
After nine weeks, our beautiful Napoleon will be leaving us....here on our country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Monday, August 22, 2005
LOOK OUT WORLD
Stand back world, it's Monday. We only get one shot at this a week, so I like to make it a good one. I don't know how it is for you, but however Monday goes, so goes the rest of the week. Probably why I like to start out with a bang.
I had hoped to have some word on Napoleon before I posted this morning, as we had a real toad strangler last night. Lots of hard wind and even harder rain. It is unusually dark this morning, and I can hear thunder rumbling in the distance. I will get up and go check for him before I hit the post button so you will know if he is still with me.
It was a wonderful weekend. I got a lot done, but very slowly. Saturday was unsufferably hot with afternoon showers into evening, and yesterday was cooler with very heavy rain and wind. All in all a good weekend to be indoors. I did a little cooking, a little housework and laundry, rested often with reading and TV, and made some phone calls.
Okay, I just made another sweep of the yard, and I see Napoleon pecking for seeds and bugs. I guess the little guy knows how to hold on to a tree limb. And that's the way it is....Monday August 22, 2005....here on my country road.
Have a great Monday everyone.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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I had hoped to have some word on Napoleon before I posted this morning, as we had a real toad strangler last night. Lots of hard wind and even harder rain. It is unusually dark this morning, and I can hear thunder rumbling in the distance. I will get up and go check for him before I hit the post button so you will know if he is still with me.
It was a wonderful weekend. I got a lot done, but very slowly. Saturday was unsufferably hot with afternoon showers into evening, and yesterday was cooler with very heavy rain and wind. All in all a good weekend to be indoors. I did a little cooking, a little housework and laundry, rested often with reading and TV, and made some phone calls.
Okay, I just made another sweep of the yard, and I see Napoleon pecking for seeds and bugs. I guess the little guy knows how to hold on to a tree limb. And that's the way it is....Monday August 22, 2005....here on my country road.
Have a great Monday everyone.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Saturday, August 20, 2005
HOME ALONE
Well, the folks got gone on their trip, and I am home alone. Their house sits silent with no signs of life, and only the neighbors and I are home this weekend. Mom has been helping me out with feeding Napoleon and the stray cat, so I have that to do. Hard on crutches, but they won't starve.
My foot has been very swollen and painful the past two days, but it is finally better this morning. It is hard to put it up at work, but it looks like I am going to have to find a solution so I don't have this problems again. I can put it up, but have to sit sideways to do it. After an hour of that my lower back begins to hurt. Always something, as my grandmother used to say.
Today is housework and laundry day. What usually takes me a few hours to do will take all day and maybe tomorrow, but what else do I have to do? Today is the funeral for our trooper, Jay Sampietro. Please send thoughts and prayers up for his family and friends. It will be a very sad day for the Patrol family as well.
Have a good weekend, and I will see you right back here Monday morning. Napoleon is waiting for his breakfast....here on my country road.
Becky
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My foot has been very swollen and painful the past two days, but it is finally better this morning. It is hard to put it up at work, but it looks like I am going to have to find a solution so I don't have this problems again. I can put it up, but have to sit sideways to do it. After an hour of that my lower back begins to hurt. Always something, as my grandmother used to say.
Today is housework and laundry day. What usually takes me a few hours to do will take all day and maybe tomorrow, but what else do I have to do? Today is the funeral for our trooper, Jay Sampietro. Please send thoughts and prayers up for his family and friends. It will be a very sad day for the Patrol family as well.
Have a good weekend, and I will see you right back here Monday morning. Napoleon is waiting for his breakfast....here on my country road.
Becky
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Thursday, August 18, 2005
IN MEMORIUM
Yesterday while performing his duties as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman, John Jay Sampietro, 36, was struck and killed by a vehicle. Jay was assisting in the reconstruction and investigation of an accident that killed four people earlier this week when he was killed.
Jay was a thirteen year veteran of the Patrol, and was one of those great people everyone loved to be around. He leaves behind a wife and two young sons, ages four and ten months.
Flags are at half mast as the Patrol family mourns the loss of one of it's own. The loss of another fine man is so senseless, and is a reminder that accidents of this nature are avoidable by slowing down, paying attention, and yielding to the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay's wife Jennifer and two young sons, their family and friends, and the law enforcement and Patrol families.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Jay was a thirteen year veteran of the Patrol, and was one of those great people everyone loved to be around. He leaves behind a wife and two young sons, ages four and ten months.
Flags are at half mast as the Patrol family mourns the loss of one of it's own. The loss of another fine man is so senseless, and is a reminder that accidents of this nature are avoidable by slowing down, paying attention, and yielding to the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jay's wife Jennifer and two young sons, their family and friends, and the law enforcement and Patrol families.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Wednesday, August 17, 2005
HUMP DAY
Good morning from Smalltown. The cool beginning is a tease, as we are to be very hot and humid today. At least it is Wednesday already. I am settling into my alternate duty assignment at work. It is fun to dress in civilian clothes for a change, and have enjoyed wearing dresses and other "girly" things to work. My normal attire is a brown and tan uniform, so just the choosing of color is a treat.
