I said it without forethought and then wondered where the term comes from, since I have friends doing it.
Hoosegow is an American slang term for jail or prison. It’s the anglicized spelling of the Mexican-Spanish word juzgado (meaning a courtroom or tribunal), and I want to stay out of one.
On Monday, June 8th, I had a routine visit to establish care with a new primary care physician miles closer to our farm. She said I’m doing great. Driving home, I saw my young Amish neighbors busy usng a horse-drawn mower to tame their large yard. We waved. I knew this would be a perfect time to give them my gift for the birth of their first child. I hurried home, grabbed it, whirled around to dash down the stairs, and only an in-house camera can explainb what happened next. I stepped on something. Or missed a step. I was in the air but came down hard. A stair edge split my left forearm enough for four stitches and spilled plenty of blood. I broke a bone or two in the front of my right foot, my driving foot. Caramba! Wearing a walking boot for eight weeks means instant slow-down. Not my favorite summer plan.
The garden was already planted but I hope to get out there to weed. I can make writing progress. And finish my delayed income tax. But it is shocking how fast our plans and lives can change. I’m thankful I wasn’t hurt worse.
A neighbor will drive me to the next town for a foot appointment to keep me from driving on my own and possibly earning a traffic violation or arrest. I’ve received household help. And the most gorgeous peony and dianthus bouquet I’ve ever seen. Plus, a welcome, long pre-planned visit from my sister and nicee in North Carolina that was perfect timing. They cooked delicious food and took care of loose ends. I didn’t need to drive. I get to stay out of the hoosegow and heal. And I plan to stay law-abiding after that. It was probably expensive–the Emergency Room bill hasn’t come. But I also have much to be thankful for. Including many more chances to go up and down the stairs more slowly.
June 21st was the longest day of the year Time and temperatures will slowly reverse, but there’s still time to enjoy lots of summer. I’ve loved seeing every stage of the hay harvest across our road through my front window. And before summer’s over, I should be nearly as good as new, just a little slower and wiser.
Until next time,
Delores
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