Did this week really happen???

What a week.  As most of you know, I fell Tuesday night because Morgan tugged too hard on her leash, I wouldn't let go, so I went tumbling to the ground seriously injuring my right knee.  The pain was beyond description.

It hasn't been an easy week.  But there have been a lot of bright spots and even times I laughed.

Try getting in and out of the drivers seat of your car with your right leg unable to bend.  Same thing with the shower.  For the last three days I have gotten around with a leg brace and crutches.  Oh, my God, the very sound of that word "crutches" can turn me into a monster.

But let's look at the things that wouldn't have happened had it not been for this unfortunate AND painful experience.  Somebody wrote on my facebook page, "That's how I became treasurer of our dog club, the former treasurer had a LAB ACCIDENT so I took her place."  Now that made me laugh, in spite of my pain and depression at being reduced to walking at a crawl.  So I was walking down the hall at work.  Someone saw me with my crutches and the gloomy look on my face.  "OMG!  What happened to you???"

"I had a lab accident!" I responded.

"But you don't work in the lab!"

I never explained!

Someone else in my facebook family posted a beautiful picture of the Erie Canal in Fairport (a suburb of Rochester).  Just looking at that picture made me think of all the times I have paddled or ridden my bike along the canal.  So I commented with, "I'd love to be paddling down there now, but I'm not sure how my brace and my boat would get along."

Leslie, never at a loss for a quick response, replied, "With proper counseling, I think they would get along just fine!"

A parking lot attendant at work pulled up beside me with a van.  "Ma'am, would you like a ride into the building?"  I thanked him graciously but told him getting in and out of a car was too much of a hassle, so I would walk.

Thank you to all who have offered help.  Most of you I turned down.  I have a really strong independence streak!

And so life goes on, in good times and bad.

Not a good week

Over the weekend, I came down with the virus that is going around at work.  I am a person who never gets sick.  I often look down on chronic sick days some people are known for.  But I didn't let how I felt keep me home.  I went in to work and did my job.

Last night, on our way out the door to go to Agility Class, Morgan took off running toward the car.  I refused to let go of her leash and promptly fell down, injuring my knee.  When I arrived at class, it was obvious I was not going to be able to participate in the class due to severe knee pain.  So the instructor said I could catch up next week.

Ironically, driving, even though I have a standard transmission car, does not hurt.  It is standing up and putting weight on that leg that really hurts.

First thing this morning, I went to the Orthopedics Department Urgent Care Center   .  I walked out with an immobilizing brace and told to wear crutches, which I already had from an injury years ago.

Why do bad things happen to good people???

Homemade dishwasher detergent

Last night I discovered I was out of dishwasher detergent and it was getting late, so I didn't want to run out to the store.  Yet I had a dishwasher full of dirty dishes that I didn't want to leave overnight.

A quick online search led me to homemade recipes.  Here is the recipe I found:

1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup kosher salt

I had all the ingredients except the citric acid.  So I mixed up the other three ingredients, placed a rounded tablespoon full into the dispenser of my dishwasher, then poured a small amount of lemon juice over it.

My entire load came out sparkling clean.  And there was no odor inside the dishwasher.

I already make my own laundry detergent and use full strength vinegar as a fabric softener.  Here is that recipe:

1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap, grated

Combine all.  I use one tablespoon for a very small load and 3 for a medium to large load.

Agility Class

Morgan and I are in Agility classes at DOTCORNY - Dog Obedience Training Center of Rochester, NY.  It's difficult to get pictures during class as it is fast paced, but here are a few I snapped with my iPhone.  The little white dog at the top of the first picture is quite a character.  She has a real fascination for Morgan. As we were walking in from the parking lot, Flash broke loose from her owner and headed toward Morgan and me at the speed of sound.  Fortunately, I was able to grab her collar and hold her till her owner got there.  

Morgan was a little shy of the tunnel (bottom picture) at first, but after a couple of times, she decided it was fun!

Fall is in the air

There is a hint of fall all around if you look closely.  Although I haven't turned my heater on yet, there is a light chill in the early morning.  There are tiny patches of red and orange leaves on the larger trees.  And there is FOOTBALL!!!

This time of year in the North Country, you cherish every nice day because you know that before long the cold and snow will set in seemingly forever.  It takes longer to drive to work with the snow and ice.  It takes longer once you get to work to settle in because you have to unwrap and change from your boots into your shoes!

As much as I complain about winter, especially into January and February, it is a part of the four seasons.  I have learned to appreciate the good and the bad of each season.  It is a part of life.  I grew up in the South where there was a long hot summer and a cold damp, rainy winter. . . just two seasons!

Morgan loves playing in the snow!  Sometimes, when it gets really deep, I have to dig a path for her in the backyard.  Then she will find a way to break away from that path and make her own paths!

Morgan's new toy

I picked this up at the pet store yesterday.  I had no idea how much she would like it!  You fill the inside with food (yogurt, peanut butter, etc) and then put it in the freezer.  It's the same idea as the Kong, only this one is tougher and she can't chew it up quickly.

A lazy Saturday morning

Morgan was sleeping, laying with her head in my lap as I enjoyed my coffee while watching Fox and Friends.  As I reached for my iPhone to take these pictures, I disturbed her sleep.  Those eyes are saying, "Did you have to disturb my sleep with that thing?"

A quiet but joyful holiday weekend

As I sat with my glass of wine and a bowl full of fresh cherries tonight, I let my mind wander.  Morgan and I had just played a rough game of tug of war - she loves that! - and she had settled onto the couch next to me with her head in my lap.

Hey, I had a great 31/2 day weekend (I took the afternoon off from work on Friday) and yet it was a mundane, no frills weekend!  On Friday afternoon, Morgan had to go to the vet to update her annual shots.  Next it was a quick trip to pick up my meat order from the farmer I buy all my meat and eggs from - last Friday of the month.  On Saturday and Sunday, I never put on makeup since I didn't plan to leave the house.  Instead, I did several chores around the house.  I put some things from the garage into the shed out back.  I did the usual cleaning and laundry.  But mostly it was "me" time.  I made a large dent in the book I'm reading now, a historical saga by Eugenia Price. . . I love to get lost in a good, long book.

Even though I have a good job that I like, still, the day to day politics and high stress environment can take a toll on your body and your mind.  So a few days of sleeping late and just doing whatever I want to, when I want to, is good for the soul.  And Morgan has enjoyed having me home all day!  She follows me around the house and when she thinks she isn't getting enough attention, a slap on my arm brings me back to what really matters in life!