Saturday, June 14, 2008

More misc

I had groceries delivered yesterday. It was completely painless. Woohoo!

We will probably be haying very soon. Possibly even cutting it today. When I say we, I mean my neighbor. They have all the equipment, all I do really is stack it in the barn. It just depends on how cooperative Mom is. Sometimes I can help stack it on the haywagon too, if Mom will sit in the truck. I will be very happy to have it in the barn. Hay prices are crazy, and probably just going to go up. I'm almost afraid to say it, but it looks like we'll have a bumper crop this year. I might just get enough so I won't have to buy any. That would please me immensely.

I now have four horses mowing my grass on the south side of the driveway, and they will bring six heifers over to take care of the grass on the north side of the driveway. We have to string some more electric fence, I don't really want cows running all over the yard and pooping everywhere. Some semblance of a "yard" would be nice! I was hesitant to have electric fence where Mom could get to it. They are trained well enough to it that they don't challenge it. So I turn it off during the day, and turn it on at night. No zaps for Mom.

Thursday night the neighbors came over with their disc mower and cut a couple of swaths on the ditches on either side of my driveway. I brought Mom out to walk the driveway, and helped fork the grass into their truck to take home for their cows. Mom went out to the end of the driveway to the mailbox, checked it, and took about two steps on the other side of the mailbox before I called to her, and she turned around and came back. A car passed her as she was at the mailbox. The neighbors left with their truck full of grass, and Mom and I went into the house to make supper.

A half hour later, there was a deputy at my door. They had a report that there was an elderly lady wandering the road, so they stopped to make sure everything was ok. I explained that she was at the mailbox, that there were four of us standing right there on the driveway watching her, so there was no problem. I suppose that I should feel glad that people would report it, but instead I felt sort of angry. Like my caregiving ability was being questioned. I've spent thousands erecting fence and gate to help keep her safe, watch her like a hawk, what the hell else do they want from me? What more do I have to give? I don't have anything else to give.

I kind of wish that the llamas had been out in the yard. I don't know if he would have made it to the house. At the very least he would have had an escort the whole way. Does that make me a bad person?

4 comments:

rilera said...

I would feel the same way as you felt about the people reporting 'an elderly lady wandering'. I'm glad you are going to have a bumper crop of hay. That's good.

MJ said...

Annie - you are doing an amazing, super-human job taking care of your mom. Someone saw her, didn't have context, and wanted to make sure all was well. Have peace in your heart that you are doing EVERY damn thing in the world for your mom. Wish I could do more to help you! Now that you have that fancy outdoor skeeter-proof sitting area, I might have to come visit! Too bad I won't make it in time for the haying...

Olga said...

no no no that in no way makes you 'bad'. Just over zealous drivers who feel like the must police everyone else. and you know what? You are giving the very best of care and deep inside your mom she knows that.Don't let that throw you for a loop.

Cindy said...

Oh, my Lord! I read that and thought to myself how typical. Not the sheriff, but the people that reported you. Don't berate yourself. You're doing fine. There is a thing known as "relative safety." I'm so glad you're getting the hay cut and in. That will mean a huge savings on feed. What a relief.