Napoleon sure gets around the neighborhood. Most everyone tolerates his daily visits, and gets a kick out of him. I haven't seen Scaredy for three weeks. I do have several stray cats who come by each day and eat the dry cat food I keep out for Napoleon. Now that we have game bird food for him I wouldn't have to put the cat food out anymore, but there is a little female calico cat who has adopted my house. Maybe mom can lure her down to their house, as she needs more company than I can give her. However, for now, she comes morning and evening. She waits out under the big pine tree by my garage and waits for us to sit down on my garden bench to watch Napoleon. Slowly, she will creep over to the food and eat while we wait for Napoleon to fly up to roost.
I am getting better at the crutches, and hopefully the next two weeks will go fast. Once I get the next x-ray out of the way and we see that the bone is healing correctly, I can relax. Hopefully I will get my walking boot and can go back to work with the crew. My only alternative is surgery, and I will not even think about that. Send good thoughts my way.
Thanks you for all of the nice Blogiversary wishes. It is hard to comprehend that it has been two years. Time does go by way too fast, but it has been such a treat. Bloggers are great people. In answer to Linda, Napoleon isn't my peacock really, he just wandered here two months ago and adopted me. Although he is a lot of fun to watch, and it is a treat to have him here, the cold weather will bring some hard decisions. Time will tell.
Have a good day, and I will see you back here tomorrow....on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Napoleon sure gets around the neighborhood. Most everyone tolerates his daily visits, and gets a kick out of him. I haven't seen Scaredy for three weeks. I do have several stray cats who come by each day and eat the dry cat food I keep out for Napoleon. Now that we have game bird food for him I wouldn't have to put the cat food out anymore, but there is a little female calico cat who has adopted my house. Maybe mom can lure her down to their house, as she needs more company than I can give her. However, for now, she comes morning and evening. She waits out under the big pine tree by my garage and waits for us to sit down on my garden bench to watch Napoleon. Slowly, she will creep over to the food and eat while we wait for Napoleon to fly up to roost.
I am getting better at the crutches, and hopefully the next two weeks will go fast. Once I get the next x-ray out of the way and we see that the bone is healing correctly, I can relax. Hopefully I will get my walking boot and can go back to work with the crew. My only alternative is surgery, and I will not even think about that. Send good thoughts my way.
Thanks you for all of the nice Blogiversary wishes. It is hard to comprehend that it has been two years. Time does go by way too fast, but it has been such a treat. Bloggers are great people. In answer to Linda, Napoleon isn't my peacock really, he just wandered here two months ago and adopted me. Although he is a lot of fun to watch, and it is a treat to have him here, the cold weather will bring some hard decisions. Time will tell.
Have a good day, and I will see you back here tomorrow....on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Monday, August 15, 2005
SECOND BLOGIVERSARY!
Gee, it dawned on me today that I just celebrated my second year as a blogger. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The world comes to my door, and I have made many lasting and satisfying friendships in the blog world. You cheer me on, jeer my enemies, laugh with me, and sometimes have cried with me. I have grown as a person, and I hope to have passed on something of worth and value to the readers who frequent my site. I am grateful for your support, your comments, and your encouragement.
Of note, today was my first day at my alternate duty assignment at Troop Headquarters. As soon as I wade through my inbox and take care of pressing matters, I will be at the front desk helping to answer the hundreds of calls that come in each day. I am very grateful for the opportunity, as it will save me using the rest of my sick leave and vacation time until my leg heals. I have been on these crutches two weeks and one day. Only four to six weeks to go.
After a bad storm and high winds yesterday afternoon, I haven't seen Napoleon. I hoped today I would find him here when I returned from work, but no. I ate supper with mom and Rocky, and when we came here to put out feed for a new little stray kitten and see if Napoleon was here, there was still no sign. Mom and I went into our 'here chick, chick' routine, and after several minutes he flew down from the roof. I think he was going to roost early, and we were very happy to see him. Rocky bought him a bag of game bird feed today. Usually that is a good way to ensure never seeing them again. I called Rocky, and he came as quickly as he could and poured out some feed in a bucket. Napoleon is a curious bird, so he made tracks to check it out. He was so happy! He stood and ate, and we only saw his head occasionally for several minutes. It was so cute, as his feet were trying to scratch at the sidewalk while he ate. Animals are so entertaining.
So, we have a banner day. My second blogiversary, first day back at work, Napoleon is home, and we finally have some food he can identify with. He is safely at roost with a full stomach, the new stray got fresh food and can sleep with a full tummy, and I am pooped and hopefully will sleep well. I am writing this tonight, as it takes me so long to get ready for work in the mornings now. Bear with me, things will eventually get back to normal.....here on my country road.
Until next time,
Becky
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Of note, today was my first day at my alternate duty assignment at Troop Headquarters. As soon as I wade through my inbox and take care of pressing matters, I will be at the front desk helping to answer the hundreds of calls that come in each day. I am very grateful for the opportunity, as it will save me using the rest of my sick leave and vacation time until my leg heals. I have been on these crutches two weeks and one day. Only four to six weeks to go.
