August Update

What everyone's garden should NOT look like. Waist high weeds, starving corn, and a scarecrow about to lose its pants. I should be swimming in vegetables to can, have well-trained horses to work and most of my projects completed, but here I sit, healing ever so slowly.

I am out of the "boot" and wearing an ankle brace now. The dogs have been constantly underfoot,and when they're not, they are climbing on top of me. Here's Miss Dana with her "buzz cut". This is the first time we've ever had to shave a Keeshond, and it certainly is not recommended that one do so, but our groomer took pity on her and decided the pondwater/horse manure mats were just too much to contend with. Cody is looking rather suspicious. I suspect he doesn't know if Dad should be trusted with that cellphone or not.

I did manage to make it to the District Assembly in Richmond, VA this month. There were people helping me up and down stadium steps, carrying my baggage, taking me to dinner, etc. I was truly grateful. Of course my garment bag didn't make it to the car so I had to shop for clothes to wear. Dearest Husband complained I had not handed it to him to take to the car. I guess crutches are no excuse. The duffle bag with my unmentionables and supply of black knee-highs to keep my bare white toes from drawing attention to my boot did make it though. I was going to be the utmost example of modesty.

After three spiritually uplifting days in Richmond, it was time to go home. I felt brave and ventured, "I can make it to the car. You're not parked that far away." Dearest Friend offered to carry my bags and I must say, it was amazing. She had become perfectly balanced with bags draped over her entire anatomy. She looked like a pack mule ready to descend into the Grand Canyon. I felt it my duty to not hinder her progress and kicked my crutch into high gear.

In a sea of sisters and brothers we headed toward the parking garage. In a sea of sisters and brothers I felt my other ankle twist as it hit the uneven concrete sidewalk. In a sea of sisters and brothers my dignity was lost, but thankfully, not exposed. As I lay on the ground I heard gasps and a rushing of people to help. I struggled up onto all fours and suddenly, an outreached hand from one of the black brothers came into view. I looked up into his smiling brown eyes and welcomed his help.

After a quick check to see if I was still in one piece I looked down at my boot and there was - oh no! - the ugly glare of white toes. My knee-high was literally shredded to pieces and blowing in the breeze. Dearest pack mule stood there and laughed. Since then we've had numerous discussions about this serious character flaw of hers.

Our District Assembly theme this year? "Keep On The Watch"