Have you ever had Trigger Finger? No, I am not talking about the approach of fall when hunters like me get itchy to get out in the woods. I am talking about the medical condition where your finger gets stuck bent in one place and then snaps straight like a rubber band. I have had trigger pinky for about two weeks now, so weird. Not painful, just weird. What concerns me most is what I read about this condition on the internet. This condition is most common in women over 50. What the hell? I am now a woman over 50? Does this mean I have to change my driver's license to Jamie instead of James? Does it mean I can now compete in the "Women over 50" category in my next marathon? Who am I kidding? This old guy (or gal?) ain't running any marathon!
At any rate I sit here typing this, my right pinky bent 1/2 the time then uncontrollably snapping straight.
Several of you have asked how Barb's doctor appointments went. She had bloodwork done and an ultrasound. Both were sources of great news and stress relief. For the first time in several tests her white blood cell count was in the "normal" range. Which, if I were to be honest, is probably maybe the only thing "normal" about her. Her ultrasound showed "Nothing concerning". Good news all around, AND, she is feeling much better!
So well in fact that she tackled a couple of big projects around the house. The first was staining the doors on the shed. A project that she had not planned on doing, but Dan (of Dan and Bonnie) had stained their shed doors, and they looked so nice that Barb just had to do it to keep up with the Jones's.
Although it sounds somewhat simple, this was a 10-hour endeavor over 2 days starting with her sanding the doors and then staining them. That wood was so dry, it really soaked up the stain!
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I disced up a couple of acres for a food plot for the deer. Well, first I mowed it then I disced it, then I seeded it with a yummy clover mix that the deer and turkeys will love, then I dragged it, then I prayed for rain which we never got. That was all a two-day process. Then there were two concrete projects this week. One for Neighbor Jim who is getting a new shed installed in a few weeks. He needed 40x40 footings poured for it. We formed it up this week, augered some holes.
Luckily, I mean sadly, I will be gone next week when he pours it.
Then Kevin had a pour on Friday for a job he is doing. It was Barb, Kevin and I and his son Ryan who is visiting for the weekend.
About 1/2 of the pour had to be done with wheelbarrows. Barb's job was to fill the wheelbarrows, Ryan and I wheeled and dumped, Kevin smoothed. It made for a much longer pour, but overall, everything went well. Kevin even found a unique way of reaching a spot that needed a little touching up!
Oh! I almost forgot about my niece Alana and Ryan came by last Saturday with their fur babies Sophie and Loki. Loki once again just off a fresh surgery to fix his broken leg. This is surgery 3 or 4, I forget. More pins, they are hopeful this one will do the trick. Loki has a pretty gnarly contraption on his leg and the accompanying cone, so he does not lick it all the time.
Chris texted the other day asking when if I was still on schedule to come up next week and if I was in full relaxation mode in anticipation of all the work up there. My response? I told him that I am "in full getting as much as I can get done around here before heading up to the farm mode". Speaking of which, the next post will be from the farm as I head up there in a few days!
good evening, good news on the health. I have not heard of a finger doing before-snapping back on their own. Mine have started sticking or locking up at the joints and then I have to pull them straight-ugh Lots of projects getting done-that is always a good feeling. Happy new week ahead
ReplyDeleteProbably a similar condition, but opposite effect. I it is more annoying than anything, so I am going to see if it self-heals in the next few weeks.
DeleteThat Zoey is something else. Glad Barb is doing well. Don't worry about being called Jamie...if you had any girl blood in you, Barb wouldn't be beating you all the time with fishing, hunting, etc.
ReplyDeleteGood point, now maybe I will give her a run for her money!
DeleteA good read. You both have been busy, Barb's doors look good.
ReplyDeleteThings should slow down here the next couple days. We have to pack and get things ready for the next adventure!
DeleteLove all the doggie photos, the contraption on Loki's leg looks scary. I hope Loki recovers well. Wow, you and Barb never stop working, I guess there is always something to do. Happy Birthday to Lily! Take care, have a wonderful week ahead.
ReplyDeleteI did not know how else to describe the thing on Loki's leg. It looks super painful, but does not seem to slow him down or bother him too much.
