It’s at once reassuring and disappointing to come face-to-face with the fact that life goes on, whether or not you are involved or even looking on from the sidelines.  Yesterday, for instance, our soon-to-be new neighbor Cyndy’s fence structure went up while I was otherwise occupied.  I was vaguely aware that the posts and rails were beginning to be installed the day before and then, when I drove by yesterday evening, there they were.  Done!

Meanwhile… I had spent most of my day in the ER at Ocean Beach Hospital.  Long story.  Bottom line:  the pain and swelling in my left leg is not caused by a DVT (deep vein thrombosis, alias blood clot) but by a hematoma caused (probably) by a torn muscle.  Prognosis:  it will heal on its own given time and normal use.

The diagnosis only corroborated what I thought in the first place (doncha love/hate it when that happens?) but, after ten days of increasing discomfort, I was looking for confirmation.  It was one of those series of unfortunate circumstances:  my primary care guru was out of town; the PA taking his patients was slammed; and, when told my symptoms, decided on the basis of my age (old) that I should go directly to the ER.

At Ocean Beach Hospital, the ER doctor (who I loved) thought an ultrasound was warranted but the only qualified technician was no longer with them so they arranged for a hurry-up appointment across the river at Columbia Memorial.  By that time, Nyel was through with his subbing job – in fact, school was out for the summer! – and, in the way of small communities, he had been notified that I was in the ER.  So he was on hand to drive me over for the ultrasound…

And so the day proceeded.  By the time we got home, Cyndy’s fence structure was completed and today Nyel’s “hand-made” pickets will be collected from our garage and installed.  This time, all things being equal, we’ll be around for at least part of the construction process.   It’s always comforting to watch the changes as they are taking place.  Much better than being gobsmacked by the realization that your expertise as a sidewalk superintendent wasn’t needed after all!  And way, way better than spending the day in the ER!