First of all, I'd like to send each and every one of you the best wishes for a most wonderful New Year. And I sincerely hope your holidays were spent in a way most meaningful for you and filled with love.
Here's the first of the news to share with you. We all know things don't always work out the way we expect or would like them to. My December month off from blogging and/or reading and commenting on all your blogs, plus giving myself the freedom to do a little self-introspection and possibly make some changes in my life (big, small, whatever seemed appropriate) didn't go as I'd expected. More about that later.
Most especially, the last week of the month was an unexpected and not good one. On the 23rd, Papa Pea fell from a ladder landing on the frozen ground while trying to, once again (sigh), make repairs to our solar panels mounted on the tracker pole out in our field.
He was working at about 16', the ladder shifted and he fell like Humpty Dumpty. He landed on his left elbow, buttock and hip, the ladder fell on him, but the only damage from that was a red mark on his right temple. He didn't even break his glasses. However, two black eyes did show up later.
We are so very, very fortunate (can I say that again?) he has no broken bones or internal bleeding. Can you believe he didn't break a single gone? That he wasn't injured severely in some way? Seventy-six years old and he still bounces. (He is, however, VERY sore.)
Today was the first time he walked with the help of a walker. Slowly. Using baby steps. He can stand pain-free by himself but most of his navigation around the house has been on a "rollie" (rolly? rollee?) chair.
So we've not had our Christmas yet, and the presents under the tree may be dusty by the time we all are ready to celebrate the holiday and our extreme good fortune of having Papa Pea healing, all in one piece (albeit bruised and battered) and not in a state of having to be put back together again.
Chicken Mama and Gilligan have been so much help. We could not have made it in this -20 degree weather with winds clocked at up to 35-40 mph without them. Period. I would not have been able to do it all. (I'm still not.) Only one problem related to the weather so far; the pipe drain from the utility sink in the garage froze yesterday. (But many others in our area have had worse problems because of this cold snap.) It was extreme frustration for Papa Pea in that he could only offer suggestions and directions to Chicken Mama and me while he was trapped and immobile in his chair inside. Good thing he married a strong woman and raised a stronger daughter. We did what needed to be done, and all was free-flowing in short order.
I'll blog again when I can. My days are not normal just now. To say the least. But we'll get back there soon. Or as quickly as we can. Sensibly.
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40 comments:
I feel so sorry for you both. However, you are fortunate. Did you see it happen so at least he was not laying out there in the frozen MN weather for long? Hope he heals quickly and so glad no major injuries for him. Lucky you have Chicken Mama and her friend to help. Scary times during this cold weather in MN.
Ha! (Did she see him fall?) No. MIND YOU, I was loading the visiting 4-year old twins in the car, and Papa Pea could hear us!!! Why didn't he yell? "You had enough on your plate as it was." Excuse me????
Yours, Chicken Mama
Oh Goodness I am happy to hear that Papa Pea is not severely injured. I hope he heals up quickly, poor guy. You are both such strong people I'm sure not much will keep you down long.
So glad Papa Pea is "ok". Hopefully he will heal soon & be begging you 'outside' men don't like to be inside for long periods. 87 yo FIL has been in hospital & rehab since early October. He loves being outside & it's driving him crazy .... except for tonight which is supposed to drop to the 20s. Veeery cold for FL.
I can't imagine how battered and sore Papa Pea must be that he has been "down for the count" for over a week! SO GLAD you have Chicken Mama and Gilligan; SO GLAD Papa Pea isn't broken. But what, pray tell, did you do Dec. 1-23??? ;-)
Good grief that explains all those weird vibes I kept feeling in the last week when you would dance across my mind. Darn Papa Pea knock it off!
Oh no! Glad there were no broken bones/bleeding. My oh my. Hubby refused to put outside Christmas lights up this year, telling me he can't afford to have an accident with a ladder. So glad you have help too.
Oh my. I'm glad to hear Papa Pea didn't break any bones, and sorry he's in such pain now. Prayers and happy thoughts going up for Papa, you and your family. I'm glad it wasn't worse.
What? WHAT?!? Someone/thing must have had a watchful eye on your Papa Pea - that is quite a fall and - to land on frozen ground! I did have to laugh at "Annie" comment - I could hear him say it. I know it will be hard to keep him down, but you and Chicken Mama (and Gilligan) will do a great job of carrying on.
So, so sorry to learn about Papa Pea's fall & now it being hard for both of you since he cannot walk unassisted. He's surely kept is shape. Glad you have help. Regards, Sandy
Kathy - Thanks so much for your kind words. No problem with him getting too much exposure to the frigid weather before he was in. And maybe the umpteen layers he had on, including a full set of heavily-insulated coveralls, cushioned his fall a little!
So, is this the first time you've noticed your father is a wee bit on the independent side??? Ha.
Sparkless - He just got up from trying to nap (no luck) and is gallumping around the kitchen on his walker fixing himself a cup of coffee. I went to help him and he informed me he would do it himself, thank you very much. Good sign, the independent old goat. ;o)
DFW - Thanks for your good wishes. The better Papa Pea feels the grumpier he's getting. He says he's soooo tired of sitting inside on his posterior! Feels so helpless and wants to get up, out and do what needs to be done. That's all a good sign though. :o)
Our temps have been brutal with high winds. Not nice at all, but from what I hear, the whole country (especially the south) has had unusually cold weather, too. Ugh.
