Wanda and Riley updates

First Wanda...
Early this week Wanda was transported to Serenity Equine in Virginia. Much to Dacia's distress, Wanda stood for the entire trip (she was lying down most of the time at home). She arrived safely at the facility and later underwent surgery to cut the deep flexor tendon (tenotomy) and re-align the coffin bone. Dacia is receiving reports that Wanda felt some immediate relief and she is making a good post-surgery recovery. She is NOT in kidney failure thank goodness, and is standing most of the time and eating. There is the "risk of a rupture" according to Dacia, but I'm unclear on what might rupture. Dacia doesn't have a computer (her daughter took it to a conference), so I read her all of your comments over the phone. She sends her thanks to everyone.

Since she can't read this for a few weeks yet, I'll mention that Dacia's outlook has flip-flopped completely. She is giddy with relief and optimism and has unshakable confidence in this vet and facility. Wet blanket that I am, from my distant vantage point they are not out of the woods by a long shot. Nevertheless, I am so glad she is unburdened with the constant care and responsibility.

Riley
Riley turns 3 on Sunday! In a rare show of domesticity, I'm making oatmeal carrot raisin cookies. I called my trainer and informed her of his birthday. We agreed he's "ripe" and we set an appointment to back him next Tuesday. The video camera will be a'rollin.

Last night I put a feed bag on his back. While he showed some initial interest in the enticing smell and the noise it made when the pellets shifted, it didn't bother him in the least when I hoisted it to his back.

Oh, and uh, me...
In 2005 I learned I have osteopenia, or low bone density. Yesterday I had a followup Dexascan (bone density test). Without benefit of drugs like Actonel my bone density has stabilized, almost no change in 4 years although I lost a 1/4" of height (which they say is normal). I'll be starting on Actonel this week.

And, as of now I have lost 10 lbs. I'm almost ashamed to admit how much happier I am in my own skin. It shoudn't matter so much! I truly think it has a lot to do with the fact that I ride, and more specifically, wearing clothing as unforgiving as breeches in public.