We have this beautiful thistle that grows wild around here and this is what it looks like after the spent bloom bursts open.
You can see a lot of the milkweed in this photo. And it’s in other places as well. I keep reminding myself to thin it out next year. It takes up too much real estate.
I mowed the front lawn on Monday and then had to take yesterday to recover. Here’s the story about why Don fell asleep on the front porch while waiting for me to arrive. The day before, he realized he had run out of coffee. He had no car. I happened to call him and when he answered, I could tell he was walking. When I asked where, he said “You don’t want to know.” He fessed up, however. He was walking into town (and beyond) to buy some coffee. Why didn’t you ask our neighbor if they could take you to buy some, I asked? He didn’t want to. So he walked three miles to the corner store. He only had one choice, an overpriced small can of Chock Full of Nuts. He bought it and rested for a bit. Then he headed back. Six miles in all. WAY too much for a guy who doesn’t go on many walks and is 74. It has taken him a while to recover. His legs are sore and he is really tired.
And that’s why he fell asleep sitting on the glider.
Another view of the house and the huge maple on the right.
Our neighbor who was in the motorcycle accident – a head on collision with an SUV – is home recuperating. It will be a long haul. To quote from his sister’s post on FB:
“On June 8th, my brother was airlifted to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Albany after a bad motorcycle accident involving a head on collision with an SUV. He had severe pelvic ring fractures (to the extent that his spine was no longer connected to his pelvis), a hip fracture, open femur and tibia fractures, many broken ribs, a separated shoulder, a collapsed lung, and lacerations to his liver and both kidneys. The doctors feared he wouldn’t make it through the night. He was put in skeletal traction to stabilize his femur and pelvis while awaiting orthopedic surgery. But he developed acute kidney failure due to hemorrhagic shock and severe breakdown of muscle tissue, which then caused a seizure. He therefore had to be sedated and intubated because he had stopped breathing. A variety of complications ensued which resulted in his remaining sedated and intubated for 6 weeks. During that time, some of his doctors didn’t think he was going to make it. But Emile is tenacious! After many sessions of dialysis, his kidneys began to heal and made a full recovery. To the great surprise of some of his doctors, Emile came out of that medically induced coma with his memory and all brain function completely intact. He was eventually cleared for surgery, which thankfully went great! They put a rod in his femur and a few massive screws in his pelvis. A week later, he was transferred to an acute rehab facility in Schenectady. It was a rough transition, but he began to stand within a week! After just 2 and a half weeks of rehab, he was discharged. His physical therapists were blown away by his rapid progress.”
Two terrible car/motorcycle accidents this year – our friend, Margaret, and Emile. Please stay safe, everyone.
The light has changed and the temperatures have cooled. I’m sensing that Fall is on the horizon. The light is golden and beautiful. I’m going to resume walking at our library, and, if Don is feeling better, he will join me.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
I’m glad your neighbor is recovering. It is amazing how the body can heal.
Hope Don feels better and can join you for a walk.
I’m enjoying the cooler weather.
Oh, so am I!
Thanks, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Thank goodness for modern medicine. I wonder how many of us would be around if we didn’t have it. I just wish more people could afford what is available. Woody got a pacemaker and we’re getting the statements now. Thankfully, we have good insurance but I keep feeling for those who don’t. What a horrible choice to make….health or home.
We have dial a ride in our county. Do you have it for times when your car won’t cooperate? I give Don credit. That walk was impressive.
We have our third nest of mourning doves on our house. Woody put up our sign again, Birds nesting. Use side door for deliveries. She/he is so brave. It just sits there watching us at two feet from the nest. Now that the sign is up, there will be more privacy. I do worry about the little ones. It will be late in the season when they fledge.
Enjoy the weather,
Eileen
I hope Woody is feeling better after the addition of the pacemaker, Eileen. Please give him my love.
I don’t know if we have dial-a-ride. I’ll have to check that out.
The mourning dove clearly feels safe at your house. Three nests!
Much love to you and Woody.
Stay safe.
Don should also do some light leg stretching if he’s not used to walking that distance. Google appropriate ones. Hope he joins you for the shorter library walks.
Emile’s tenaciousness and courage are also strong contributory factors in his recovery. Also the family support. The medical end will always be there but the other three are sometimes not available to the patient. He’s most fortunate. I hope for a full recovery for him.
I’m so relieved that my daughter’s boyfriend sold his motorcycle before they started dating. Knowing him now, I can’t imagine him riding one.
He is stretching, but I bet he didn’t do enough stretches. It was just too long a walk!
Yes, Emile is a fighter. Bless him.
Stay safe, Wendy!
My husband, age 82 walks 4-6 miles a day and stretches for 40 min. But he does it daily and has for most of his life so he is in shape! His discipline kills me🤣
The milkweed is so great for the butterflies but I can’t get it to grow. I have three measly plants. Husbands favorite coffee is chock full of nuts!
Wow! Your husband is a great role model! Good for him!
I used to drink Chock Full of Nuts when I was in grad school. There was no Peets or Starbucks then.
Stay safe, Gayle.
Hi there. First off, your house is so pretty. Your work really pays off.
You sure know some famous people. So glad you’re loving your work.
I’m really sad you know of another so hurt by a vehicle. Prayers and thoughts.
Ive had an awful bladder infection for probably 2 months. I carried a hanky along to mop off my face. Yesterday i went to walkin. The antibiotics will work quickly.
It was Mike’s birthday yesterday as well, so I cooked a meal and had dear old dad over for supper and cake.
It was a steamer yesterday -+37 C. I remember the little basket. Perfect for bringing your little girl and bear. My blythes sometimes sleep with my dog and I. Call us crazy, its fine.
Glad you’re getting antibiotics, Irene.
Take care and stay safe.
Your neighbor’s injuries are horrendous. It takes your breath away reading them. I am glad he has family to help him through his recovery. I hope your friend who also had some really bad injuries is doing well.
Good for Don! A determined man who goes after what he wants.
Your flowers and house look beautiful. Very serene and peaceful looking..
Thank you so much, Kaye.
Stay safe.