Note: Maria’s mother, Maria Gangi, died this morning. Maria and I agreed we should share this news; I’ll leave it to her to write about it if she wishes. I know she will handle this well and in her way. I will be there for her in every way she needs, as she has been there for me. 

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This was a full day, and it’s only half over.

Earlier in the morning, Maria and I went with her to Saratoga for surgery on a toe on my left foot. The surgery went well; I will be in a surgical boot for one week, without showers or much walking around. One more surgery might be necessary; we’ll have to see. Dr. Daly is a wizard; she is doing the impossible.

I’ve also learned that I am almost certainly am suffering from vertigo in the inner ears three weeks ago after my fall and concussion. I give it more time – it usually heals itself – or go to a physical therapist for exercises that make it go away quicker. I’ll let my primary care doctor decide. It occurs only when I stand up after sitting or lying down.

My feeling is to let nature take its course; it hasn’t been a month yet since my injury, and some vertigo – dizziness – can last at least that long in a severe concussion, which I had. It’s still serious but getting better all the time. It does not affect driving, my work, or photography now. And I’m able to sleep in my own bed. I still suffer from exhaustion after doing things involving my brain. That includes just about everything I do.

I hope to return to the Mansion by this Thursday or Friday and at Bishop Gibbons next week.

Getting ready for my surgery this morning

When we got home,  the farrier and artist Matt Ross came to trim Lulu and Fanny’s hooves. He doesn’t like working with donkeys; he finds them complicated and unpredictable. He loves Lulu and Fanny, who he says are the two most gentle donkeys he’s ever worked with. Matt is not shy about refusing to work with difficult horses, donkeys, or people.

It took me weeks to talk him into meeting the donkeys, but I’m glad we did. We enjoy his visits; Fanny adores him, and Lulu accepts him.

While Matt trims their hooves, Maria holds the donkeys steady (they don’t resist).

I’ve had a great flower photo run this summer; it’s not over yet.

Zip is expanding his range on the farm, very much at home. More about him later. When I come out every morning, I see his head peering out under the barn door.

We are working on an issue affecting Facebook’s contributions to the blog. Some people have had their donations rejected. A new policy requires my authorizing the site to accept gifts and donations. I’ll call them this afternoon with a tech helper to sort it out. Sorry for any inconvenience; the new regular payment options seem to please many people, but many were rejected. I  hope to fix that this afternoon.