DeleteThe doors look great and the little stone wall does too. Good health news -- for her anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe shed doors were "fine" the way they were, but you are right, they look really good stained! I cannot wait to get all that grouting done. I doubt we will do any more before I leave, so it will have to wait.
DeleteYou certainly have been busy! I love the look of the stained barn doors and also the dark grouting on the wall. Now I'm curious what Barb is going to do with that exotic wood. Wishing you happy harvesting and good weather to do it.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both. She just asked me to cut them to size. Whatever she is going to do with them, she will do while I am gone so it will be a surprise even to me!
DeleteHappy Birthday to Lilly. Sounds like a fun day celebrating her. I have had trigger finger and actually had to end up going to the doctor. They had to cut a tendon and this completely took care of the trigger. You sure have some beautiful dogs and I do hope that Loki heals quickly. As Southerners would say..."y'all are busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor." 🤣 thankful that Barb's test have come back good and her white blood count is good. It truly feels good to get things done around the house and it sure looks like you all got a lot accomplished.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it does not come to that. It is not painful or bothersome enough that I feel the need to get it looked at. I will live with it and see what happens. I have never heard that saying before. Around here we use "busier than a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest".
DeleteThat last photo is so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with health issues.
You have so much work to do. My. I'm barely able to do housework. Well, more I can't get motivated. :-)
I cannot wonder what is going through Zoey's mind as she sits there and looks out over the valley. Is she a human reincarnated enjoying the scenery or is she just a dog looking for rabbits?
DeleteWe’re so glad to hear Barb has checked out ok. Dianne has had a trigger finger for years and it just so happens to be her middle finger. She likes to show it to me often! 🤣 You two have to be the busiest retired couple we’ve ever met. I bet Barb’s projects are going to look fabulous. Safe travels to the farm!
ReplyDeleteWas her trigger finger doctor diagnosed or she just uses that as an excuse when she feels like flipping you off?
DeleteYou and Barb have definitely been busy. Is there ever a period where you just sit by the fire and read books?
ReplyDeleteWe read a lot when we are on the road traveling. I do long for the days when our minds will let us relax, sit by the fire, a dog by our sides while we read a book.
DeleteDo you know how furious I am about this post? Do you? Oh, poor Jim. Wa, wa, wa! Look at me, I have trigger finger. Boohoo. Years ago I had a finger that was locked in the straight position for months. Months. Two surgeries later and countless hours of physical therapy with no positive outcome. Not one single "Get Well Card" from you or flowers. You will not get sympathy from me! Then you say you get CRAMPS! I remember being the laughing stock of America because I got a cramp holding chopsticks. Oh the irony. You are dead to me. Glad Barb is doing better. She needs all of the strength in the world to be around such a dead person. Love the blog.
ReplyDeleteMy, what a whiny little "B" you are this morning. I am sure my trigger pinky is more painful and annoying than anything you have had to deal with.
DeleteDon't make me unleash the Spork. Harold F'ed around and found out the hard way.
DeleteYou sporked Harold!?!? I thought there were laws against that!
DeleteVery good news about Barb! Mike has a trigger finger. Whew--you guys have been busy! Grouting--we've done so much of that in both our houses--makes me never want to see a bag of grout again. It sure makes your stone work look great! Love that last photo of Zoey--surveying her domain.
ReplyDeleteWe have about 70' of grouting left to do, which, looking at it that way seem overwhelming. But it is broken down into sections, so we plan on doing a section at a time. Looking at it that way, it doesn't seem too bad.
DeleteGlad Barb's tests came back normal!
ReplyDeleteLove the table she's working on, the grouted wall, and the barn doors. You guys are always busy.
Never heard of trigger finger. Sounds very annoying. Glad it's not painful!
Love what you did in that field for the critters. Maybe it will rain a little. Fingers crossed.
Always like to see the dogs. Man! I really hope the surgery works for Loki.
And happy birthday to Lily!
Will be nice to know Barb is okay now while you are gone. Hurray for that!
Have a great Sunday. :)
This might be Loki's last chance to save his leg. He's been three-legged so much in the past few months though that I am not sure he would notice if it was missing!
