I CAN'T FIND MY CAMERA! UGH!
I WANTED TO TAKE A PICTURE OF MY LITTLE TRICK OR TREATER'S THIS MORNING BEFORE THEY HEADED OFF TO SCHOOL. YA NEVER KNOW IF THEY'LL COME HOME LOOKING AS GOOD AS WHEN THEY LEFT. I GAVE STRICT INSTRUCTIONS TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE COSTUMES . HOPEFULLY, BY THEN I'LL HAVE LOCATED THE CAMERA.
MAN, I'M BUMMED!
I thought it would be nice to have a little chat over a cup of coffee. Ha ha, get it?
I've been up to my eyeballs in corn kernals and calf poop. Not literally, of course. We've been very busy combining and sorting off the calves from the cows.
So, how you been? How are the kids? Kale had a terrible ear ache yesterday. The teacher tried to call us but when you're working in the boonies there is nothing for service around here.
Do you have big plans for the weekend? I'll probably be in a corn field somewhere.
Do you have Halloween costumes for the kids picked out? Nikia is going to be a leopard and I have no idea what Kale is going to be. He's getting too old for those store bought costumes so it has to be something that we can put together at home. I could really use some good ideas. Last year he was a hunter - camo from head to toe along with a duck call and a deer grunt hanging around his neck.
I know this was a really short visit, but my coffee cup is empty and I really need to get going. I need to get the combine fueled up and greased and empty a couple of grain carts before we get started this morning I'm sure you're very busy as well. It was nice chatting with you. We should really do this again sometime. Take care!
Please know that I may go into a lot of detail that may seem a little repetitive at times, but to me, this is how I remember what had happened. I need to get this out for me, so if you find the writing a little weird or dragging at times, it's just how it needs to be.
continuation .........
October, 2002
The horse was still loose in the arena and Kale was still screaming and crying. I told Shane to get the horse so I wouldn’t be in danger of it coming near me again. He said it would be fine but I insisted he do something with it. Knowing I couldn’t move made me very nervous to have the animal running free so close to me. After Shane grabbed the horse and tied it up he came back to me and asked if I could move. I told him no but he thought I just had the wind knocked out of me. I said no it’s more than that. You need to get me help. He told me to just try to relax, catch my breath and then try to sit up. I said “No, Shane, you need to get me an ambulance.” Once I finally made him understand that I knew I was hurt he told Kale to run to Grandma’s house and tell her what happened and to have an ambulance sent right away.
Thinking back, I can’t even imagine what my little four year old boy went through and what he was thinking as he ran about a quarter of a mile all by himself to the house.
I should point out that Trevor and I and the kids had moved to South Dakota from Minnesota and we were having a hard time finding a place to buy or build. Mom and Dad were kind enough to let us move in with them until we got settled in a place of our own. With the events that unfolded, it couldn’t have been a better situation.
When Kale reached the house Trevor could tell that Kale sounded like he was in a very traumatic state and ran up the stairs to ask what was wrong. About all Kale could get out was that Mommy was hurt by a horse. Trevor told him to go tell Grandma and he jumped in his truck and raced to the barn. Kale relayed the message to my Mom and she called for an ambulance.
In the mean time, back at the barn, I laid on the fine layer of sand in an enormous amount of pain lying partly on my side. It was so painful lying like I was but I couldn’t move to get more comfortable. I wasn’t allowing myself to cry because I knew it would have only made things worse for Kale and Shane. Shane is a volunteer fireman and so while we waited in the arena we heard the ambulance being dispatched on his pager. This was a big help for me knowing help was on its way and listening to everything that was being said. I tried to keep my sense of humor to help relax Shane because I knew he was feeling so responsible and awful for what happened. So, I said to him, “I really hope my underwear is clean.” Of course he didn’t realize I was joking with him at first and he told me that’s nothing I should be worried about right now. I told him I was just kidding and he did get a little smirk on his face, however, I don’t think he thought it was very funny at the time. We did laugh more about it later.
When Trevor arrived at the riding barn he stayed by my side while Shane took the horse back to the other barn and moved his truck to make room for the ambulance. When Shane returned we listened to his pager and heard the ambulance driver state they were almost on site. Other area volunteer firemen, who are neighbors, overheard the page and went to the end of our driveway to make sure the ambulance didn’t miss the driveway and got to us quickly.
