Back Among the Living

I am emerging from the bottomless fog of coughing, sneezing, and nose blowing, but I’m still only moving at half speed. It seems like I’ve been sick forever. I don’t really remember what it feels like to be normal, but I know that when I feel it I will be very appreciative of it. My daughter also got really seriously congested, and she’s on medication three times a day. She had bacterial pneumonia a few years ago, so her doctor was very concerned with this illness. I am really relieved that she is doing great, but I think the worry and stress took its toll on me.

Of course, my husband is away on business, so I’m struggling to keep all the animals fed, clean and happy. I have a new awareness of how many almost unconscious little chores I do all day long. On my way to do one thing, I usually also do two or three other things, whether it’s taking out trash or moving “dog” towels from the washer to the dryer or filling a water bucket. This week, it took all my energy and focus to just do the one thing that I set out to do, and I usually had to go lie down for a few minutes after I did it. Fortunately, I’m able to concentrate a little more now and my multi-tasking abilities are gradually returning.

The horses have been full of Spring Fever. That new gate was a life-saver for me since they can run around whenever they want now. They are a dusty, shedding mess. I can’t quite face grooming them yet. I think I won’t be able to breathe if all that hair and dirt start swirling around me. It’s funny how Siete can sense my weakened energy level and is taking every advantage she can to challenge me. Silk went after her a few times, as if to reprimand her for trying to be too pushy with me. I’ve tried to hold my ground, but I’ve basically been a limp noodle all week. I totally disconnected from the horses at one point, just barely being able to throw some flakes of hay at them and make sure they had water to drink. I don’t recall ever having been that unconcerned about them. I was just to sick to care about anything.

So, I apologize for disappearing and for not visiting anyone for a while. I’m hoping that with a quiet weekend and some more rest, I’ll be back in the swing of things next week. At one point, as I staggered around with a muck fork, I realized that I was missing some great riding time this week. No bugs, dry and sunny but still cool enough, but if I had tried to sit on a horse at that moment I would have probably ended up draped over her neck like a ragdoll. I’m hoping that Spring will give me another chance or two before we roll right into the higher temps and the flies and mosquitoes come back into town.