After a bad storm and high winds yesterday afternoon, I haven't seen Napoleon. I hoped today I would find him here when I returned from work, but no. I ate supper with mom and Rocky, and when we came here to put out feed for a new little stray kitten and see if Napoleon was here, there was still no sign. Mom and I went into our 'here chick, chick' routine, and after several minutes he flew down from the roof. I think he was going to roost early, and we were very happy to see him. Rocky bought him a bag of game bird feed today. Usually that is a good way to ensure never seeing them again. I called Rocky, and he came as quickly as he could and poured out some feed in a bucket. Napoleon is a curious bird, so he made tracks to check it out. He was so happy! He stood and ate, and we only saw his head occasionally for several minutes. It was so cute, as his feet were trying to scratch at the sidewalk while he ate. Animals are so entertaining.
So, we have a banner day. My second blogiversary, first day back at work, Napoleon is home, and we finally have some food he can identify with. He is safely at roost with a full stomach, the new stray got fresh food and can sleep with a full tummy, and I am pooped and hopefully will sleep well. I am writing this tonight, as it takes me so long to get ready for work in the mornings now. Bear with me, things will eventually get back to normal.....here on my country road.
Until next time,
Becky
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Saturday, August 13, 2005
THE PEACOCK TROT
Last night mom and I walked back to my house after dinner so she could feed Napoleon before he went to roost. We have been having 100* temperatures this week, and his water bowl always needs refreshing by evening. When we rounded the corner to my porch, he was nowhere to be seen.
Both mom and I began calling ''chick, chick, chick,'' but nothing. Several minutes of looking for and calling him yielded no peacock. Finally, mom said goodnight and started down the steps. She was going to leave his bread bits on the ground in case he wandered home after she left. Knowing that he sometimes goes over to Bob's house across the pasture, I kept looking that way. Movement caught my eye, and I saw Napoleon duck under the barbed wired fence at the far end of the field. I opened the door and told mom he was coming, and hopped back out to the porch. Both of us began calling him again, and he put his head down, lowered his body into a running posture, and began trotting quickly across the field.
There is nothing more hilarious than seeing a big blue bird running through a cow pasture. When he got to my fence, he stopped. It took him several minutes to remember how he gets back home from where he was, but he finally figured it out and rounded the garage. He was hungry, and dove into the bread with gusto. Stopping only to go over and get a cool drink, he polished off two pieces of bread before flying to roost.
Mom and I sat on the garden bench until he was up in the tree for the night. Nothing better than the peacock trot on a Friday night in Smalltown.
Have a great weekend,
Becky
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Both mom and I began calling ''chick, chick, chick,'' but nothing. Several minutes of looking for and calling him yielded no peacock. Finally, mom said goodnight and started down the steps. She was going to leave his bread bits on the ground in case he wandered home after she left. Knowing that he sometimes goes over to Bob's house across the pasture, I kept looking that way. Movement caught my eye, and I saw Napoleon duck under the barbed wired fence at the far end of the field. I opened the door and told mom he was coming, and hopped back out to the porch. Both of us began calling him again, and he put his head down, lowered his body into a running posture, and began trotting quickly across the field.
There is nothing more hilarious than seeing a big blue bird running through a cow pasture. When he got to my fence, he stopped. It took him several minutes to remember how he gets back home from where he was, but he finally figured it out and rounded the garage. He was hungry, and dove into the bread with gusto. Stopping only to go over and get a cool drink, he polished off two pieces of bread before flying to roost.
Mom and I sat on the garden bench until he was up in the tree for the night. Nothing better than the peacock trot on a Friday night in Smalltown.
Have a great weekend,
Becky
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Thursday, August 11, 2005
PEACOCK FODDER
Good to know that I am growing beautiful flowers so that Napoleon can eat the blooms. He is a gourmet bird, and definitely has preferences. He loves my fuschia. I have, or rather had a huge one hanging from the from porch roof. I kept wondering why it wasn't blooming, although I suspected what the problem was.
This morning I was hobbling up the hallway and chanced to look out on the front porch. Napoleon was perched royally upon the porch rail, nibbling and pecking on my fuschia. The buds and remaining blooms where bobbing gaily, and the pot was swinging precariously under the assault. Of course he looked as happy as any king enjoying the tasty appetizer to a succulent dinner.
Well, the poor thing is totally bored. There is no other big blue bird to socialize with, and is essentially a stranger in a strange land. When I think of the money I spent on the landscaping this year,(something I haven't done for several years but wanted to do this year), it makes my stomach and my bank book ill. However, when you think about the fact that I am the only person in the neighborhood with a designer pet, an exotic one at that, what price beauty?
He did show a little attitude yesterday when I came out of the house. I scared him off of the porch rail so I could come down the front steps to go to moms. He immediately took offense, puffed up and fanned out his tail, shaking it at me. Added to the stern, intimidating look he gave me, it just struck me funny. Biting the hand that feeds him? Of course he didn't appreciate my laughter, but it was good for the soul. He got over it pretty quick once he heard my voice, and he returned to his lofty perch. I continued on my way, and all was forgotten.
Just another day in the life at peacock central....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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This morning I was hobbling up the hallway and chanced to look out on the front porch. Napoleon was perched royally upon the porch rail, nibbling and pecking on my fuschia. The buds and remaining blooms where bobbing gaily, and the pot was swinging precariously under the assault. Of course he looked as happy as any king enjoying the tasty appetizer to a succulent dinner.
