An Alder Adventure

Saturday I had other plans, but Doug was going to help Alders brand their cattle, and he talked me into going with him so that we could spend "family fun day" together. Why not? Early in the course of things, Shane accidentally stabbed the back of his hand while vaccinating a cow. This type of thing happens occassionally, and he didn't say much about it. In fact, the only reason we knew was because we asked about the blood on his hand. Hours later, after doing the most labor-intenseive job the whole day (tilting the calf table), he asks Doug to take over because he had a bit of nausea and felt like he might vomit (not to mention his hand hurt REALLY bad). I took a look at his hand and--gasp--it had swollen up A LOT. Following calls to Pfitzer Animal Health (the number on the package), and another to KaLynne (my wonderful friend that is a doctor and will explain the REAL dangers), Doug, Becky, and Shane took a nice little ride to the ER (I think Shane still wanted to tough it out, but we insisted). By this time Shane's hand was HUGE. I volunteered to watch the kids. Do you ever commit to something before you really undstand all that is involved (I'm not talking about watching the kids, they were great... )? Well, that is what I did, though I cannot say I was not warned. Madyson wanted to go swimming, which was fine with Becky. I asked where they go swimming and Madyson told me "in the swimming pool", but Becky quickly warned that Kate would get muddy. I told Kate she could swim anyway... I mean, how muddy can a swimming pool be? Well, I found out after slathering sunscreen on everyone. Take a look for yourself! I was a bit shocked. What on earth had I just agreed to? I must say, even Kate was a little hesitant at first. She had never done anything even close to this before, and she didn't quite know what to think of it. It was not long though before the Alder kids showed her how much fun it was, and she was thoroughly enjoying herself. It was actually (cringe) fun to watch, though I am sure my expression looked much like Jessa's (see slideshow). Kate has asked me now for the last two days if she can go to Connor's house to go swimming in the mud. How is Shane? Well, three shots of Morphine (which did nothing for the pain), a tetuns shot, two IV's, x-rays (because the dirty needle hit the bone), a prescription or two, and a special blessing later, we think he will be fine, though it will take awhile before he is able to use his hand like normal....Just a typical ALDER ADVENTURE!