DeleteI was wondering where you were!! GUARD DOG!! Gotta love em! By the way, a 40 x 40 structure is not a "shed", it's an industrial BUILDING! Good grief that's a lot of concrete. LOVE the shed door stain ... I see Barb has the same can't-sit-still disease I have. So happy to hear she is feeling better!!! Where are all the pictures of YOU working??? As for your trigger finger ... maybe that will come in handy when you are hunting ... you know, improve your aim?? Good to hear from you guys ...
ReplyDeleteI know, we have been neglecting our blog friends. We usually have relaxing mornings where we read blogs. This week not so much. Neighbor Jim's shed is actually going to be 64x40, but only 40x40 needed footings. Barb definitely has CSSD, way worse than I do!
DeleteLanded here as going back on road, this time camper van. See you're off the road, beautiful place. Husband and his mother cured with no surgeries using the plastic splint. Search Amazon Oval Finger Splints, 5PCS Oval Trigger Finger Splint for Trigger/Mallet/Arthritis/Straightening.....
ReplyDeleteHope the camper van adventures treat you well, I will check out the spint for the finger!
DeleteI was wondering where those redwood slabs might end up. Looking forward to the finished project. The barn stain really highlights the wood doors and siding.
ReplyDeleteMy trigger is worse in the morning and loosens up after watching it pop a few times.
So, you have the traits of a 50+ year old woman as well! Mine does the same, very tight in the morning and loosens up throughout the day.
DeleteAwesome news on Barb. I got tired just reading all you had done this week. What was missing was any breweries/distilleries.
ReplyDeleteI know, what is wrong with us?!?! The breweries and distilleries will be scarce for the next few months. We'll ramp up again in January when we get back on the road!
DeleteGlad to hear Barb's tests were "nothing concerning", you two and your projects!! You said the house was finished?? LOL, the stained barn doors look great.
ReplyDeleteI did say that didn't I! Well, it is done except for this, that and a couple other things. Then it will be done, really!
DeleteGood news on Barb's tests! What a relief.
ReplyDeleteYou all sure had one busy week of hard work. Maybe when you get to the farm you can put your feet up? Ha!
Looking forward to the harvest reports. Stay safe, Jim!
Yes, there is a constant shadow over you until you get the test results back. Now that is off our shoulders, we can carry on and make the most of every day!
DeleteMy finger started doing that the other day! I was singing “Angel from Montgomery” at the time. Hmmm…
ReplyDeleteOh no! That is not a good ailment for a guitar player like you!
Deleteokay, I am here to tell you, you guys wear me out. Always going or staying busy with all the other stuff. I would love to have a sudden burst of energy, at least once a day and maybe, just maybe I could get somethings done. One day here and there don't seem to be getting it done. LOVE, LOVE that pic of the doggie looking out to the open field. Nice catch.
ReplyDeleteBarb is the energizer bunny, and I am the tortoise trying to keep up with her. But at some point, even I give up and just let her do her thing.
DeleteOh yeah, I had a friend that had a trigger finger and had to have surgery on it to fix the problem.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope it does not come to that. It is the worst in the morning bouncing back and forth. By this time of the day (2:00) it just kind of clicks when I bend it.
DeleteThank goodness that Barb's tests have had positive results, what a relief.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing the redwood table when it is done.
Be safe traveling up to the farm. Mxx
Do you guys have redwoods out that way? Our redwoods on the pacific coast are amazing, some of them are over 31 meters in circumference.
DeleteI'm glad to hear Barb's lab work was good news. Praise God. I like the color of the grout. It really stands out. Jerry has done a lot of tile work. Black grout was the worst...said he would never work with black grout again. I love the last picture...Zoey enjoying her kingdom. ❤️
ReplyDeleteFunny thing about the grout. We could not remember how much dye we put in the other batches, so we started on the other side of the house away from the stuff we already finished just in case it did not match.
DeleteOk, never heard of Trigger Finger but it does sound weird and not something I want.
ReplyDeleteGood to read Barb's test result were normal and nothing to worry about.
The dogs made me smile
Trust me, it is not something you want. Life is challenging enough as we get older, I do not need another ailment to deal with!