When the EMT’s arrived they put a neck brace on me, which I new wasn’t necessary but was required anyway. When they put it around my neck they also inadvertently scooped in a bunch of sand, horse hair, and whatever else had landed on that ground over the years. Like my body wasn’t uncomfortable enough, I now had that stuff irritating me too. They cut off my cowboy boots and part way up my pants. Next they wanted to get me on a flat board so they could lift me up and on the stretcher. The thought of someone moving me scared me because of all the pain I was in and because I knew I couldn’t move. I told them to let me try to slide onto the board first, but when I tried I couldn’t get my body to move correctly. Since I was unable to do it they had to move me unto the board. Someone grabbed up by my shoulders and someone down by my feet. When they slid me unto the board and laid me completely on my back, my whole bone midsection kind of collapsed. The pain was so intense but I still refused to cry. They lifted the board unto the stretcher and off to the ambulance we went. The stretcher going across the bumpy ground was so terrible, I could hardly stand it. Trevor jumped in the front of the ambulance with the driver and off we went.
Shane quickly ran to the barn to let the horses out so they wouldn’t be locked in all night and when he came out Mom and Dad and my kids had left without him. Of course they didn’t realize it till later what they did. Shane drove in to the hospital all by himself. This is about a 20 minute drive so I’m sure he had so many feelings and thoughts running around in his head of what had just unfolded. Since it was Wednesday night, he stopped by our church to tell my sister what had happened and to have people begin praying for me and then he went directly to the hospital.
In the ambulance, I had never felt so uncomfortable and in so much pain in my life. Every little tiny bump that we went over was so incredibly awful. That board was so hard that the whole way I held on to one of the EMT’s hands and squeezed as hard as I could. I was actually trying to hold pressure off my waist by pushing or lifting my body up with my elbows. It was the only way I could find that gave me any relief from that board. I don’t remember how many times they poked me trying to start an IV but failed to get the needle in my vein. I’m sure it was at least four times. Of all the needles I despise those the most. Since they couldn’t get an IV I couldn’t get any pain medicine either. Literally, right before we pulled up to the emergency room, they finally got the IV needle in. Thank goodness!
Again, all the movement and bumps of getting me out of the ambulance and into the ER about made me pass out from the pain that the hard board caused me. Right away they took ex-rays and then got me some morphine. I could feel the morphine go all the way through my body. It at least helped me to be able to relax from trying to hold myself up off the board. By now my arms were shaking from getting week from the pressure.
One of the hospital employees saw how hard this was for Kale and gave him a stuffed bear. Kale has slept with that bear every night for almost five years. Just this summer he finally said that he didn’t need it anymore. He said it was something he could cuddle with and a special thing for him that helped him know Mommy was going to be okay.
Out in the waiting room my family sat patiently along with some people from church that had heard about what happened. Needless to say they were praying for me.
The doctors reviewed the ex-rays and counted the breaks and fractures in my bones. There were six in all. I had parts of bone that weren’t attached to anything anymore which is why when they put me on that board my pelvis basically collapsed. The Dr.'s were shocked that I didn't have any internal bleeding (usually this kind of bone breakage has a lot of bleeding involved) and only one little bruise on my leg which I think came from the saddle hitting me. After the Dr.'s sent me in for an MRI and reviewed it, they were thinking of having me sent to Minneapolis because they were unsure of what the next step should be. The thought of that brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t want to be sent away from my family. This, of all times, was a time I needed them to be right with me.
to be continued again.......
Sorry, to keep doing this to you, but this is all I have wrote so far. Wait till I tell you what happens next. Yes, it gets worse. I'll try not to make you wait so long this time!
Wednesday, October 16th, 2002
What I thought was going to be just another Fall day at the farm turned quickly into the most traumatic days of my life.
I had been out chisel plowing in the field all day and brought my tractor into the farm yard to park it and call it a day. I happened to notice the door to the indoor riding barn was opened. Of course I knew it meant that my brother was once again working with Sensation, a two-year old horse, training it to become broke to ride. I decided to see how it was going and made my way to the arena. Upon entering I noticed my son was already there observing and admiring his uncle and the work he was doing with the horse. The saddle was still on and I could tell by the sweat on the horse that he had already ridden him awhile. My brother, Shane, asked if I wanted to get on Sensation. He said he’s nice and smooth and that he was probably wore down enough that I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I told him no, as I’ve never been one to enjoy getting on a young horse with very little riding time on it. Nevertheless, when Shane said that Sensation had never bucked, ever, and he would guarantee that he wouldn’t this time either, I began to entertain the thought of getting on. Then, when Shane made the comment about being the only brave one I knew I had to give it a shot.
We led the horse out to the middle of the arena. Kale stayed back by the front of the barn, but still in perfect sight. Shane said he would hold the horse up by the bridle as I got on. With the reins in my left hand I lifted my left boot up to the stirrup. I began to swing my right foot up and over...... and that’s all I remember about what actually happened.
