The aging homesteader

Carla Burke wrote: .....Even John isn't usually surprised if I disappear for 3 - 5hrs, because I'll go out, working on livestock needs, farm maintenance, or even just foraging/ walking our land. I *usually* try to remember to tell him where I'm going, what I'm doing, if I'm definitely going to be outside for more than 15 - 20 minutes. But, not always - particularly if there is something on my mind or needing time alone (or if I'm pissed off at him) .
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Same with my wife.....right down to the fine print! ;-)  Even though neither of us are cell-phone huggers, I've tried to impress upon her to keep her phone on her when out feeding several large animals, none of which are behind fencing.  Someone brought up the idea of a whistle during an emergency, which actually might be better if like a referee's whistle....she might be more willing to have that around her neck than a cell phone in her pocket.

Earlier this year on a cross-country ski, I fell in a rather deep pocket of snow about a mile from the house and could not get up...never had that problem before, but since the stroke, strength, balance, and coordination all impaired and it's like learning to walk all over again.  That brief flash of becoming coyote food crossed my mind before methodically removing skis and clearing snow to stand back up. Now today dealing with large LGD who came up lame at end of last week....won't put rear foot down.  Getting dogs into cars for vet visits never easy with these breeds, but we're at the 'creative ramp' phase of animal shuttling and hope we can get her to walk up the ramp into the back of the SUV.  Seriously considering a used, low-cost mini-van as a replacement for such purposes.  As they say, aging ain't for the faint of heart...  :-/

John Weiland wrote:...we're at the 'creative ramp' phase of animal shuttling and hope we can get her to walk up the ramp into the back of the SUV.  Seriously considering a used, low-cost mini-van as a replacement for such purposes.  As they say, aging ain't for the faint of heart...  :-/

A friend bought a second hand wheelchair lift designed to fit on a hitch socket. It might be cheaper than running a second vehicle.