We have a new morning ritual at Bedlam Farm; I have one substantial and one minor foot injury (a blister); I’ve been wearing a surgical boot for more than a week for the second time in a couple of months.

Today,I return to the podiatric surgeon in Saratoga to get some orthotics, examine the wound, and figure out just how long I have to wear this boot, keep my foot dry, and impose on Maria for daily bandaging.

It’s a stubborn injury, aggravated by the fact I can’t simply lie still for most of the days; I keep on moving.

Since I can’t get the foot (or feet) wet, I have to put a plastic sock on when I take a shower. Maria removes the bandage from the previous day, applies various creams, and then re-applies the bandages.

The pandemic has delayed my orthotics, one reason this little drama is continuing. I need them to heal the foot.

We’ll see what Dr. Cary says today; she is super competent and professional; I trust the process is moving ahead. My feet are healthy; although I am a diabetic, there are no signs or symptoms of neuropathy; the doctors get alarmed and super cautious when there is any foot injury.

I appreciate their vigilance. I’m bringing some Amish-made necklaces for the nurses who are so kind and patient with me.

It’s not easy to walk around on that boot, especially when I pretend it isn’t there.

For some reason, the dogs find all of this fascinating; they gather around Maria and me to watch every minute of the bandaging and then rush over to me, tails wagging, as if in congratulations, when it is done.

Maria is an angel, cheerful and helpful, she only complains every other day. Today, I expect more donut boxes and pie pans to be arriving for the Amish. I’m curious to see what happens to laundry day when it’s pouring.