Hello and Happy New Year!

Winter has arrived after a mild autumn season.  Freezing days find me getting plenty of exercise keeping the wood-stoves going, carrying in wood and carrying out ashes, along with taking care of the animals that includes breaking ice in water buckets, carrying water to fill up the heated water bowls inside the hen and duck house, and making sure there is plenty of feed and straw to keep the fat feathery bodies warm and fed. Ironically, the ducks start laying eggs in the middle of the winter and often outlay the hens some days. I can't figure out if it is the extra straw that encourages them or what.

I managed to fall out of the old year and fall into the New Year quite literally. Right before Dawn and her family came over the new year for our Christmas, in a hurry I tripped and hit the floor jamming my (thankfully) left hand, which swelled up. Dawn was still recovery from surgery on her right hand so we both were limited in the kitchen.  Thankfully Annette kept us going.  We also got to meet Curtis, her boyfriend.  As usual our time together was too short, but we made lots of happy memories filled with talking and laughter.

Then about a week later as I was putting some Christmas decorations back up in the attic I lost my balance coming down the ladder and fell back against the wall sliding down to the floor. This time only my pride was hurt- nothing like landing in an ungraceful heap on the floor.

Dwight helped fence in my mulch pile to keep it more together as the chickens and duck love to get in it and dig around thoroughly stirring everything up saving me lots of time and energy.

Before the real cold weather hit, I got my hedge in front of the woods trimmed, mucked out the hen & duck houses again, and gathered more buckets of sticks for kindling. Then on cold snowy days I organized my pantry, my pots and pan cabinet, canned some pinto and white beans, and made up a batch of apple butter.

That all came to a sudden halt when I fell again- this time outside of the chicken pen right after putting them up when without thinking I kicked at a board at the bottom of the door that was stuck. It didn’t move so I reared back and really gave it a kick only for the board to give way and flip me on the ground. I had on my winter jacket so at first didn’t think I had hurt myself too much as I  limped around, but by the time I got back inside my left hand (again) was swelling and my left arm and shoulder (that I had messed up this summer when I fell) was giving me pain. So I landed back in the recliner with ice packs for two weeks to keep the swelling down and manage my pain. I had trouble getting dressed. Dear Dwight, who I don’t know what I would do without, had to help me comb my hair and braid it for me as I couldn’t reach up, help with taking care of Dana, the cooking, washing, and taking care of the animals. Slowing way down gave me plenty of time to think and realize that I am not as flexible and coordinated as I used to be so if I want to stay up on my feet I shall have to walk instead of run, hang onto ladders with both hands, and think before jumping right in and doing stuff I used to do, which definitely will be a challenge for me. Sooo ratty!!!

Over the holidays, Dana’s oxygen levels kept going down- even with oxygen- due to all the fluid he retains.  The cardiologist and lung specialist both have said that there isn’t much they can do as with his multiple physical issues and meds that put on fluid it’s kind of a juggling act between everything. We were going to admit Dana to the local nursing home for more intense physical therapy at the beginning of the year, as he is quite weak and to keep him on his feet, but due to the high covid virus cases lately in the county have put it off for a month or so.

It’s wonderful to be back up on our feet and to be able to take care of our self and everyone else.  I declare I’ve have more than my share of falls for the year already, but grateful no bones were broken. I’m thankful for a warm house, clothes, and food to eat.  The Lord has certainly been good to us. I’m also glad that I can finally get a letter out to you even if it is rather late.

So stay warm on your end~

Dorcas