Well, the poor thing is totally bored. There is no other big blue bird to socialize with, and is essentially a stranger in a strange land. When I think of the money I spent on the landscaping this year,(something I haven't done for several years but wanted to do this year), it makes my stomach and my bank book ill. However, when you think about the fact that I am the only person in the neighborhood with a designer pet, an exotic one at that, what price beauty?
He did show a little attitude yesterday when I came out of the house. I scared him off of the porch rail so I could come down the front steps to go to moms. He immediately took offense, puffed up and fanned out his tail, shaking it at me. Added to the stern, intimidating look he gave me, it just struck me funny. Biting the hand that feeds him? Of course he didn't appreciate my laughter, but it was good for the soul. He got over it pretty quick once he heard my voice, and he returned to his lofty perch. I continued on my way, and all was forgotten.
Just another day in the life at peacock central....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005
CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT
One thing about being home all day is seeing everything that goes on while you're usually away. What an education. There are several things that I have observed in the past week and a half that are positively and definitively more entertaining than daytime television.
1.) Cats sleep. A lot.
2.) Paddy waits until I go to bed to get playful with her cat toys. As I fall asleep I can hear her running up and down the hallway bopping her little happy meal toy Davey left here. If I throw it for her through the day, she bats her eyes at me and goes back to sleep. In the mornings she sits on the bed and stares at me until I wake up, then when I do she curls up and goes to sleep. What's up with that?
3.) Napoleon, Napoleon. What is more entertaining than a big blue bird with a weird head ornament?
4.) You cannot set your clock by the rural mail carrier.
5.) The cat is fascinated with watching Napoleon. (In the small amount of time she is actually not sleeping.)
6.) I have absolutely no idea who belongs to the strange cars that drive up and down my country road now. Who are these people?
7.) I love watching Sell This House, and Find And Design.
8.) It is fun to hobble down to moms or the neighbors house to see what they are doing. Is this what they do when I am working?
9.) When I get bored, tired of reading, and weary of watching Paddy sleep, I go outside and sit on my garden bench. Napoleon struts around the yard eating and picking at the strangest things. Although he has bread on the ground, and fresh water in his dish, he likes to sit in my container gardens forcing water up by his feet and drinking that. Of course while he is there why not make a snack out of my impatiens?
10.) Why is it that I can't enjoy the time I am home, because I can't DO anything? When I am at work I long to be home because there is so much to do, and now that I have had two weeks at home I can't do anything that needs to be done?
I have watched Paddy sleep in the bathroom sink, on top of my berber throw on the back of the couch, on a towel on top of the dryer, and have discovered that she likes to sit on the kitchen table in front of the air conditioner. The only place she won't sit, lay, or sleep, is on my lap.
Napoleon is fun to watch. He perches on the porch rail, looking out over the yard. He scared the life out of the UPS man yesterday morning when he left a package on my porch. Oh for a video camera! While he is partial to bread products, he would rather hunt and peck for his own food. He follows me everywhere, responds to the sound of my voice, and has a very predictable schedule. My favorite time of day is sunset. While I watch the sun set through the trees of the big woods, Napoleon goes through his nightly routine. After a snack of bread bits, he gets a drink of water, and prepares to roost for the night. Last night he changed it up a bit. Instead of flying to the garage roof, to the house roof, and on up to the oak tree, he went right to the house roof. It was a bit later than usual, and I guess he felt an urgency to get to bed. Mom and I sat still while he flew up to roost and settled in for the night.
All in all, life here is very cheap entertainment. While I would love to sit and chat, I see that it is time for Sell This House. And so it goes....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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1.) Cats sleep. A lot.
2.) Paddy waits until I go to bed to get playful with her cat toys. As I fall asleep I can hear her running up and down the hallway bopping her little happy meal toy Davey left here. If I throw it for her through the day, she bats her eyes at me and goes back to sleep. In the mornings she sits on the bed and stares at me until I wake up, then when I do she curls up and goes to sleep. What's up with that?
3.) Napoleon, Napoleon. What is more entertaining than a big blue bird with a weird head ornament?
4.) You cannot set your clock by the rural mail carrier.
5.) The cat is fascinated with watching Napoleon. (In the small amount of time she is actually not sleeping.)
6.) I have absolutely no idea who belongs to the strange cars that drive up and down my country road now. Who are these people?
7.) I love watching Sell This House, and Find And Design.
8.) It is fun to hobble down to moms or the neighbors house to see what they are doing. Is this what they do when I am working?
9.) When I get bored, tired of reading, and weary of watching Paddy sleep, I go outside and sit on my garden bench. Napoleon struts around the yard eating and picking at the strangest things. Although he has bread on the ground, and fresh water in his dish, he likes to sit in my container gardens forcing water up by his feet and drinking that. Of course while he is there why not make a snack out of my impatiens?
10.) Why is it that I can't enjoy the time I am home, because I can't DO anything? When I am at work I long to be home because there is so much to do, and now that I have had two weeks at home I can't do anything that needs to be done?
I have watched Paddy sleep in the bathroom sink, on top of my berber throw on the back of the couch, on a towel on top of the dryer, and have discovered that she likes to sit on the kitchen table in front of the air conditioner. The only place she won't sit, lay, or sleep, is on my lap.
