Sunset on the Plantation
This afternoon, someone knew I needed a “pick me up” kind of moment.
Last Sunday, while Brett was pulling up bricks on the riverside of the Mansion, I got started on the old fountain. It has been there since the early 1900s and we aren’t able to save it. So we are pulling the bricks and will be using them in the walkway as a way to “repurpose” them.
The bricks were coming up pretty easily because the cement has dried up and started cracking. As I got the first level of bricks off, I started hammering the cement and wire messing down so we can fill the hole and make it a beautiful space for a bride and groom to say “I do”. After about 20 minutes of breaking this cement up, I remembered we had a chisel we had bought just for this task.
Just a few minutes later, I was starting to really go to town on the fountain. Bricks were coming up and the cement and messing were falling away.
Then it happened….
One good hit and I was screaming. The hammer had missed the chisel and came down on my left, ring finger. I knew it wasn’t going to be good. Brett rushed over and his former Navy Corpsman came out. We pulled off my work glove and my finger was already dripping blood. As soon as I saw it, I ran to the porch. The whole time I was crying and telling Brett how bad it hurt. He got me up and we ran to the kitchen to get it under cold water. As I ran to the kitchen, I started doing the “Oh my this really hurts” dance. But when I put it under the cold water, I started doing the “OMG! This really hurts” dance.
Poor Brett! I was crying and telling him that it hurt so bad. Then I started feeling light headed and telling him I was going to pass out. (I didn’t) But Brett was trying to see the finger and hold me all at the same time. I just love him. All he could see was the blood running down my finger and my hand. We could see that I had two really good cuts. So he did whatever great Corpsman does in an emergency.
Since we haven’t really moved all our things up yet, we don’t have allot of supplies at the house. So needing a plastic bag for ice, he dumped out a hot dog bun bag and made me an ice bag. That plus two towels and we were off to Patient First in Fredericksburg.
One hour and one x-ray later, we found out that it wasn’t broken and I had two cuts, one across the top and one down the side. Luckily, Brett got my wedding band off before the swelling started. They couldn’t do stitches so I ended up with a bulky wrap for a finger. The good thing was by the time we left, my finger had gone numb. And it stayed numb for three days.
The second day after, I got a call from Patient First. Guess what! I did break it. Right on the tip. There isn’t much you can do but splint it and let it heal. But that night, the feeling started coming back. I spent most of yesterday with my hand up, trying to stop the throbbing.
Today has been a little better. The bulky wrap is off and I am just in a splint. But this afternoon, I hit it on the steering wheel as I was driving back from Stafford. It was just a little painful, even with the splint on there. But someone must have taken pity on me as I pulled into the driveway.
Sunset over the wheat field
As I drove down our long drive, I say one of the most beautiful sights. The sun was setting over the wheat fields and it turned them to a beautiful golden color. I stopped the car and jumped out for a picture. I have started carrying my camera everywhere because you never know when it’s going to happen.
I headed on up to the main gate, hoping I might see some of our wildlife. As I rounded our circle, the only thing I saw was a cat laying in the grass by our wooded area.
But then I saw them!
Out from the riverside ran two white tail deer! They had been on the riverside of the Mansion eating. Imgine sitting on the balcony and seeing them come up to eat! It would have been wonderful! I grabbed the camera and got one picture before they disappeared into the woods.
After I got in, I stopped to look back out at the riverside hoping they would come back. Instead I caught two sweet rabbits eating right close to the window. All of a sudden, one started chasing the other. It was so much fun to watch them run and play.
Then I saw it!
Sunset over the River
One of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever had. I grabbed the camera and flew out the door. I got down just to the bluff as the sun slipped down behind the trees. The river was so calm and flat. Almost like glass. And the color. Oh the color was glorious to see. It was as if someone had set up this perfect shot for me to take.
As I came back in, I wasn’t worried about my finger any more. It had stopped throbbing. All I could think about was how beautiful this plantation is and how very lucky we are to be here.
How great to see the wonders of this place and to be able to capture it and share it with you.
Oh, so beautiful! That last photo is magic!
It was just that! Thank you!
I hope your throbbing stops for good and you begin to heal. I don’t think I have ever seen a sweeter sunset than this. you captured a great shot. Put these memories deep in your memory box, because you are going to be so popular and busy with the Mansion visitors, that these sunsets will pass you by
Thank you Terry! I am cherishing each one!
I saw the sunset photo on Facebook before I read the story. So sorry you hurt yourself. Injured fingers and toes really do hurt. Hope you are better soon.
Thank you! It is getting better. It hurts less and less each day.
Sorry to hear about the broken finger. I have broken a few and they hurt. They healed nicely though when I immobilized them.
I am glad that it was not your shutter finger that broke. The pictures of the sunset are really nice.
Thank you! It is getting better. I have learned to type without that one finger. I am glad my shutter finger is going strong too! Yesterdays sunset was just amazing!
Sorry to hear about your finger Michelle… lots of positive thoughts heading your way x x x PS, the photos are stunning. Mother Nature truly is the best healer 🙂
Thank you! It is getting better. Less throbbing today. Yes I agree with you! I can’t wait to see what she has in store today!
Hope the finger heals quickly! :-]
Stunning photo of the sunset. Wow!
Thank you!
Ouch! I hope your finger heals quickly. What a beautiful sunset.
Thank you! It is coming along. It really was beautiful.
Oh, goodness; that had to have been SO painful. Motor Man did something similar to his finger last fall – when an engine part fell on it at our shop. It was his middle finger on the left hand; the first thing they did at urgent care was have him take off his wedding ring.
I’m glad you had a pretty sunset and all the wildlife to brighten your day. How in the world are you typing with that sore fingertip???
Thank you! I hope Motor Man healed well. Mine is doing better today. It was just so cool yesterday. The perfect pick me up. I have had to learn to move a little differently. But it is working. I am making some mistakes though.
Oh, you poor thing. Ouch. Speedy recovery to you. Sunset pic is gorgeous.
Thank you! And Thank you!
Very pretty sunset.
Thank you! I can’t take credit for this one.
The photos are stunning and magical. I hope your finger feels better. I broke the tip of mine and the pain was awful when it happened, and it turned about as black as black can get. Oh, I feel for you. Hugs.
Thank you for the hugs! ((back at you)) It is getting better. I have bruising starting to come up on my hand where I think I must have hit it against the wall when I jumped. And there is black bruising coming up from under the nail. Its going to be really pretty soon!
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Simply amazing how we discover the beauty around us! What a happy ending story for you! Thank you so much for sharing! Annie
Thank you!
A great descriptive piece. Loved the story and the pictures.
Thank you!
What a magical photo. And I’m so glad you are getting better, ouch.
Thank you! It is coming along.