Shane and I later discussed what we both remembered and came up with this. As I was about to swing my leg over Sensation took two steps back and then stumbled. This made me lose my balance and go right up and over. Since I still had the reins in my hand I basically pulled the off-balance horse right down on top of me. I didn’t land flat on my back though. I was a little on my side which is possibly why so much damage happened.
I do remember the horse falling down on me, right at my waist level. The feeling I felt inside is indescribable. I knew something happened inside my body. The horse tried to get up but being all four of its legs were sticking straight out it basically rolled right back down on me again to re-position its legs to get leverage. Again, I had that indescribable feeling inside. This time the horse was able to stand up and trot away.
As I laid there with horrible pain I could hear Kale screaming at what he had just witnessed. My brother was right by my side immediately. The first thing I did was wiggle my toes to make sure I wasn’t paralyzed. I was able to do that but I couldn’t move my legs or any lower part of my body. I knew something was seriously wrong.
to be continued till next week............
Friday means football! Kale has been the ball-boy on the sidelines of the varsity football games. He LOVES it! After almost every play he runs out or throws out a new football to the referee. There was even a picture in the local paper last week of him running off the field after handing a ball to the ref. He has the best view of the game cause he's always at the line of scrimmage. I keep telling him that I'm going to take his job or at least come stand by him and act like I'm helping him. He just says "No way!" I would'nt rain on his parade but I am jealous of his job. I love that he has to pay close attention to what's happening on the field and gets to be close to the players. I know he's heard a few choice words that he can't repeat but I guess that just might come with being so close to the action.
Tonight at half-time his flag football team plays a scrimmage and then Saturday morning they play a REAL game against a neighboring town. Should be fun and exciting. I really hope the rain holds off.
I LOVE this picture! It was actually taken by his school teacher. She takes a LOT of pictures of the school activities and is a great photographer.
I made a quick trip over to see Shayne this morning before I headed to the field. I wanted to run to town to get a bunch of balloons for her first but ran out of time. So before I left the house I grabbed a sucker so I could put a little smile on her face when I saw her. I got to her house and she had just woke up. You know that feeling that runs through your body when you see something that is just so heart wrenching - yeah, that one. There she was with her arm taped and her little bed head hair and a sweet little look on her face. I wanted to hug her but didn't want to hurt her so I gave her a kiss instead.
Shayne~ Hi Amy!
Me~ Hi sweetie! How are you doing?
Shayne~Ouch! (as she points to her shoulder)
Me~I know. I brought you a surprise! Guess what it is?
Shayne~A puppy?!!
Me~Nope, just a sucker! (my ego went right down the drain)
Boy did that make me feel like my dumb little sucker was a pitiful attempt of being her favorite aunt. Of course she ate it and loved it and made a big sticky mess that I left for her mom to clean up. :) Did I mention that I had her eat it before breakfast? That was my other attempt of reminding her I'm her favorite aunt.
Since I didn't get to bring her balloons I had Trevor pick her up a bunch in town and bring them out. He also found a little pet carrier (like a purse) that had a little stuffed kitty in it. When he gave her the balloons and kitty guess what she said?
PUPPY????
Strike out again! Oh well, she still loved it all and played with it today. Too bad we don't have puppies instead of kitties all over our yard!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you ladies for all your prayers. She has to have her arm taped for 3-4 weeks, so your prayers are still welcomed and appreciated.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me??? Could her timing be any worse! Ridiculously, I knew I believed Kale but for some reason I had to see it for myself. Yep, there was Patches, the good mama that she is nursing not five but SIX kitties. 3 black, 1 calico, 1 orange, and 1 white.
Look at her - she's looking at me like "WHAT? What did I do wrong?"
Knowing that there's no way I'm going to move brand new kitties to a brand new home I grudgingly made the call to our friend. I told her the news and told her the number in the litter - of course I had my fingers crossed hoping she'd still want all of them. It sounds like she will still take them all, which is so nice since they have other kitties already. We decided that in about 5 weeks we'd try to make the transfer again.
So, for the time being, Patches and her new family still call this place home sweet home.
Thought I'd give you the low-down, the scoop, the 411 on the art of Silage. Since I just happen to have by camera with me yesterday I took some pictures to help capture the whole process. Now, I realize some of you already know how this works, but I'm sure there are a few of you that don't. Also, I'm posting on this subject because I have nothing else to write about and so this is all you're going to get out of me today. So, turn back now or hang with me for a couple of minutes.
Where do I begin...
First of all we start with corn stalks that have matured fully and are just beginning to dry down.
Second, we have the tractor which is pulling the cutter which is pulling the wagon.
Once the wagon is full, the truck pulls up right next to the wagon. Literally, it is within inches of the wagon. The wagon lifts up and dumps the load onto the truck.