Napoleon is fun to watch. He perches on the porch rail, looking out over the yard. He scared the life out of the UPS man yesterday morning when he left a package on my porch. Oh for a video camera! While he is partial to bread products, he would rather hunt and peck for his own food. He follows me everywhere, responds to the sound of my voice, and has a very predictable schedule. My favorite time of day is sunset. While I watch the sun set through the trees of the big woods, Napoleon goes through his nightly routine. After a snack of bread bits, he gets a drink of water, and prepares to roost for the night. Last night he changed it up a bit. Instead of flying to the garage roof, to the house roof, and on up to the oak tree, he went right to the house roof. It was a bit later than usual, and I guess he felt an urgency to get to bed. Mom and I sat still while he flew up to roost and settled in for the night.
All in all, life here is very cheap entertainment. While I would love to sit and chat, I see that it is time for Sell This House. And so it goes....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Tuesday, August 09, 2005
MIXED BAG
This morning I was up very early to see the Discovery return home, but went back to bed after seeing that they were going to land later in California. It was very gratifying to see the shuttle and crew land safely at Edwards Air Force base. I know that everyone had the Colombia on their minds, and I for one let out a tremendous sigh of relief once Discovery was safely home.
I was also proud that I was able to get the small trash cans from the bathroom and my office to the kitchen and emptied by myself. It is trash day here, and I had to accomplish that before Rocky came over to take the bag to the curb for me. These small victories may not be important to anyone else, but to me it was a major thing. I only dropped the one from my office three times before I finally gained the kitchen. This is most likely because of all the sorting and pitching of paperwork I did yesterday afternoon, which caused the little can to be heavier than usual.
It is a beautiful morning here in Smalltown. The sunrays are streaming through the trees of the big woods, the birds are singing, and the temperatures are still moderate. It is important to get outside chores done before late morning, as we are headed for near 100 the rest of the week. Yesterday Napoleon stayed home and kept me company all day. Every time I went by the front window he was perched on my porch rail. Late afternoon he was burrowed down in a fresh dirt crater he had scratched up, in an effort to keep cool. I hopped down to moms for dinner, and as we were watching TV I noticed he was out on her front stoop. We went out and called him, and he followed us back up the hill to my house. Mom fed him a left over hot dog bun, and gave him fresh water. We sat for a while on my little garden bench and kept him company. He is such a funny little guy. He thinks his name is 'chick, chick'. He won't answer to any of his royal names, but that is fine.
Many of you asked about him screaming or screeching. The only time he does that is when he is scared or startled by an animal. He didn't make a peep during the two bad storms we have had since he came here, nor does he make noise just to hear his own voice. That is good, as the few times I have heard him in distress caused a chill to run up my spine. It is an eerie sound. He also 'honks' sometimes. It is funny in the extreme.
Scaredy is still not home, but then again he has a mind of his own. Critters don't think or reason like we do, so it most likely doesn't concern him that I might be worried about him. Today I have odd little chores to do, and will try to do a little writing. It is hard for me to sit at the computer for very long, as it hurts my leg to hang down. By the time I get it all figured out, it will be healed.
On a sad note, mom called this morning to tell me that an old friend of our family was killed in a car wreck yesterday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family this morning, and in the difficult hours and days ahead.
Life is a mixed bag of joys, sorrows, triumphs, and tragedies. Collectively it is a wonderful experience. Goals set, dreams realized, and hope for tomorrow. I wish you a wonderful day.
God bless,
Becky
|
I was also proud that I was able to get the small trash cans from the bathroom and my office to the kitchen and emptied by myself. It is trash day here, and I had to accomplish that before Rocky came over to take the bag to the curb for me. These small victories may not be important to anyone else, but to me it was a major thing. I only dropped the one from my office three times before I finally gained the kitchen. This is most likely because of all the sorting and pitching of paperwork I did yesterday afternoon, which caused the little can to be heavier than usual.
It is a beautiful morning here in Smalltown. The sunrays are streaming through the trees of the big woods, the birds are singing, and the temperatures are still moderate. It is important to get outside chores done before late morning, as we are headed for near 100 the rest of the week. Yesterday Napoleon stayed home and kept me company all day. Every time I went by the front window he was perched on my porch rail. Late afternoon he was burrowed down in a fresh dirt crater he had scratched up, in an effort to keep cool. I hopped down to moms for dinner, and as we were watching TV I noticed he was out on her front stoop. We went out and called him, and he followed us back up the hill to my house. Mom fed him a left over hot dog bun, and gave him fresh water. We sat for a while on my little garden bench and kept him company. He is such a funny little guy. He thinks his name is 'chick, chick'. He won't answer to any of his royal names, but that is fine.
Many of you asked about him screaming or screeching. The only time he does that is when he is scared or startled by an animal. He didn't make a peep during the two bad storms we have had since he came here, nor does he make noise just to hear his own voice. That is good, as the few times I have heard him in distress caused a chill to run up my spine. It is an eerie sound. He also 'honks' sometimes. It is funny in the extreme.
Scaredy is still not home, but then again he has a mind of his own. Critters don't think or reason like we do, so it most likely doesn't concern him that I might be worried about him. Today I have odd little chores to do, and will try to do a little writing. It is hard for me to sit at the computer for very long, as it hurts my leg to hang down. By the time I get it all figured out, it will be healed.
