When will I learn?

OMG, you were so so lucky, it could have been disastrous. With luck a butterfly will do the trick but maybe you should have a tetanus injection?

Goggles might by an idea if you do any sort of dangerous gardening again, Tricia!

I do hate chain-saws though - the very thought of what damage one of those could inflict...

Glad your injury isn't any more serious Tricia. Willows are fairly dangerous in my opinion- I got smacked just above the eye as well a couple of years ago. I'd pushed back some branches so I could weed underneath and one snapped back and hit me. New owners of the house can deal with them now!

Thank goodness it missed your eye Tricia!
If it makes you feel any better, or at least gives you a laugh, I've just been stuck in the bath for 12 long minutes because I couldn't get out Nearly had to ring my son!

Hope the eye mends soon.

At least you are clean Lona.

What a close shave Tricia.

I've just banned DH from using the electric hedge trimmers while standing on a wobbly ladder!

Thanks for the sympathy etc.
Katek - we should know about willow - isn't it used for cricket bats?
The point is, how long should we try to go on doing the same physical chores, when we're either not strong enough, or our reactions are slower?
A bit like driving really.

Problem is when one lives alone and there isn't a helpful neighbour, and on a state pension, can't afford to pay handyman. Says she who fell off a ladder, but fortunately didn't damage anything!!

I think I have mentioned my godmother before - over 90 and tried to reach a high shelf by standing on a chair on a table!!! It didn't end well, but she didn't break anything.

Today I was trying to adjust a new draped voile curtain on the landing window.... part of it is over the stairwell. I used a stool to get my knee onto the window sill, using the opened top vent to get a steadying hold I was able to stretch and reach and tweak the offending piece of fabric looped around the curtain pole with the soup ladle.

It was a foolish thing to do.

A few weeks ago I decided to move a large shrub stump that had to be relocated. I had repeatedly asked DH but to no avail and being impatient thought I would do it myself. The shrub had been well cut back, so I dug all around it and pulled gently to loosen it, then a little harder and all of a sudden it came away and I staggered backwards with it across. (luckily) the grass saying out loud Ooooh! Ooooh! Ooooh! until I fell with the stump on top of me, the fall loosening all the soil trapped in the roots over my face. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry...nearly cried the next day with pain in back and knees though and DH comment of being 'too old to be so impatient' Grrr...

Don't know HOW that picture got there........Spooky....or need new glasses...

Sorry, dunit, but I did smile a bit at the picture your description conjured! I hope your back has recovered!

Sounds like it might be an idea to get some help with some of the jobs, Tricia. Could you ask at the Mairie? Our neighbour who does the maintenance work for the commune does a bit of hedge and grass cutting for people here.
We have a lot of large trees round the border of our property that need cutting back and I am trying to book our wood man for later in the year, but he is too busy making cider and shooting small animals to talk to me at the moment!

That's what I would like to do Mamie, I know of one who isn't too expensive. But husband won't have it - "I can manage!"
Dunit - You poor thing!
Mine is like your husband, at first when I ask he says it doesn't need doing, but he did help yesterday.
As for the wound, the Dr. said it was too late for a stitch, but cleaned it up nicely and it doesn't look too bad.

I hope you are OK.

I am not sure we should admit we can't do things too soon. We might end up sitting in front of daytime TV and then what's the point of anything?

Mr N is always suggesting I don't do things but I ignore him. I have asked for a chain saw for Christmas because it has to be a lot easier than an ordinary one.

Of course take every normal precaution and then just get on with it. Life is too short to be ultra cautious.

I am reaping the rewards of not being cautious and will never be able to walk normally again! I am converted to the cautious school now!!!

It is easy to be gung-ho until something untoward happens - and at our age it is more likely to result in a break.

As I have found to my cost, there are widespread knock-on effects from a simple injury at our age. My life has been changed completely - and not for the better!

Take care one and all!

Nonnie - I agree, I don't want to end up too soon watching daytime TV either.
I just want to be able to contnue doing my usual jobs, maybe a bit slower, but not taking risks.
I've had a few accidents in the last year, some with more serious consequence than others.
Luckygirl's experience proves what a small mistake can lead to, and I dread to think how I would have coped with only one eye.