DeleteYou think trigger finger of the pinkie is bad - after all the repetitive rock business this past fall I suffered from trigger middle finger and trigger thumb(!!) on the same hand at the same time. Whew! They will usually resolve on their own (ask me how I know), but it takes time. I am only now able to bend my thumb in a normal manner. The icing?, it was my dominant hand, LOL! (Not really). Hope it resolves for you soon. Good luck up north, and good luck to Barb with her special project.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awful! Someone else commented that they had it on their middle finger and her husband thought she was flipping him off all the time. But to have it on two fingers at the same time? How annoying! Good to hear it can resolve itself though.
DeleteGlad to hear Barb got good news from her tests:) Always a weight lifted off the shoulders. Love the newly stained barn doors! Awesome dog photos and video this post! Thanks! Poor Loki looks so sad in that cone. Can't wait to see Barb's new creations. Have a fun and safe time helping at the farm.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how dogs adapt and deal with pain. Those pins look so incredibly painful, but it did not seem to bother him at all.
DeleteSorry to read about your trigger finger - my mom had one. It would come and go from time to time. So happy Barb's tests were normal. Looks like the two of you were extremely busy. Take care and have a great week.
ReplyDeleteWe are very happy with the test results. Even though you try not to show it, there is always a weight over you until you know for sure.
DeleteHappy Birthday to your Granddaughter! They grow up so fast. Boy I tell ya my leg started to hurt when I looked at Loki ...I do hope it heals well. Yes I have had trigger thumbs...two of them. Sooner or later your finger may give you much pain when it pops back in place...and it may pop in and out. If that happens Vet Wrap works great to keep it in place...you can buy it at any Farm Store in the Horse Department it comes in some great colors! Just wrap it straight and you will be good to go until you have to have surgery. You are headed Up North for Harvest hope it is a good one. Travel safely. Good to hear that Barb had good results from her tests. Tell her I said to wear a mask when sanding wood:)
ReplyDeleteI laughed at your last comment. Yes, she probably should wear a mask while sanding. We are very familiar with vet wrap from our horse years. I think we still have some on had for just such emergencies. Now, the real question is what color to wear?!?!
DeleteSounds like you and Barb had an incredibly busy week!
ReplyDeleteThe projects look like a lot of work, but the results are amazing.
Great to hear Barb's health news is positive—what a relief!
Loved hearing about the fur babies' reunion and the Queen of Hearts excitement at the VFW.
Safe travels to the farm—can't wait to read about it in your next post!
The pups did have a great day, they get so tuckered out at the end. It is lots of fun to watch them.
DeleteSo good to hear Barb's tests came back good! How amazing you guys were able to do projects around the home! Sounds like your little Lily had an amazing birthday! Hope you two and your family have an amazing rest of the summer!
ReplyDeletexoxo, MidoriLinea
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world
Thanks, we are thrilled with the results!
DeleteSo glad of Barb’s medical results! Great news indeed. Hope that finger recovers!
ReplyDeleteI'll live with my finger like this my entire life if it means good news for Barb!
DeleteThat is a great last photo of Zoey. I always wonder what dogs are thinking as they sit and surgery their territory. Perhaps they aren't really thinking much at all. I would be great to be able to know how dogs actually think sometimes. And you've both been busy. That's a whole lot of work you've done recently. Have a great week ahead. Erika
ReplyDeleteRight? There has to be some deep intellectual thinking going on there. Like; squirrel, rabbit, ball, food.....
DeleteI am pretty sure you could compete in the Woman over Fifty category of a marathon nowadays. All you have to do is say that you feel like a woman and viola, you are and it would be completely fair to compete against them. #progressivismiswonderful (for guys!) You two have been busy! You all are talented. Hope that pinky straightens itself out, literally!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think I will pass on the 50+ woman's marathon. It would be too embarrassing to have the 80- and 90-year-olds passing me up and leaving me in the dust!
DeleteHappy to read the great news for Barb! I have a soft spot for barns…old or new or anywhere in between! The newly stained barn doors are gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the table and shelves…redwood has such pretty lines. And your stone work was already a piece of art which the grout just really shows off. Zoey and Sophie are so cute together. Fingers crossed for Loki! And the sweet photo of Dakota really grabs my heart! Safe travels to the farm!