On a sad note, mom called this morning to tell me that an old friend of our family was killed in a car wreck yesterday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family this morning, and in the difficult hours and days ahead.
Life is a mixed bag of joys, sorrows, triumphs, and tragedies. Collectively it is a wonderful experience. Goals set, dreams realized, and hope for tomorrow. I wish you a wonderful day.
God bless,
Becky
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Monday, August 08, 2005
BUMPS AND BRUISES
I am sure getting the 'crash course' in how to use these crutches. I have seen countless other people use them with skill and grace, but I seem to be slow to pick it up. I think that one of the greatest problems is because of the foot surgery I had on my left foot two and a half years ago. Since that experience, my balance has been off a bit. Now that I am having to depend on that foot and leg as my primary support, I am in a very precarious position. I have had several brushes with near disaster already, but have saved myself at the last minute. I look like an abuse victim. I have bumps and bruises everywhere from the crutches themselves, and from the close calls of almost falling flat on my face.
I had a unique experience Friday. Mom took me to WalMart to get a few things. The greeter was busy with the carts, and hadn't noticed me standing there with crutches. I was waiting for mom to come in from the parking lot, when a customer who had entered the store right ahead of me turned and asked if I needed a wheelchair. I asked her if she worked there, but she said no. She did see a need, however, and didn't hesitate to help me. She got a wheelchair and helped me into it. I thanked her, and she just smiled and told me to get to feeling better. There are wonderful people in the most unusual places. I hadn't shopped WalMart from a wheelchair since my foot surgery, and I had forgotten how frustrating and difficult it can be. It is one reason I have offered to help wheelchair shoppers reach something on a high shelf or lift something from a low one into their basket. It is impossible to do yourself. Thank goodness mom helped me with the few heavy items I got. The items I saw at my level were much different than I see when I walk the store. I also saw that while most people are considerate of your plight, many others will run right over the top of you, wheelchair or not. Sad.
I shared with a friend this weekend that this experience is helping me to update my resume. I am getting a crash course in advanced life skills. It is good for a person to slow down and endure situations that take patience and determination to work through. Whenever I am faced with an illness or injury of an incompacitating nature, it is important to me to work through it with grace and dignity. Other people do it every day. They have no hope of an end to their situation like I do, and yet they display courage and hope.
I am getting better with the crutches, but slowly. Getting up in the middle of the night is still a problem, as I bumped into things when I had two good legs while groggy with sleep. I have walked up and down my country road with the crutches, and yesterday I cut through George's lot. That is a bit trickier due to the uneven nature of our Ozarks terrain, but I did it. Each day I get a little stronger, and have passed the one week mark. Five to seven more to go.
Napoleon is still here, surviving a terrible thunderstorm on Saturday. Scaredy is still gone. Everything else is rocking along as usual....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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I had a unique experience Friday. Mom took me to WalMart to get a few things. The greeter was busy with the carts, and hadn't noticed me standing there with crutches. I was waiting for mom to come in from the parking lot, when a customer who had entered the store right ahead of me turned and asked if I needed a wheelchair. I asked her if she worked there, but she said no. She did see a need, however, and didn't hesitate to help me. She got a wheelchair and helped me into it. I thanked her, and she just smiled and told me to get to feeling better. There are wonderful people in the most unusual places. I hadn't shopped WalMart from a wheelchair since my foot surgery, and I had forgotten how frustrating and difficult it can be. It is one reason I have offered to help wheelchair shoppers reach something on a high shelf or lift something from a low one into their basket. It is impossible to do yourself. Thank goodness mom helped me with the few heavy items I got. The items I saw at my level were much different than I see when I walk the store. I also saw that while most people are considerate of your plight, many others will run right over the top of you, wheelchair or not. Sad.
I shared with a friend this weekend that this experience is helping me to update my resume. I am getting a crash course in advanced life skills. It is good for a person to slow down and endure situations that take patience and determination to work through. Whenever I am faced with an illness or injury of an incompacitating nature, it is important to me to work through it with grace and dignity. Other people do it every day. They have no hope of an end to their situation like I do, and yet they display courage and hope.
I am getting better with the crutches, but slowly. Getting up in the middle of the night is still a problem, as I bumped into things when I had two good legs while groggy with sleep. I have walked up and down my country road with the crutches, and yesterday I cut through George's lot. That is a bit trickier due to the uneven nature of our Ozarks terrain, but I did it. Each day I get a little stronger, and have passed the one week mark. Five to seven more to go.
Napoleon is still here, surviving a terrible thunderstorm on Saturday. Scaredy is still gone. Everything else is rocking along as usual....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Friday, August 05, 2005
COUNTRY ROAD THOUGHTS
Good Friday morning from my country road.
Wednesday mom and Rocky took me to Springfield to the orthopedist. It was my first attempt going down the front steps with the crutches. That is much easier than going up, as they are deep steps and the hop is a big one. It was a long day. I had been used to being on the couch with my leg up on pillows for several days, so I was worn out before we ever got to the city limits.
