Been running around the farm...

After a major illness that had me down for almost a week, I am finally up and about the little farm again. I couldn't have made it through with out the children. They helped feed all the animals, and even did all their chores! Kudos to my kids for being little helpers!

As for the illness itself, no one knows exactly what it was. I have had three different diagnosis from three different medical professionals. A Nurse Practitioner said a possible stroke, or brain attack. A doctor said a UTI. Another doctor said a tick borne illness. At any rate, after the anti-biotics, I can finally talk in full sentences, hold down food, and walk without swaying or nearly falling over. Another plus, I am awake most of the day now. The first day, I slept for 24 hours straight and had plenty of trouble getting up after those 24 hours.

Also, absolutely crucial to my recovery has been my husband and friends. My husband for caring for the children obviously, but also for checking on me periodically to make sure I was well hydrated and breathing clearly. Also, he prepared a special juice fast for me for a few days after the initial 24 hours and fasting for the next 24 hours. He did this by carefully juicing different fruits in the home and watering them down, so I could have some nutrition since I continued to breast feed through out the ordeal. This helped me gain enough strength, that three days after starting my anti-biotics and fasting, I finally had a small meal. It was a dish made from frozen goods out of the garden and crackers.

My friends were absolutely crucial in helping me get to the doctors. I was too ill to drive and my husband has no license, so his friend (and mine) drove me to and from the doctors. Another dear friend, called daily to check up on me and actually bugged my husband enough to get me to go to the doctor at all. This same friend helped cover part of the anti-biotics I needed, after I spent well over 200 dollars on doctors fees and testing fees. I still owe well over 300 dollars for my medical nightmare, but I will have to work on that in time.

Yesterday is the first day I was strong enough to walk with out any fear of falling. Considering I am only 29, this has been a frightening eye opening experience about how old age may look. It is scary, let me tell you. The lack of balance, the inability to say what I mean, and the sudden stuttering issue all took me by surprise. I still make mistake with the words I want to say. Like earlier, I was asking my son what cake he wanted for his birthday (Sept. 3rd) and I said ice cream was a flavor he could choose form. Luckily, he didn't take me up on it.

On the farm, we harvested some round de nice zucchini summer squash, and a lot of green tomatoes. I love fried green tomatoes, but we are actually bringing them in so they will not rot on the vine. I inspected the corn and the goats. The goats are getting fat off all the weeds on my property. The chickens seem good considering they are a bit small. My beans have been trampled by neighborhood dogs, which was a major disappointment. Otherwise, it's just good to be able to walk about the farm again.