Thursday – April 2, 2020

Despite the very stressful and somber time we are living in, there was cause for celebration here today.

We went to Dr. Spitzfaden for a follow up x ray, two weeks after our last visit. Wow, a lot has changed in two weeks! For one thing, we wore masks and gloves. Harry was able to sit in the front seat of the car, roads were virtually empty, and it was clear sailing. At St. Luke’s, we were stopped as we entered the building by a team in masks who took our temperatures and gave us a sticker that had to be worn visibly to prove we had been checked. They told us NOT to wear gloves, better to wash hands and use hand sanitizer instead, since gloves pick up too many germs. The doctor’s office waiting room, which a month ago was packed with patients, was almost empty. There was no waiting around, anyway. Harry was taken in, but I was not allowed to go back with him. They were limiting the number of exposures. Sensible.

Harry returned with good news – he can start using a cane, the brace has been opened to 120 degrees, he can bear weight as tolerated on the leg and can remove the brace at night and whenever he feels like taking it off. Use the brace when fatigued or in need of support. He is cleared for driving again, too, though, of course, we aren’t going anywhere. The doctor was very happy with the x rays, and we return in one month. Apparently, Harry can expect the swelling in the lower leg to continue for a year, but as long as it doesn’t hurt, it’s OK. This was a much better report than we expected, so we are very happy indeed.

We stopped at Petco for dog food on the way home, and at Lowe’s for water softener salt. Lowe’s was very busy, with people buying plants and products for their gardens, from the looks of things. We were going to get a Starbuck’s coffee, but the drive through line was ridiculous. I guess Starbuck’s is a necessary business. Certainly I am an addict, though was able to wait until we got home to feed the beast within.

Once home, Harry and I spent some time on the porch, and I couldn’t stand his hair any more, so he let me cut it! I have no idea how to cut hair, but I think he does look better…

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Harry seems so himself now, without the walker. It’s wonderful! He is using his mother’s cane, which has served well, being used by sister-in-law, Deb, when she broke her leg a few years ago and recently returned when Deb heard of Harry’s accident. I also used it years ago in a production of Spoon River Anthology, so it has had a marvelous career, and is good luck, we hope!

With Harry practically back to normal, I have returned to the outdoor chores and riding.

Harry worked in the studio, I ventured back out to pick up a load of bedding. I unloaded that, then fixed the potholes in the driveway in anticipation of a load of rock tomorrow – if the rain holds off. I feel so lucky to be able to work again. My shoulder is holding up pretty well, despite a less than ideal recovery protocol.

In the woods, the Spring Beauties are coming up through the dead leaves…

By the barn, the cats lounge in the Spring sunshine…

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And after all the excitement and activity, Harry heeds the doctor’s advice, and rests…

So, as chaos reigns in the world, we are grateful for progress, and hoping for health and safety for all… The news is so grim, and New York seems like another planet. We are lucky to be in the country with our animals. Keep distance, keep washing – the virus is killed by soap. And try to be happy every day we have.