Michelle - Although not turning out to be a serious injury to my dear husband, I've been a bit traumatized myself and can hardly even REMEMBER what I did for myself the month of December prior to 23rd. I'm thinking it will all come back to me in a bit!! :o\
It looks like my comment from yesterday did not find its way to you!
First of all, I am sorry to read of Papa Pea's fall! That would make one VERY sore to be sure. I am glad it all worked out and that there was nothing major broken.
Thinking of you and Papa Pea as this winter still has its ugly grip on us here. Sending much love.
Goatldi - Well, good to know you're tuned in to what goes on in these here parts! I sure did miss being "up" on what you and everyone else was doing in December. Hopefully, that will change soon.
Kristina - Papa Pea has readily admitted he was NOT being as careful as he should have been and this whole incident has been so upsetting to him that he has PROMISED to change his ways from now on!
Theresa - Oh, it could have been so much worse. We are so thankful it wasn't. His pain is getting better each day. Now if he could find a way of getting good, healing sleep . . . but he will. Thanks so much for your well wishes.
Thanks, Susan. Did I mention we have plans to cut down that da*n tracker pole and mount the panels ON THE GROUND this spring?
Sandy - He's a strong-minded guy (dare I say stubborn as a mule?) and is already going bonkers being so incapacitated. So that must mean he's feeling much better, right? I think so.
MrsDM - Yep, it's been awful, terrible, really cold here, too. Which hasn't helped the situation as far as outside chores! I'm so thankful I have help in that!! I know stretched, torn, damaged muscles don't heal quickly but those injuries are so minor compared to what it could have been. Thank you for all your good wishes. It means a lot especially to me as I've felt so helpless at times. :o/
Holy Sh*t!!! How frightening that must've been for you MP! You must be exhausted and as for Papa Pea...Oh...I just can't even think of it. Minnesota grows them tough, that's all I can say. The rest of us are weenies compared to Ya'll
Tami - He's either made of steel . . . or perhaps latex so that he bounced. And you and your hubby, dear girl, have been through your share of medical problems in the last few months. Geesh. Can we call a halt on all this nonsense? Please?
I'm glad nothing permanent, or worse, happened! Glad you have family to help. Hang in there, hugs to you both!!! Nancy
Thanks so much, Nancy. Your well wishes are much appreciated!
Snort ! Forgive me but I can so relate to your comment and Papa Pea's stubborn,er, independent streak.
I am so glad he missed broken bones or worse!
I have learned to stay off ladders. I have taken enough falls without adding that extra danger. Did I miss what caused the fall?
Sometimes we just have to accept that we have to quit doing some things we have always done in our younger years....speaking as someone who knows!
Glenda - Everything was very icy on the ground and on the solar panel structure. He was running out of daylight and he was not being as careful as he should have been. He readily admits the whole fiasco was his own fault and has beat himself up about this more than once. BUT he says it taught him a good (hard) lesson and he is never, never, never going to put himself in a position like that again.
Hi Mama Pea!!!!!!!!
Geez Louise....please feel better soon Papa Pea!!! How horrible! I told Alex about this and we both concurred that GROUND LEVEL (as you suggested) will be the way to go. I'm so glad to see you posting and commenting again! :) xx
Thanks, dear Rain! I've missed posting and commenting. Now with this new "situation" in our house, I just have to find the time to do so! Today I finally managed to find time to vacuum. And boy, did the house need it! Tomorrow, who knows? I may dust. Or clean the bathroom. Papa Pea is definitely on the mend. I just have to keep him from "over-doing" before his body is ready. Wish me luck.
I so love your header, It makes me smile every time I see it.
Sue
Sue - Thank you! The ducks and geese were so perplexed upon being let out that morning and finding their pond in a solid state. You have to wonder what went through their little minds!
Reading this was a good reminder for all of us to take extra care, especially when the weather is unforgiving.
I'm so happy that he didn't take any severe damage. Bouncy Tigger song running through my head now.
So glad he had no broken bones!! Hopefully it will be a good laugh in a few months. Stay warm there and carefully cuddle a lot. Happy New Year from the Netherlands.
Wendy
tpals - Yep, I think we can get by being just a leeeetle bit sloppy for only so long and then . . . boom. The fates have taught my dear husband a lesson and he has vowed to do more thinking and less hurrying!
Wendy - At this point, laughing at his goof-up and resulting "laid-up" doesn't seem possible. But it was a wake up call in many ways!
Happy, happy new year to you in a beautiful country so far from here!
Sounds like getting solar off the pole is a good idea, I was going to suggest some type of scaffolding / permanent access since none of us are getting any younger, I don't like going any higher than second step on ladder, I have 9 ft ceilings and couple light bulbs out, not anxious to replace them.
Oh my!!! Just catching up and so sorry to hear about Papa Pea! So glad there was no severe damage. Prayers for his ongoing recovery.
And also sorry your sabbatical didn't go as you had hoped. I know the importance of those rare opportunities to 'reset'.
Now I know what happened! To your husband. I read back, and finally found out.
Best wishes to him and to you!!!
Hugsssssssssssssss
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