”Horses make a landscape look beautiful. “ Alice Walker
With David healing and housebound, I’ve taken the liberty and have gone horseback riding three times this week given Nurse Ratched a well-deserved break. The last several weeks it’s been with a solid white, beautiful gelding, but over the last week, a black Frisian mare has been giving me the eye. She’s a stunning, shining black, with a sprinkle of white over her rear legs; soft, big black eyes and stands about 17 1/2 hands – that’s close to 6 feet from the ground to the top of her withers.
Today was my chance to ride her and was head over heels in love before we cleared the gate. I sit so tall in the saddle that my fellow riders looked like they were riding ponies. During her trot and canter, we were both in unison, harmony … As the group rides, I always find myself away from the pack . . . basking in the solitude as the whole countryside envelopes me in serenity and a sense of zen.
As you know, David had surgery last week to repair an umbilical (belly button) hernia. He‘s had his good days and bad days since. We‘ve been to the doctor’s office twice this week for bandage dressing and follow-up. During our visits, our GP Doctor mentioned that during the surgery David, under anesthesia, requested Tequila! And when one of the operating team sneezed, he, too said, “Salud.” That caused a lot of laughs in the OR. Obviously, they didn’t totally put him out but were given a spinal block and the infamous Michael Jackson’s drug of choice Propofol.
I’ve mentioned before how pleased I was with the attention he received at the hospital and how accommodating they were towards me. So going in with no expectations and coming out with nothing but words of praise. But here’s the kicker – his hospital stay, anesthesia, medications, and a team of doctors’ total cost was less than what our out-of-pocket cost would have been with Kaiser Permanente back in California.
His antibiotic, Keflex, prescription cost was $1.60 US per pill vs. $9.16 for the same pill in the US (comparison shopping is done online). Unbelievable and hence the continuing controversy in the US over drug pricing.
Our friend, Arvada, brightened David’s day when she personally presented him with this beautiful paper flower basket that she created. It certainly brought a big smile to his face.
Need to send out an APB – sadly, my avocado man has gone missing. Even with the plethora of produce available year-round in México, avocados are in short supply now for the past few weeks. We’re currently between growing seasons and so prices are exorbitant if you’re lucky to find some. Can’t wait to see his cheerful, smiling face back at the Tianguis and accept his taste sample, although he knows I always buy from him.
This week saw its usual, daily rainstorms, but after a particularly early morning one, Madre Naturaleza ~ Mother Nature bestowed a beautiful gift ~ a glorious arcoíris over Lake Chapala.
On The Menu: homemade chicken soup to aid on David’s recovery – the aroma was driving me so crazy that I succumbed and devoured a bowlful. Also: shrimp, clams and vegan chorizo pasta – a great recipe from our favorite TV chef, Pati Jinich, her recipes actually work!
