Bad News? Or good?

I went to visit Dr. Roscoe this morning. I'd hoped he might give me a couple more weeks at home before sending me back to work. Yesterday afternoon, I pottered about in the garden for an hour, then I mowed the lawn. When I came inside to rest, my foot was swollen grotesquely and it ached like hell. My lower leg was quite tender too, around the site of the fracture. Until yesterday, it had been feeling pretty good. Even Barbara declared I could return to work in a week or so.

The doctor observed my swollen foot and asked what I'd been doing. I told him what I'd done yesterday.

"Well the x-ray looks great," he told me. "The bone is fine. It's the rest of it that still needs TLC. It seems clear that you're not up to par just yet. Come back and see me in six weeks."

"But when can I go back to work, Doc?" I asked.

"I know you're anxious to get back on the train, Dale, but honestly, if you can't stand on your leg for an hour without it becoming swollen and painful, and you can't walk without limping, ..."

He stared at me with those brown eyes of his and reluctantly, I nodded my head in agreement. He was right.

"You've got money coming in and your mortgage is covered. Why not relax and enjoy the summer?"

I felt a little disappointed, Ms J. I was hoping to return to work early in July. But you know what? If the doctor says stay home, then I guess I'll have to stay home. I'll have to continue to sleep late every morning. I'll have to continue socializing and singing and drinking and having fun.

At least until August 2, when I visit the doctor again.


So I called Girl Alex and together, we went to the beach.

Today marks the summer solstice. The longest day of the year, and the first official day of summer. I can walk, Ms J. I can drive. My kids are alright. And I don't have to work until August sometime. I'm off now for dinner and a swim at Kirk and Rey's. Life is brilliant!

***