Walking Aids

Both sets of wheels waiting for me to roll. Alan keeps the ATV fueled and I park it right by the south patio.  I can only walk short distances even though I am out of a cast and in a boot.  So I drive the ATV to the garden and walk to the bed on which I am working.  Then I sit down on a stool to work.  Big learning - do not stand and pull weeds.  That causes random pains in the ball of the foot and scares the daylights out of me..

Finally figured out how to elevate and ice my foot.  After 5 weeks I'm learning how to deal.











I got to ride and garden this weekend, life is good with Alan.  He has been working so hard to clean up the garden.  After 5 weeks of neglect, I have lambs quarter in the garden house taller than I am, that is 5 ft. 71/2 in.  I used to be 5 ft. 8 in. and the lambs quarter was taller than that.

Alan went to riding lessons with me as well to help me mount and dismount.  Two more lessons in a boot and then hopefully things will be back to normal.  I am learning a lot riding with no stirrups

No Time Off For Good Behavior

I worked really, really hard on healing my bones - anti-inflammation smoothies and horsetail herb tea daily.  I worked up to over an inch of fresh ginger in my smoothie.  I added stinging nettles to my horsetail tea.I wiggled my toes at every opportunity.  I was so excited to get my boot, accelerated pulse excited. The doctor said that my foot looked really good. He said that more than once, but I can't do chores, I can't take my boot off to ride.  I can only walk short distances.  I was so bummed!  You do everything right and you can't get a break.  (Was that a bad pun?).

Isn't that a pretty foot?  Don't worry the little toe isn't bleeding; it is polish that we couldn't get off while the foot was in a cast. 

This recovery thing is much more difficult now that I have more opportunity to move.  I'm trying to be really good and not set my healing back. I'm using the Pomodoro technique - 15 minutes working around the house, 15 minutes rest and elevation.  If I notice swelling, I ice and watch and a TV show (recorded) and work on a blog post.




I can ice my foot directly after ankle rolls, toe push ups, ankle flexion and extension.  Yep, I'm not stopping  my rehabilitation program.
 .
 Even if the doctor says it takes 8 weeks to heal bones, I'm sure I'm different, unique.  Isn't that what we all think, that we are special.  Adding fresh tumeric to my anti inflammation smoothie.  Not skipping a beat with the horsetail/stinging nettle tea. I'm paying attention to any pain and swelling - listening to my body or at least trying to learn how to listen my body.

Shilowa Loves to go to Town

And this is what she does - can't keep her eyes open.

Mexican Stand Off

Some cattle moved in across the road.  Our cattle were not amused.  They lined up and bellowed.  Cattle don't understand fences but they sure understand territory.

Stalactite, Stalagmite?

Ah, it's just an ice cycle. But in the chicken run? I didn't notice them until I knocked one down with my head.

The big one was really interesting. You could see the hexagon indentations of the chicken wire.

Winter Rainbow

That is what I thought it was until the news this evening.  It is actually a sun dog.  There was one on either side of the sun just as it came up.  By the time I got my camera, they were fading.  They are caused by the sunlight being refracted through ice crystals at about a 20 degree angle.

Now, If I Could Just Catch Him Playing

Chicken Portfolio

 My chickens are up for a professional photo shoot!  I'm submitting their portfolio pictures here. Looks like I should have hired a professional.

Speckles close up.  Must not be her best side.

There are three Hamburgs or Speedy-Want-A Be's.  Ok there are 3 Speedy-WAB's and three pictures but I'm not guaranteeing that I have a picture of each Speed-WAB. These girls are fast.

Nice tail!

Our Buff Orphington, Buff for short.  Unfortunately I cut off her most stunning feature. her feathered feet.  That pictures is at the bottom..

Edgar Allen Poe's muse?

 There is a lot of sibling rivalry between these two sisters. They peck each others heads bloody.

Pretty Bird

Yes, we are getting eggs.  Seems chickens don't need calendars..

Wesley Welsummer with guinea chicken.  The guinea was raised with the chickens and now thinks she is a hen.  She won't hang out with the other guineas.

Wesley, taking a bath, getting ready for the shot.  He needs those feathers to be shining.

Here is Wesley acting the rooster part.  Burt he isn't a generous guy, he eats before the hen.

Look at those feet!  Pretty spectacular.  But I did have trouble getting feet and comb in the same shot.  See what I mean about needing a professional?

Lynx

I didn't know until last weekend that my cat, Lynx, had a lot of Maine Coon in him. We always thought he was cool looking, hence the name. Then my riding instructor had a cat just like Lynx and she told me they were Maine Coon cats. I looked up pictures on Google and a bunch of them looked like Lynx. He certainly weighs enough - 17 + pounds.

Every night I pat my shoulder and Lynx comes to lay on it and goes into purr overdrive.

If I don't get ready for bed quick enough he comes and finds me. Pretty cool cat, but does have an attitude!