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Farm Journal - 2025

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sKePTiKal:
Yep, finally had a minute to start this year's thread. I posted on the old one, 'coz I was holding down the fort, trying to keep up with my stuff, helping Hol's housesitters through the freezing cold snap, and B with the frenzy of things (new experiences) coming at him at one time.

In one way, it was mentally exhausting. But perfect excuse for me getting in my "long winter's naps". Physically I was doing more too - and that's a good thing. Reining in a bit of my uninibited hedonism, too. No time for it!

Now, my 3x3 post-it "to do" list of my stuff is full. But I'm still checking some stuff off before I add anything else. A lot of times, my "list" consists of things I don't want to forget that I want to do, but right now, that stuff is going to have to wait. Like garden planning. It can wait a week or two.

Like I mentioned on Tupp's thread - I've been dealing a lot with B's internal narrative, relative to him selling a piece of property, having to interact with banks, processing a thousand little things... and of course the doctors.

Which is it's own cluster. New surgeon has already decided based on current imaging that he will not be able to move stimulator leads or implant spinal stimulator. He told Dr. Lee... who did not pass that info on. Dr. Lee is however, trying to acquire a new pump controller which allows B to apply 4 "bumps" of pain relief a day, if needed. So we're driving into the city later in Feb. to see new surgeon for consult on OTHER options for pain relief... even though, B's been thrown by the sudden news that the stimulator is a total no-go for him now. He's had to process that.

Hopefully, ONE of those surgeons can remove the non-functioning stimulator as B has been told (in the past - and maybe it's incorrect) that he is allergic to metal in his body. <shrug - who knows?? he's been told so many dumb things and yet he's still hopeful to find a smart and helpful doc> But it is a problem for him as he's hit that stimulator a number of times, and yeah - it's painful too.

We're now at the point of discussing options outside of insurance and the allopathic medical options. It'll be a long discussion spread over months. I will say, he's not been feeling terribly bad in the current "holding pattern". I'm kind of surprised. Still exploring this, for now. No, I haven't been using any herbal substitutes either. He does have a loratab prescription, recently increased in daily dosage, to deal with the "end of the day" onset of pain symptoms. Stress - like the new experiences he's been thru - DOES increase his pain. Lack of stress and worry decreases symptoms.

And I know a little bit about these psychosomatic (? right word?) interactions... so observing, studying, getting his input for now.

lighter:
Bless you both, Amber.  B can't seem to catch a break, which makes research outside insurance seem wise, imo.

I hope you're enjoying this gorgeous weather..... yesterday was perfectly windy and mild.  Exactly right for putting moss back in place after hurricane.

Hug B for me.

Lighter

Hopalong:
I hope the "bumps" turn out to keep his pain at a level he can live with.

My heart goes out to you both. Severe chronic pain challenges people and those who walk beside them down to their bone marrow, their beliefs, their philosophies, and their deepest selves.

Sending unchanging courage and calm. All in all, it's still nature, that we can learn to walk with or abandon.

This not an easy road for you, Amber, but I hope the path has its beauties.

Hugs
Hops
(Still in devices dilemma but strategizing forward.)

sKePTiKal:
Since Hol's been back, she's been spending a lot more time at home on her stuff, with C hanging about helping her, too. That's good because B & I have been being homebodies and just getting caught up with the little stuff around here. It gives us a chance to work on our communication styles, teach him some more online stuff, and talk about the big things in digestible chunks.

Last week, there was massive confusion about the appt with Dr. Lee - because their AI sent him a message changing the date & time to way early in the morning. Office called Monday (orig appt), and offered to shift appt time 1/2 an hour, but no way we could've dressed, gotten out the door and navigated our gravel, snowy/icy road to highway and make that time. Turns out - the appt is ONLY required for Dr. to refill prescription. No, he can't just call it in. State law (not our state) mandates an in-person requirement for a Rx that barely helps. I rolled my eyes and muttered some snide comments about bureaucratic idiocy that are the antithesis of "care" all because SOME people abuse the system and narcotics.

We see referral doc way across Va, in the city, on Friday - for alternative options to the stimulator. Since apparently no one is going to take responsibility for changing the leads or removing the device - I asked and got no answer from Dr. Lee. I'll ask the new doc too. That appt MIGHT have to be cancelled; I'm watching the weather forecast closely for a potential snow storm. And we don't have any reason to believe this appt will offer anything useful. ( I DO, do my homework. )

Got the functional sewing side of the studio arranged, I think. There will probaby be little tweaks, as I do work in the space. Got all the fiddly pieces of my project cut out. Just the two main pieces to cut, but I'll have to mark, pin & iron about 20 small pleats, front & back. There's a couple mending projects, too. One summer dress, that needs alterations.

Still thinking about garden situation. There are a couple things that would be easier to manage in raised beds, but will need regular watering. And protection from the varmints. And herbs. And spring brings all it's own "projects". And Hol needs to harvest & process "her" geese that S left behind. Think they're going to be dog food.

lighter:
Bless B's soul..... can't wait for him to catch a big dang break!  Beyond unacceptable FF's sake!!!

Ahem......

Good luck to Hol with processing S' geese.  I'd be tempted to give them reprieves, at a neighbor's farm, but then.... I'm done "processing" animals.  My nervous system deserves loving kindness. 
 Is that something C would help Hold with?  Not that she needs help, just say'in.

I stopped blending raw chicken and bones into dog food a while ago.....gack, pink goo😫, no thank you.  I still make dog food, but with gently cooked meat, veggies and ground eggshells for calcium and in 9 day batches.

Tell B I'm rooting for him.  Maybe reach out to Ranger J again?

Lighter

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