The wonderfully productive past two months have come to a crashing halt!
Since returning from my winter wandering I have been busy digging out broken 100 year old fences, clearing away 30 year old junk piles, taking out dead trees and building new gardens. Sabrina and Ben’s small wedding celebration is being held here in September and I want things to look lovely. It’s a great opportunity to get my neglected grounds cleaned up as I hope to be open for business in 2019, and next summer I will be well occupied getting another 1000 blueberry plants in the ground. There is much to do and my focus can sometimes get a little manic, so I am often outside chipping away at the task at hand by dawn. Last Monday was just such a morning.
I was working on repairing the yawning hole in my back deck left by the retired hot tub. I don’t really know what happened. One second I was walking toward the hole with a tape measure in my hand and the next second my legs had buckled, somehow twisted together, and I found myself sprawled face down in the hole on the concrete blocks. I heard two cracks and couldn’t move either leg. Not good! Eventually, one leg recovered somewhat, but not the other. With my phone safely stowed upstairs on my bed, I managed to drag myself out of the hole backwards on my bum, across the deck, and into the kitchen where I weakly hollered for my youngest son Max (who could conceivably snooze through armageddon). Fortunately, some primordial instinct woke him up and in short order, I was in an ambulance headed for the Perth hospital, where it was confirmed that I broke my left ankle in three places. Fortunately, my right ankle is only sprained.
It’s never fun to be knocked off your game but it really makes you appreciate things that are often taken for granted. Things like being reasonably pain-free, having mobility, being able to go to the bathroom without help, being able to do anything without help. Needing help is not easy but one thing is certain – everybody needs assistance sometimes and learning to accept it with grace is a good skill to acquire. Like my good friends Kathy and Dave say – just say thank you. So, Thank you!
I’m grateful for many things. It’s only one broken ankle and I’m grateful for that. I don’t think we can ever truly understand what others go through until we go through it ourselves so this gives me a tiny glimmer of understanding for those who have suffered far worse. And I’m am especially grateful and blessed for the dear friends, family and neighbours in my life who are there for me when I need them. Again, thank you!
So I am grounded for the time being. My long to-do list lays untouched, I have zero income until I’m back on my feet, my blueberries need attention, and I’m dealing with a couple of unrelated but coinciding emotional adjustments. But I know that everything will work out one way or another. It always does. Who knows why stuff happens but I like to think there is a reason for it. I believe in the old saying; when a door closes, a window opens. I’ll just try not to fall through it.
The Flip Side of Fifty 
Well that positive attitude will get you through ! Maybe it is to tell you there is a surplus of blueberries right now and to hold off the hard labor until next year. Take care of your body.You only have one. Think you could make a good living by writing. You must be excited about the wedding I wish her all the best – such a sweet girl. Take care and keep in touch. Pauline
Thank you Pauline. I love you to pieces. And I am super excited about the wedding. Xo
We are in Bermuda now sitting on the deck listening to the tree frogs.Big thunderstorm last nite and the little frogs love the rain. I love the sound. Jamie flew us down for America’s Cup Race – Worlds fastest race on water.Going home on Thursday to tend to our garden. Hannah ,our granddaughter recently broke her ankle in two places, (soccer game) and it’s healing well.She is on crutches but expects to be all healed before leaving on a student trip to China this summer. Take care! Xo
Sounds absolutely lovely. Say hi for me, Encouraging to hear about Hannah. Hears to fast healing! 🙂
What a story – you write so well. I loved your last comment about not falling through that open window! – I know that expression well. I still wonder if your other ankle was x-rayed as you mention it is sprained – which I am sure can hurt as much as a break! I also thought of margarine and butter this morning – do you use both? We do. Another lovely day, love the warmth, but G has the A/C on in the house and I find it chilly! xoxo Di
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Hey Di, thank you so much! My other ankle is slowly improving. (We also use both butter and margarine:))
Ah my dear friend. Wish we were up for helping. As I sprained my ankle yesterday at the PowWow, I cam empathize somewhat, but now I’m thinking I need to just move with it. I’m sure Sabrina and Ben will be happy to have you up and around in September. I’m sure you will come up with a way to make it all beautiful. The blueberries will survive. I even have a farm client for you when you are ready. What will be will be. Just maybe a little different.
Are you able to drive? Need groceries and such?
Hi Sherri, Oh no! A bad week for ankles. No worries but Thank you! I can’t drive yet as my good ankle can’t bear weight yet without pain. I’m pretty much still bed bound but I have a friend that I s coming tonight to stay with me for abit. Thanks you my friend.
Speedy healing! Love your posts!
Thank you very much Kathy. I sure appreciate your feedback. So glad you enjoy them. 🙂
Oh my goodness, what a tale!! [ and well told : ) ] I am so sorry that this has happened to you … and all will be well … your attitude will take you to your ankles being as good as new in no time … well it will take a little time. Blessings and healing, dear friend. xo
Thanks Carran my friend. ! Im sure it will all be well , just needs a little time as you say. I’ll keep you posted. Blessing and healing received xo
So sorry to hear, but greatly written as ever… would love to see you – we are in Ontario for a few months.
Thanks so much Jan. Awesome to hear from you and would love to see you while you’re here. My schedule is pretty much wide open 😊 !
Call or text me – 613 464 2639. I came to see u last week. Generally in the perth area for a bit. Would love to visit! Jan . Can u send me ur number?
just saw this will call or text you today
Oh Dear Arlene! I just read this now! I am so sorry this happened to you! Sending you quick healing and feel good wishes!! If you need anything give me a call – that being said I’m exceptionally busy until after June 29th but if you need me I’ll be there!
Thanks Renee. You are awesome. I’d love a cousins night and a visit. Maybe we could arrange one when Im back on my feet again.
I’m sure my sister is now tending to all she can for you and trying to keep you down to rest (if I know you is a difficult thing to do). Your writing skills are full of energy and a beautiful thing to read.
Hi Tania, so nice to hear from you! Thank you so much . I’m glad you enjoy them.
Yes, Joslyn has been a godsend and I don’t know what I would have done without her. We laugh a lot and agree that we are definitely the female version of the odd couple and agree that I’m going to have to write a blog about it :). Just don’t think I could do the actual reality justice. It’s hilarious. Hope you are well. Thanks again, Arlene
Hi arlene – trying to get in touch with u… jan