By Charlotte Byus
Some of you may know all about this story and some of you may want to be more careful in “our” old age. This story is about my four month journey from January 1 to April 18th. As you know, I tripped on January 1 in the dark on wet grass and fell in the ditch. Of course, most would say I had had too many adult beverages, but you would be incorrect. I would not have hurt myself with a few more glasses of wine. I tore my Achilles tendon completely in two, ripped about an inch and a half on both ends. I was in a boot until the end of January when I had surgery. After swelling was down, I got a cast, and then another cast, and then back to the boot.

During this time, I could not go anywhere by myself. Now that does not sound too bad unless you are talking four months in the cold, rain and fog. I just know most of you prayed for RR, you had to, as he is still alive! I am not the best patient, nor am I good at staying in bed or sitting in a chair. Many a time, RR would say, “I could have done that.” Problem was, and still, cannot read my mind. After saying it two or three times to myself, I would get up and attempt to dust, change sheets and so on. Let’s get out of this.

Spring started and all I could do was look at the ground, no hanging baskets started, no new lilies, NO Nothing!

Then, on April 18th, a whole new world started for me. Dr Panchbhavi said “no more boot!” I was so excited. You see, I took my right tennis shoe with us, just in case! I bounced out of that office like life was brand new. Off we went to do shopping without one of those scooters. Good thing, I was not too good at navigation and it turned way too sharp for me and people around me. Excuse Me! I do not have a license for this machine, sorry.

So, back to the story. Josh, our first born grandson came over Friday night so he and Papa could go fishing. Saturday, they finished getting the boat ready and took off. YEA, alone for the first time to do what I wanted to. And I did!

The boat has been in the barn for many months and I have stuffed boxes and plants all over it and around it. Now is the time for spring cleaning! I was so excited. I had on BOTH of my tennis shoes and socks and headed to the barn. I had cleaning supplies and brooms in hand, and I open the doors and get started.

Since most of my baskets were hung somewhere in the barn, there were millions of dead leaves everywhere, and that is where I started. Within three hours, I was covered with dust, dirt, and leaves, but I had the biggest smile on my face. I had three kitchen garbage bags full, and all the shelves were dusted, and empty flower pots were stacked for washing and filling one of these days.

I then sprinkled cayenne pepper around all the sides of the barn and walked out of the barn happy as a lark. Came home, took a shower and looked at my ankle and went, uh ho! Boy am I going to be in trouble when RR get home.

I am so glad to finally have something happy to write about. I have missed my time with you on paper. Hopefully, the world will be a lot brighter for me and poor RR.

Stay tuned for more misadventures now that I can walk and DRIVE!

[4-22-2019]