CAUTION – there is a Gross Book picture in this post. If you are grossed out by medical pictures, do not read on…
The big news today was Harry’s final orthopedic doctor visit! His x ray was good and he has been discharged as a patient after a mere 18 and a half weeks of healing. What a difference between the first follow up x-ray in February, and today! Harry cannot run for another two months – apparently the force of running is four times as much as vigorous walking! And at my advice, he is going to wait to ride until he is cleared to run (September). It will soon be too hot for riding to be much fun, anyway. Horse flies loom ahead.
Yikes!!!!! 
Much better!
Jane and I had a short ride this morning. It was so cool, the horses didn’t want to come in. And after we rode, I was carelessly untacking Bart, in a bit of a hurry. I failed to put a halter on, letting him rub his face against the wall. Then, as I undid the girth, Bart took off at a trot out of the barn! Luckily, I was able to grab the saddle off his back before it fell and broke the tree. Moral of the story is, if you are in a hurry, things always go awry.
A friend who reads the blog is worried about Jack’s dog bite. She was bitten last year in the ankle and got an infection, despite getting medical treatment immediately. She almost ended up losing her foot, but has recovered. It’s quite understandable that she would be concerned about Jack. She sent pictures, and they are frightening. As it happens, I MAY have exaggerated a bit about Jack’s bite. Also, my friend was bitten by a German Shepherd, and while Mistletoe is fierce, she is no German Shepherd. Still, I will be relieved when Jack sends a picture of his healed leg to reassure all the blog readers of his survival…
Infected dog bite 
Dirty dog mouth
We took advantage of our trip to the doctor to get some supplies at Whole Foods. Jane made an order, too, so I went over with her groceries for a chance to see her gardens, which are spectacular, except that some varmints have been eating some of her plants. We think it is deer AND rabbits, after searching the internet for clues. Even with some damage, most of her plants are gorgeous.
Jane at home 
Hollyhocks 
Hollyhock close up 
Clematis
RETRACTION – Jane has brought to my attention that I misidentified a flower. I am, of course, mortified, but, like the New York Times, I own up to mistakes and set the record straight. I called this Veronica, when it is, in fact “Wood Betony” Stachys officinalis. My apologies. It is a favorite of butterflies, that’s definite.
Harry and I celebrate practically every day with a drink. Today we really had something to celebrate, with a good report from Dr. Andy Spitzfaden. He admitted that he was relieved it had gone so well. We are glad we were unaware that he had any doubts!
To top off a good day, Marmalade showed up to eat. I doubt he will ever be tame, but he is alive and well.
And then there is Roscoe, who is not at all shy, and who has decided to borrow my cell phone to make sure there is a good picture of him on the blog.
Stay safe, stay well, keep good memories close, even when friends are social distancing, or gone from us.
What great news about Harry’s leg! Jane’s flowers are beautiful! I don’t think I have ever seen a clematis so full. Glad you had an enjoyable day.
Very good picture of the infected German Shepherd bite!
Good news about the bone healing… but what exactly was the cause of doubt? Persistent pain? Or what?
The cause of doubt was just humility. He knew he could have been wrong – that a 77 year old might not heal naturally. There were no bone complications at all, though. Only the heart – two episodes of atrial fibrillation over the course of the bone mending. Unrelated to the injury.
Thrilled to hear (& see!) that Harry is healing so well!! We have been lucky with the weather for the past few days – better enjoy it now because we all know it won’t last for long! I even body-clipped Hemi over the weekend – I haven’t ever done a summer clip before (& as all body clipping is miserable – it’s 10x worse in the summer!) but we are leaving for two events in GA next week & I want to be sure she is as comfortable as possible.
Oh, cool, Jana! I’m so glad you get to go eventing. That’s a long trip, but you eventers from these barren parts are used to traveling for your fun.
I, too, hate body clipping. I had to do summer clips for the Pinto World show and for the George Morris clinics. The horses do look so nice, though, and sweat so much better, it’s worth it. Have a great time – I look forward to hearing about it (I will have Jane keep an eye on Facebook – haha!). Stay safe!!
Be careful! Roscoe might decide to make a long distance call! Happy to see Marmalade, second thoughts? Harry, picture of health to heal so beautifully! Well done!