The truck then races through the field and heads to the pile where it unloads. It is necessary to go quickly so that the cutter doesn't have to wait to dump its next load. There is no sluffing off when you're driving the truck. (except when you're taking pictures for blogging purposes, despite the cross looks you may get from the boss)
When the truck reaches the pile the box is raised up and the silage pours out the back.
We cut 85 loads this year and finished in two days. With the bountifull hay crop we're hoping it'll be enough to keep the cows full all winter. My Dad drives the tractor pulling the cutter and wagon and my brother drives the tractor packing at the pile. I'm the truck driver that's rushing back and forth constantly from the field to the pile. It definately makes for a LONG couple of days.
So, now you know the whole process as it happens on our farm. Yes, for tens of thousands of dollars we could upgrade and get newer cutters and wagons - but for the two days out of the year that we use them, our 35 year old cutter and 20 year old wagon will do. Some day, some year, they'll probably get too old and tired for the job, but for now it all seems to work just fine.
Before she headed off for college, Jade gave Kale and Nikia t-shirts from the college she will be attending. How cool is that?!! I told you she was a great person didn't I. It was a few weeks ago that she actually gave them the shirts, but I finally caught them wearing them the same day.
I know Kale thinks about her often. This is how I know.... For Jade's high school graduation Kale burned a cd of some songs that he picked out and gave it to her. Jade wrote a really sweet Thank You note just to Kale. Of course he was in la la land when he received that. Well, anyways..... I find it right next to his bed every night. That's right, he reads it before he goes to sleep every night. Cute huh!
FRIDAY? Already!
Where did this week go? Trevor gets home tomorrow from fishing in Canada. I suppose I better get busy and get this house cleaned or he'll wonder what I did all week. Which, really wasn't a heck of a lot. I did manage to get the lawn mowed before it down poured yesterday. Wow, it came hard for awhile. Trevor, my Dad and Kale re-shingled the garage last weekend. Guess they did it right because after yesterdays rain - NO PUDDLES in the garage. YAY!!
I've got my LimeWire fired up and the 80's a blasting. Let the cleaning begin.
Have a great weekend ladies!
As members of the class of 2017 and 2019 boarded the bus this morning I had tears in my eyes. For some reason it seems like when the first day of school comes around its the day that the kids actually get older. Never mind when their birthday is, it's this day that makes them seem more grown up than any other. The day they're expected to be more independent and more responsible. Yeah, I'm okay with it - I guess I have to be. It's just the reality of it all hits me on this day. Like the years before, I will pray over them both everyday before they leave. I will ask God to watch over and protect them on the bus and at the school. I will ask God to help Kale to be a good friend, a nice gentlemen, and a great student. I will ask God to help Nikia to be a good friend, a nice young lady, and a great student. They may not be under my roof where I can watch over them, but God will be there with them and for them.It's this time of year when.... I'm looking forward to seeing the big yellow bus roll into the driveway and seeing the kids run up the driveway at the end of the day. I'm not looking forward to sending the kids to bed early on school nights, or the time spent sitting at the table doing homework. I am looking forward to decorating my fridge with the drawings, artwork, and paintings. I'm not looking forward to my little helpers being gone all day. I am looking forward to the trips to town by myself. I'm not looking forward to the money I'll need to fork out for lunches, activity tickets, pictures, and milk tickets. I am looking forward to seeing the progress the kids make throughout the year. I'm not looking forward to seeing some of the influences of other kids that rub off on mine. I am looking forward to being the one that sends them off in the morning and welcomes them home every day.
Off to the Black Hills - again. This time, we were tourists. We took the kids to some of the major sites like Mount Rushmore, drove past Crazy Horse, drove through Bear Country, walked through Jewel Cave, saw the Wild Horses Sanctuary, walked around Keystone and purchased souveniers, drove through the needles and wound around on the Pigtails, visited the Mammoth Site (very interesting) and hung out at our campground's pool and slide. It was so much fun and the weather was great. We stayed at Beaver Lake Campground. We've stayed here before and just love this place. (I highly recommend it) Of course the best part is the heated pool and the super fast slide. It rained twice in the evening but during the days it was perfect temps. Miniature golf was a blast. We went towards evening and while we were playing some deer came down in the meadow next to the course. They stayed about 30 yards from us. Very cool! It was such a great time. We're looking forward to next year's trip already.
Sorry about the slide show. It's my first time setting one up - obviously I have a lot to learn yet. It took me three tries to get it to look like this - good grief!! Any advice is soooo welcomed. Why can't I get the slide show to copy into my other post? How do I get the "Family Vacation 2007" off of every photo? So much to learn and not enough time to sit and experiment with this. Anyway - hope you enjoyed the pictures.