The facility that houses the Dr's offices is state of the art. A volunteer met us at the door with a wheel chair, which was a blessing. I could have kissed him. He led us right to the correct office and left us in good hands. I really like the staff and the Dr. He turned out to be the son of a Dr. I had for many years before his retirement for health reasons, so it was good to meet him and catch up with his dad. I finally got to see where the bone broke. They took my leg out of the cast, which was a moment of panic for me. I was afraid my leg would fall off, I guess. Without the support of the cast I felt much more vulnerable. It is terribly swollen yet, and beautiful shades of black and green. I had a bad case of poison ivy on that leg before the accident, and when they put the cast on, it closed it all inside. It has been terribly uncomfortable. I was fitted with an aircast so I could attend to the poison ivy, which was an immediate relief.
Once we were finished at the doctor, we went to get some dinner. We haven't been eating very well since I got hurt, so it was nice to have a good meal. I can tell you I was very happy to get back home. Yesterday was a day of frustration. Getting the paperwork, leave forms, and reports all written and faxed took me all morning. Mom came and got me for lunch, which was great as she made pizza. I happen to believe that pizza is the perfect food for any occasion, and I enjoyed it. Early afternoon I had an appointment to get a shot for the poison ivy. I was extremely disappointed when I found out they couldn't give it to me because it would keep the bone from healing. Instead I came home with a steroid cream. It took me an hour to take off the aircast, wash off the leg, and get the cast back on. The cream will hopefully help. At least it itches less than it did.
Thank you all for the many good wishes. I have met some new people who read my blog each day, and have heard from all of the readers who have become friends and extended family. Your comments and emails are much appreciated, and cheer me when I get discouraged.
Hopefully I will be approved for alternate duty at Troop Headquarters sometime next week. If so, I will be answering phones at the front desk, most likely. Until then, I have lots of time on my hands. From my place on the couch I see what Napoleon and the stray cats do while I am away each day. Napoleon is a bit confused, as other people are feeding him his bread now, but I hope to get out and sit on my little garden bench today. I can hear the birds, look at my garden, feed Napoleon, and enjoy the 100 degree heat.
Have a good day and a great weekend everyone. I'll be right here....on my country road.
Becky
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Wednesday mom and Rocky took me to Springfield to the orthopedist. It was my first attempt going down the front steps with the crutches. That is much easier than going up, as they are deep steps and the hop is a big one. It was a long day. I had been used to being on the couch with my leg up on pillows for several days, so I was worn out before we ever got to the city limits.
The facility that houses the Dr's offices is state of the art. A volunteer met us at the door with a wheel chair, which was a blessing. I could have kissed him. He led us right to the correct office and left us in good hands. I really like the staff and the Dr. He turned out to be the son of a Dr. I had for many years before his retirement for health reasons, so it was good to meet him and catch up with his dad. I finally got to see where the bone broke. They took my leg out of the cast, which was a moment of panic for me. I was afraid my leg would fall off, I guess. Without the support of the cast I felt much more vulnerable. It is terribly swollen yet, and beautiful shades of black and green. I had a bad case of poison ivy on that leg before the accident, and when they put the cast on, it closed it all inside. It has been terribly uncomfortable. I was fitted with an aircast so I could attend to the poison ivy, which was an immediate relief.
Once we were finished at the doctor, we went to get some dinner. We haven't been eating very well since I got hurt, so it was nice to have a good meal. I can tell you I was very happy to get back home. Yesterday was a day of frustration. Getting the paperwork, leave forms, and reports all written and faxed took me all morning. Mom came and got me for lunch, which was great as she made pizza. I happen to believe that pizza is the perfect food for any occasion, and I enjoyed it. Early afternoon I had an appointment to get a shot for the poison ivy. I was extremely disappointed when I found out they couldn't give it to me because it would keep the bone from healing. Instead I came home with a steroid cream. It took me an hour to take off the aircast, wash off the leg, and get the cast back on. The cream will hopefully help. At least it itches less than it did.
Thank you all for the many good wishes. I have met some new people who read my blog each day, and have heard from all of the readers who have become friends and extended family. Your comments and emails are much appreciated, and cheer me when I get discouraged.
Hopefully I will be approved for alternate duty at Troop Headquarters sometime next week. If so, I will be answering phones at the front desk, most likely. Until then, I have lots of time on my hands. From my place on the couch I see what Napoleon and the stray cats do while I am away each day. Napoleon is a bit confused, as other people are feeding him his bread now, but I hope to get out and sit on my little garden bench today. I can hear the birds, look at my garden, feed Napoleon, and enjoy the 100 degree heat.
Have a good day and a great weekend everyone. I'll be right here....on my country road.
Becky
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Wednesday, August 03, 2005
TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK
Good morning from Smalltown.
I am into my fourth day with this broken leg, and I am ready for it to be over. I have learned a lot already about the many people who deal with disability on a daily basis, and my hat is off to them. I have had to be creative in how I do things now, as I need my hands to walk. I have a bag I put around my neck or over my wrist so I can tote the phone, my cell phone, pain pills, pad and pen, and water bottle from room to room. I can only eat what I can carry in the bag to the couch, as I am still sitting with my leg elevated. Mom comes at noon and fixes me something hot to eat, but otherwise I am living on yogurt, cottage cheese and water. I also have protein bars and shakes, so I am not going hungry.