ReplyDeleteThe two shelf projects are done so you can see them later this week. That is assuming I have time to write a blog!
DeleteI've been on blog break (still am) but had to check in and say good news on Barb's test -- and not such good news for you. I hope everything can get worked out for your finger soon.
ReplyDeleteI can live with my finger, I only care that Barb is recovering. Enjoy your break!
DeleteGood news about Barb, but strange finger issues for you. You both really know how to keep busy with house and yard projects when you are home. The stained barn doors were a big project and looking forward to seeing the table when completed.
ReplyDeleteThe table might be a week or two. The shelves will make a debut in the next blog!
DeleteAwwwww Zoey surveying her domain! Brought a tear to my eye, as did poor Loki with all that nonsense hanging all over him! But his leg will soon be well and that's good news. I'm glad to learn that Barb is feeling better and that the tests were satisfactory. She certainly gets out there and tackles just about anything there is to be tackled! The problem with keeping up with the Joneses is, it can cost a lot of time, energy, and money, hahaha! Those shed doors really do look nice, though. TG will not let me touch a paintbrush. I have no idea why! Lily is a darling girl. I said the other day that I have to stop calling three-year-old Rhett "Baby Rhett" ... I have never called Elliot "baby" anything, and HE'S the baby! I call him Skippy. Because he's a peanut. xoxo
ReplyDeleteZoey does that almost every evening. We think nothing of it other than wonder what the heck she is thinking looking over the landscape. She looks like Simba from the Lion King standing there!
DeleteWe call our granddaughter Kendall, Baby K, although not to her face anymore as she is now 9 years old. I just doubt she would appreciate it!
Oh I meant to add, I have never heard of trigger finger as you described it, but it sounds like a major annoyance. I'm so sorry. The closest I can come to that is, a year or so ago I noticed that the second toe on my right foot was constantly drifing over and sitting on top of my big toe! I was like, whaaat? The doctor said it's crossover toe. I think it can be treated but I have not yet been to the podiatrist. It's always something. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOkay, that is just bizarre. I have never heard of crossover toe! That sounds equally as annoying!
DeleteYour blog is appropriately titled as you have quite the adventures going on at your house and keeping you both busy. I loved seeing all of the progress being done and the doggo photos were awesome. I have a yellow lab (Ms. Frizzle) and a basset hound (Lucy) so the more dogs the merrier. Hope the finger feels better and glad to read the good news about Barb.
ReplyDeleteBeing fairly new to your blog, I went back and looked for pictures of your furbabies. I have not seen Ms. Frizzle yet but did see Lucy as she was the feature photo on your July 18th post. What a cutie! We too used to have a basset, but just could not keep her at home. We lost her twice. One time we received a call from someone across a large river she had apparently swam. The second time we received no call. We like to imagine she was picked up and cared for by some loving family and had a great life.
DeleteSo glad to hear about Barb's tests! I so envy her being so creative and doing all she does! The barn doors look amazing, even though I liked them before the stain too! Your Little Lily is turning into a beautiful young woman. Love the pic of her and your son! :) Looking forward to your adventures on the farm! Doesn't seem that long ago you were there! Time sure flies! Zoey is adorable in the last pic!
ReplyDeleteBarb and I were just saying the same thing. It seems like I was just at the farm. And really, I was. I spent several weeks up here in the spring, then we went to Alaska, I was home for 3 weeks and came back up again. I think I am spending more time up here this year than I am at home!
DeleteI knew someone once who had trigger finger. It was very frustrating but resolved on its own as I recall.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy the medical test results were good
Y'all have been busy!
I am hoping this resolves itself as well. Been a few weeks, no improvement yet but I can live with it.
DeleteSlowly getting caught up and of course you two have not been idle!!! What an epic summer. Glad the dr news was good - always such a relief. And truly normal is overrated. Love the barn doors, the perfect color. That soft sided cone is a wonderful upgrade to the old hard ones. Sounds like a great way to celebrate teenagerdom!
ReplyDeleteI'd never seen that cone before. They've come a long way!
Delete