I had a full report of the storm, ready in my head, to pass through my fingers, on to the page, but alas, I was halted by a rather rediculous happenstance! I call it 'rediculous' as I cannot fathom 'how'? After returning from shopping on the Saturday, having an early dinner, and 'hunkering' down on Sunday, when the storm had blown in and we could not exit our house, due to extreme cold and ice, Monday's sun was a welcome arrival. Sometime, mid morning, I ventured out and walked along the back of our complex, very carefully, treading on snow, and reaching the incline at the 'bend' to find the road clear of all ice. I climbed to the top, retraced my steps and came back inside. The abandoned cars that had, quite literally, piled up along the main road, were being taken away, and although still well below freezing, it was a joy to see the thaw beginning to take place. I shoveled snow and cracked some ice, so that we would have easier access to the back, our front porch being unwalkable, and the steps treacherous. Mid afternoon, I decided to walk again. Everything was going well, until I pondered. As has been the norm in this kind of situation, each 'building' takes care of their own, and I had texted my immediate neighbours to check on their well being. We had not lost electricity, or water, and were just staying out of the severe elements. However, as I said, I pondered. As I reached my elderly neighbour's house, I looked across and wondered if anyone had messaged her. I was sure they had, but I could not find her number in my phone. As I looked back, having lost concentration on my walk, I felt myself slip. I let myself go, so as not to tense, but put down my hand. Sitting on the ground, I felt the wave of nausea and threat of loss of consciousness, but refused to accept it, and got up. I called my husband, who was rather upset with me for going out and not telling him, (it had been a spur of the moment thing, as I had gone to the dumpster.) and he asked me where I was. I forbade him to come and get me, as we did not need two of us in peril! I made my way back and we bound my wrist.
The next day, Tuesday, we went into work at around midday. I had not told my daughter, but when she arrived, she was on the phone to my son and daughter-in-law, and the latter insisted I go to the emergency room! We ended up at an 'urgent care' facility, where they took and x-ray, told me of the type of injury, which fortunately was not as severe as it could have been, but fitted me with a splint and told me to rest.
Thus, the reason for the lack of posts! I was able to use my fingers, my thumb being isolated, but it was not an easy task, and whilst I typed during the week, it was mainly with one hand. When the 'cast' came off, I still found it a little difficult to use my hand, as anyone who has ever been in the situation knows, it takes no time at all for strength to go, and for rehab to be a must! I am now, all but recovered.
During the last several weeks, I have not stopped usual activities. I have found that my knees act as a 'clamp', as does the crook of my elbow! I have avoided using my teeth as tools, despite temptation. The simplest of tasks have been a challenge. I could not put in my earrings, could not easily dress, could not do up, or undo zips, nor could I plait my hair. My husband was taught the art of braiding and became quite adept.
Our evening meal on Valentine's Day was at a diner. We chose it because it would not be busy, and despite my wrist having little use, my ears were working fine. I heard an English accent behind me and told my husband. As the man left his booth, my husband asked what part of England he was from. "You have a good ear", he said. I remained silent. "I am from a place called St. Albans". I turned and blasted, "You're kidding! I'm from Radlett!" The smile was imminent. "Two up on the Thameslink", he replied, which would make no sense to an American. The overground train stations are called by this name. We chatted for a while, and found that not only were we a couple of train stations away from each other in the past, we had two years separating our emigration! It was a wonderful treat!
Presidents' Day was as hot as the 'rediculous event' day was cold! We took the little one to a farm, which has activities and baby animals. He mingled with goats, chicks and pigs, and had a blast on the bouncy 'island', with one of his friends. We stayed for hours, and I had to be brought home mid afternoon. I was still unable to drive, which was a hinderance to say the least. We stood in line for face painting, just as the cannon, that shoots candy was about to be blasted" Unfortunately, the three year old was no match for the nine year olds, and did not fare too well in the collections department, but the person in charge of 'lighting the fuse' noticed the very brave soldier and gave him a selection from the bag that was going into the next round! I was driven home, and continued with my day, as much as my cast would allow.
I removed the offending glove the Saturday before the four weeks recovery time was up, and was immediately confronted with an inability to use my thumb! Having been ostracised from the rest of the fingers, it was incommunicado! This was going to be an interesting time! Rehab was not going to be a picnic in the park, but I was determined to get any dysfunction corrected in the shortest possible time! Driving was going to be a challenge, and I was not obstinate about accepting rides. I was pretty much obstinate about everything else! As mentioned, zips were a non starter. Earrings would have to wait. It is amazing what you cannot do without a functioning thumb! I know! I know! It is a mere trifle in comparison to other injuries etc., but it was, was mine!
Thankfully, the obstinacy in me did pay off, although not without a few screams. (mild) tantrums and a lot of holding my tongue in mixed company! I was able to drive, make the bed, plait my hair, and open cans within a short period of time. I could even swim! Yes, despite the tremendously cold of late January, February was hot!
Suddenly, the year has gone from winter to summer, and Easter is upon us. The 'Egg hunts' are being frequented by my youngest grandson, as my daughter lives the 'American Dream'. She commented to her friends that how. many years ago. my friend had posted pictures of her kids living the said dream, and how she thought it must be wonderful to be here with kids. "They do so much!" she said. Now she does 'so much'!
We did have our annual homeowners meeting in February, and my neighbours all asked the nature of my injury. When I mentioned the reason for the lack in concentration, I saw a look of horror on a few faces, as if they had not checked on our elderly neighbour. I was sure they would be furiously messaging after (or perhaps during) the meeting. I did pop by one afternoon when I saw her door open, and she assured me that her younger neighbours had been plying her with food, and checking on her wellbeing. She was grateful for my visit, and we exchanged numbers!
We are now experiencing Texas in the spring, and whilst the parable
of 'my dog ate my homework' may or may not be accepted as a decent reason for a long departure, I am hoping to continue with a weekly post. The blue bonnets are in full boom, but will probably be gone by next week The oak tassels that covered the pool (and which I managed to collect in one of my rare early season swims) have also all but disappeared. The trees have become green and the aroma of lilac fills the air. Until next time, enjoy .... another story!
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