When I left you last, I had just gotten my shower rehabbed, at great expense
Fast forward almost exactly one week, July 3d.
Friends I have PTSD so that loud bangs and noises are not my friends.
I started drinking Tequila that night, and really over did it.
I blacked out (alcohol poisoning) I do NOT remember staggering and falling around in my bedroom, but I did.
This is the only photo I have from THAT incident, but I hit my head, dislocated a rib and other painful things.
I was sick in bed for three full days.
I was advised INSISTENLY by my Psych to go to the ER and be seen.
I did NOT go to the ER, last time it took NINE HOURS before I was seen and scanned.
I went to an urgent care and got e xrays and a CT of my head, but again they are all insisting I get an MRI, which is scheduled for tomorrow.
In the Meantime:
last Wednesday I was walking around with a Georgia Power (electric company) "Energy Auditor"
I was totally sober (no alcohol since July 3d) and wearing my customary sandals (It be hot, don't choo know?) and caught my right toe on the bottom step, went down again,
hit my head AGAIN, busted my toe,
scraped my knee
and dislocated my pinky finger. Last knuckle was bent back at 90°
It didn't hurt much (I was in shock) so I popped it back into place right there at my dining table.
My nextdoor Neighbor came over and helped bandage my lower extremities
So I reached out to the VA again, and just now had a guy here measuring for RAMPS
I will have to remove that section of wooden fence.
Out front is MUCH more extensive.
The ADA requires for every one inch drop in height, there must be 12 inches of ramp
These ramps are far less than optimal for me, but this is what the codes require.
Major adjustments are coming.
So to change the mood:
I took all these this morning. Enjoy
"So much has happened"
by
Jerry E Smith
©7/21/2026
All images are original
by
Jerry E Smith
©7/21/2026
All images are original
You have been through the wringer. I'm not really sure what words of comfort and encouragement I can provide on the psychological front, but I do have some mundane professional advice: That 1:12 ramp run is the absolute steepest you want if you need a ramp, and honestly, if you can manage an even shallower angle, do it.
This is the mandated/standard ratio, the VA is doing it.
The other thing is that will be all aluminum construction, so no walking barefoot in the summer down either ramp 😎
You're still able to end on an upbeat! I'm glad you're back.
Thank you my friend. I am seriously contemplating cashing out and leaving, since I so rarely post any more
This is a pretty sorry time to cash out! I too post rarely, which I like. I'd hate to lose all the friends I've made here, although I sometimes think about setting autovotes and taking a good long break. Perhaps in the fall you'd have a prettier stash.
I am beginning to wonder if I will still be alive this fall.
OMG, that is a lot of happenings in 2.5 weeks 🙀
Thoughts & prayers to you... 💞 🙏
Thank you my friend. I am up QUITE early getting set to drive 25 miles north to get an MRI of my head
Earlier today I was telling my daughter about your cat's hilarious name, and I wondered how you were doing. Sounds like you got a year's worth of injuries over with in just a couple of weeks. Hope your wounds heal up well, both physical and psychological.
Thank you dear friend, I hope so as well.