As always when I am incompacitated, I learn a lot about myself. It takes a lot of patience to do anything, and a lot of strength and thought to do everything. Today I go to the orthopedist in Springfield, so it will be a tiring day. I am anxious to see what they are going to do with me. If I get a walking boot I can return to work. If not, I will remain on crutches and have to apply for limited duty.
It is amazing how active and mobile I am normally. Now that I have come to a halt, it occurs to me that I rarely sat. If I want to go to the kitchen or I leave the phone in another room it is a major deal. Makes me so thankful for what we normally take for granted. I will be much more careful about things once I get my leg healed. I can't go to the gym, so my workouts will have to be altered. I have weights here at the house, so when I can, I will have to do upper body things.
Thank you everyone who has emailed, sent comments, or called to wish me well. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated, and hopefully I will be back on my feet in no time. Time moves so slowly when you are stuck on the couch or a chair. My daughter is sending me her laptop to use while I am confined, so I will be able to work on my book while I'm off. That will make me happy, as I was always bemoaning the fact that I had no time to finish the editing and rewrites. Now I have at least a week or two before returning to work. That should just about do it.
I wish you all a great Wednesday, and as soon as I find out what the Dr. has to say, I will let you know. Until then, enjoy your mobility. Napoleon is having to get used to other people feeding him his bread. My front porch has four steep steps, so I can't do it right now. He seems to be doing fine, though.
Becky
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I am into my fourth day with this broken leg, and I am ready for it to be over. I have learned a lot already about the many people who deal with disability on a daily basis, and my hat is off to them. I have had to be creative in how I do things now, as I need my hands to walk. I have a bag I put around my neck or over my wrist so I can tote the phone, my cell phone, pain pills, pad and pen, and water bottle from room to room. I can only eat what I can carry in the bag to the couch, as I am still sitting with my leg elevated. Mom comes at noon and fixes me something hot to eat, but otherwise I am living on yogurt, cottage cheese and water. I also have protein bars and shakes, so I am not going hungry.
As always when I am incompacitated, I learn a lot about myself. It takes a lot of patience to do anything, and a lot of strength and thought to do everything. Today I go to the orthopedist in Springfield, so it will be a tiring day. I am anxious to see what they are going to do with me. If I get a walking boot I can return to work. If not, I will remain on crutches and have to apply for limited duty.
It is amazing how active and mobile I am normally. Now that I have come to a halt, it occurs to me that I rarely sat. If I want to go to the kitchen or I leave the phone in another room it is a major deal. Makes me so thankful for what we normally take for granted. I will be much more careful about things once I get my leg healed. I can't go to the gym, so my workouts will have to be altered. I have weights here at the house, so when I can, I will have to do upper body things.
Thank you everyone who has emailed, sent comments, or called to wish me well. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated, and hopefully I will be back on my feet in no time. Time moves so slowly when you are stuck on the couch or a chair. My daughter is sending me her laptop to use while I am confined, so I will be able to work on my book while I'm off. That will make me happy, as I was always bemoaning the fact that I had no time to finish the editing and rewrites. Now I have at least a week or two before returning to work. That should just about do it.
I wish you all a great Wednesday, and as soon as I find out what the Dr. has to say, I will let you know. Until then, enjoy your mobility. Napoleon is having to get used to other people feeding him his bread. My front porch has four steep steps, so I can't do it right now. He seems to be doing fine, though.
Becky
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Monday, August 01, 2005
IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT....
Saturday night we had a birthday party for my daughter-in-law Aimee. Since there were more people than I could accomodate in my little home, Patty and Dave hosted at their house. I cooked all the food and took down there, and we were having a wonderful time.
Davey was feeling a bit left out, as all of the adults were visiting and Aimee is pregnant, so we were talking baby things. After dinner, I played with Davey for a while to boost his spirits. He loves to be chased. It is a game we have played since he was a baby. All went well until I chased him outside. I was hot in pursuit, he was laughing, and then my foot landed on the edge of the sidewalk. My ankle twisted, and I went down like a rock.
It is a long story, and I promise I will write the whole thing when I am feeling a bit better. Long story short, I broke my leg. Since I am now in a cast and on crutches, have to keep my leg elevated with ice on it, and am in a fair amount of pain, I will write more in a day or two. If you don't focus on the result, the story is very humorous.
I have a whole new appreciation for disabled people. This is kick ass Monday. Since I can't do it, go out there and have a great day.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Davey was feeling a bit left out, as all of the adults were visiting and Aimee is pregnant, so we were talking baby things. After dinner, I played with Davey for a while to boost his spirits. He loves to be chased. It is a game we have played since he was a baby. All went well until I chased him outside. I was hot in pursuit, he was laughing, and then my foot landed on the edge of the sidewalk. My ankle twisted, and I went down like a rock.
It is a long story, and I promise I will write the whole thing when I am feeling a bit better. Long story short, I broke my leg. Since I am now in a cast and on crutches, have to keep my leg elevated with ice on it, and am in a fair amount of pain, I will write more in a day or two. If you don't focus on the result, the story is very humorous.
I have a whole new appreciation for disabled people. This is kick ass Monday. Since I can't do it, go out there and have a great day.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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