The rest of the story?

The funny parts of the story of my broken arm begins with Lynn looking for a stick to splint my arm. My memory may be somewhat fuzzy, but I think I remember telling her to find a different one at first. She did find a great stick that was flat on one side that worked absolutely perfectly. Then she started looking for a way to tie it on--like a true girl scout! At first she brought out strings of leather and I told her no way. I was afraid my arm/hand were going to swell and I could picture the strings cutting into me. I kept telling her look in my pack--I know I have something. Sure enough, a red bandana and a cooling strip I put in case we ever needed to cool Shirley down again. Then she took her fleece jacket and wrapped it around me--zipping it up the back and tying the sleeves around my neck. It was awesome. My arm was secure.

Next she boosted me up onto Jupiter. My first concern was how she boosts Shirley--I did not want to go off the other side! :) But getting on isn't that hard without your right hand. She helped me gather my reins into my left and away we went. My reins were pretty short so Jupes would just walk. After a bit, he started to jig a little. You know he likes to trot on roads. Lynn said, "That's it. I can't take it anymore. Get off."

She, Haley, and Zigs loped away and left me and Shirley walking down the road with the Ziva and Happy. We walked a ways, then we heard a quad heading up the road. I was desperately trying to the dogs and Jupes off the road when it swung around the corner. Two women were on it and they stopped suddenly, hollering to me to stop getting out of the way, they were they there to pick  me up. One woman introduced herself, took my lead rope, and asked my horse's name, my dog's name, and could the horses be tied together or put in a corral together. She helped my take off my helmet and put on my baseball cap (for vanity's sake!). I easily got on the 4-wheeler just like at home and away we went. I did not even look back to make sure Z was okay!!! And I forgot I had a dog leash in my pack that would have been nice to have for Shirley to use later.

  Kathy, the woman on the quad, took me to the hospital. This is Lynn's splint with my spurs hanging off it. I had to ask the doctors to take off my spurs so I could lay down when they put me in the finger traps. They started to take off my boots and I had to tell them how to unbuckle the spurs instead. They got quite a kick out of it. It was their first encounter with spurs. They made a joke out it as I kept sending them out to look for Lynn and Shirley. They would go and tell the waiting room people they were looking for a woman with spurs! They were really neat guys.

Meanwhile, Lynn and Ziggy were loping, trotting, and occasionally walking as quickly as they could toward the East Weaver campground. Haley stayed right with her and did not run off to explore. I think she knew they were on a mission. I am sure Zigs looked like the big race horse he was born to be. He is so beautiful when he is stretching out and moving.

I do not know everything that went on while I was being cared for at the hospital, but I do know that Star and Jupes were put into a corral together and given some hay. Zigs was put in with them when he arrived as well. Shirley walked the two dogs around the outside of the hospital with them on a lead rope contraption. In her boots and spurs, of course. Then Lynn arrived and they hung out with me in the emergency room.

The good things? My doctor was very cute. He recognized how bad my break was and sent me to a specialist who fixed me immediately. Everyone has been kind. (Even people at the Renner station offered to pump my gas for me!) Lynn is obviously the best friend anyone could ever ask for--I am very blessed to have her as my friend.

The bad things? My arm looks fine. It feels okay. But because I am an old lady, I am still broken. The physical therapist is an awesome man, but dang, sometimes he hurts me! My fingers are numb and my palm feels like it's on fire sometimes. I hope I get back to normal soon.

Making do

If I can't ride him, I'll wear him! Thanks, Lynn, for the wonderful memento of Jupiter (the darkest one), Ziggy, and Buster. I think it's cool.

Almost normal

Yesterday was a disgusting day all the way around. I am disheartened. I went to the surgeon and saw my latest x-rays--the break is still very visible and nowhere near healed. I was told everything looks good; the angles are right and the plate looks right. But I shouldn't ride. It's still swollen and causes me nerve pain and although normal, it won't get better for at least four more weeks--possibly eight. Crap. I think because I can use it for most things, I thought I was pretty much healed. Not.

Alisa rode Odie to finish her riding class and she passed (of course). Odie was good (of course) and she was careful since she wasn't supposed to be riding either! I hear she is getting pretty skinny, too! I can hardly wait for the Bull and Gelding Sale. Hopefully Toni will come, too.

The boys have been getting one sheaf of alfalfa and one of hay for breakfast and dinner and they are looking good. They are also feeling good. Even Brady comes running and bucking up the hill. Although we have had lots of rain, they have had enough days with sun to be dry. The forecast is for a few super cold nights, so I am glad they are dry. Both Brady and Star are pretty furry, but the orange horses aren't as much. Jupes has a good layer of fat, but Zigs is all bones and muscle and he gets cold. Buster keeps warm running around getting away from everyone but Brady.

Lynn groomed the girls on Sunday and they are looking skinny and cute. It's too bad they don't get to hang out with Sammi when we all get together. Lee is going to babysit Z--imagine if he had all three. Talk about spoiled.