Miller on Draft: September 2008

So......Pat broke his wrist. He was reeling in his third big fish down on the river and when he moved backwards to get off the rocks to terra firma, those stupid rocks made themselves slippery and sent him sliding. He caught himself with his right arm. Since no one else was down by the river (on lower ranch), he drove himself up to the lodge where I was working my final host shift. Our local mountain climber, Ben, bandaged Pat up as well as possible and we hopped in the car to go to the closest ER, in Ketchum (an hour away). Of course there was a forest fire on the side of the road along the way and the road was closed. Luckily the Forestry Service saw the bandaged arm and led us through the pass with a lead car. Finally, we got to the hospital, where we were the only emergency- nice I suppose. They quickly took x-rays (damn, the mean x-ray lady!) and then put Pat under to reset his arm. I got to see t.v for the first time in awhile, but unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it. Since there were no other emergencies we got to rest there for a bit. But once the ambulances called in with a new huge accident, we left and went back to the ranch. The ER Doctor set the arm very well, but we had to go see a doctor this Wednesday to see if Pat needed surgery.

Meanwhile, we worked our last day, Sunday, at the ranch. And then had a big costume party to celebrate the end of the season (pictures to come later). We spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning up and closing down the ranch. It was weird to feel the same quietness that was there at the beginning of the season. I was sad in someways for the season to be over as it was such a big adventure, but happy in other ways to go back to "real" life with Pat.

Wednesday we drove Pat's car with most of our stuff to Boise. There we met with the doctor, who having already reviewed Pat's x-rays online, had already set up an appointment on Friday for surgery. There was apparently no doubt that surgery was needed. They needed to put a metal plate in his wrist and there was a possibility of additional pins being needed. It was not the news we wanted because it will take up to three months of rehab for him to be able to use his arm for work again. But better to be able to use the arm- right?

On Thursday, Pat's Mom and aunt drove us back to the ranch. We had a very nice lunch at Trillum in Stanley and they got a tour around the ranch. Pat & I cleaned our rooms, loaded up my car and said our good-byes to the ranch where we had spent a beautiful summer. We had a good night sleep on Thursday and then got up early on Friday to go into surgery.

Every now and then one finds oneself looking out at a beautiful view in a place one is new to and wondering, how did I get here? How exactly did I get to the fourth floor of this hospital in the middle of Boise? Wasn't I just in my bedroom in Asheville watching the Rock of Love?

The doctor came out he said "surgery was a great success". It only took about an hour for the surgery. The didn't have to put in the extra pins. There was also a little girl there getting surgery on her hand because she had fallen on her pencil (it went through her arm) while doing homework....note to self: homework and fishing are more dangerous than at first they appear. Pat was a little out of it, but doing well. We got loaded up on prescriptions and drove off to the drugstore. It all happened very quickly. Hopefully the next three months will go as quickly.

So now we are in Boise. Taking pills, sleeping, watching movies, walking around his very cool neighborhood. Boise State University is now number 19 in the country and yes, I watched and enjoyed almost the entire game. I am also immensely enjoying shopping at a grocery store and having cell phone reception again. We are having dinner with his family this evening. Boise is lovely town and it's great to be here and together. Not that I don't miss the ranch some, but it's much cozier here.

So, when I say the plans have changed, I mean, they are changing.....into what, we shall see.

Oh and my computer has been broken (completely out of it) for about a week now just to add a little more adventure to the adventure. I know, I know...what about my budget!!!!! But now I'm accessible through Pat's.

My friend Robin came to visit! I know her from Asheville, but she's currently living in Ashland, Oregon, teaching ceramics to college kids. She also has two shows of her own coming. One of which is in Allentown, PA...apparently not everyone has left the town.

Due to the snow and heavy wind, we decided to head to Ketchum. Pat and I taught Robin how to play Dominoes, we had many cups of coffee and I got my cell phone turned back on! Quite exciting.

Then on Tuesday, Robin and I had lunch at the bakery in town. Very yummy pesto, mozzarella sandwich! Pat then joined us for a short hike near Stanley Lake. Robin then headed back to Boise and we headed back to the ranch.

It was great to catch up with Robin. She's a lovely, very open friend.

It was also great to see another person from home. It made me feel not quite so far away!

The cabin pictures are of Smiley Creek Cabins, where Robin stayed. A nice place not to far from the ranch (and a bit more reasonably priced!)