the latest of Bob's accidents

Most of you know by now that I had an accident with anhydrous ammonia Wednesday about noon. Anhydrous ammonia is a common form of nitrogen fertilizer that we have used for many years. It is contained in a tank under pressure at -28 degrees and forms a gas upon contact with air. It is a very hazardous product but the most economical way to apply nitrogen to the soil. Proper precautions include goggles and rubber gloves. Anyhow, I felt I needed to work on a flow meter which regulates the flow according to the tractor speed. It hadn't been working properly Tuesday. When I quit Tuesday I shut the valve on the tank off and turned the rig on to drain what was in the system or so I thought. Wedneday I checked the tank valve to be sure it was closed and proceeded to dismantle the flow meter. There was my mistake in that I should have disconnected the hose from the tank. As I begin to loosened bolts on the flow meter a slight hiss started and I really wasn't concerned as that could be expected but when I loosen the next bolt it blew an o' ring out and hit me in the left side of my face with liquid and vapor. One stream must have hit my mouth and the other my forehead. Immediately I jumped away of course trying to get my breath as it takes your breath and breathing is difficult. Those of you that have been exposed to CS or tear gas can relate only this is worse. My first thoughts were for my eyes as it is very destructive to eyes as it sucks the moisture out of them. I knew I had a jug of water in the tractor and I got it and begin washing my eyes and mouth and face. It was extremely difficult to talk and breath but I tried Ann on the cell phone and it didn't immediately ring and I knew I couldn't wait so I dialed 911 and reached the Scott City dispatcher and I had to struggle to tell her where I was and she then transfer me to Leoti and I had to tell her several times to get my location across. I hung up on her once so I could wash my mouth and throat again. Then I called Ann and said that I needed help and had called the ambulance and hung up. That of course greatly frightened her and she got to me before the ambulance and begin praying mightly. I wouldn't let her see my face as I thought it was horribly burned especially my mouth and lips and nose as they were numb and felt swollen. An EMT neighbor reached us then and encouraged me to continue with the water as that is the only treatment. The ambulance got me to Leoti and they made me strip and shower before they would work on me. The one nurse was decked out in her haz-mat suit. They flushed my eyes for 5 minutes (try that sometime) and started me on steriods to help reduce the swelling. My throat started to swell shut and then they gave me epinephrine twice and that seemed to help. Anyhow they put me in a room and sent me home about 5 pm.
Today (Friday) my forehead (which blistered right away) is red somewhat like a birthmark. I have evidence of burning all around my left eye and my cheek looks like old leather. I have gotten feeling back in my upper lip though it also feels like it is really chapped but carmex doesn't help. The doctor said my eyelashes were white on the ends. My biggest discomfort is a terrific sinus infection on the left side. It's like I have a really bad cold but I didn't have before.
That's my story and I greatly acknowledge that is only by God's grace that my vision was not damaged. He also guided me to the water and kept me from falling from the rig. We are extremely grateful to live in a rural community where we have very dedicated emergency volunteers that give of their time without expecting anything in return. Many friends have called and we know that prayers went out in a time of need. We thank you, our family, for your prayes and love. Bob

new leather

It finally came Friday afternoon. I think I was as anxious as Luke and his bow. I ordered this saddle back in July so it was almost as long as waiting on a baby. For several years I had been kind of looking and after much proding from Ann I made the move. It is incredibily comfortable and fits the horses well. It's a little heavier than I would have liked as that was one reason for the change. Have'nt gotten to spend much time on it yet -just a couple hours this morning. Getting to spend most of the day riding will really tell the tale of how comfortable it really is. Of course getting it broken in will take some time but I am glad to have it before calving starts as that is when I get to spend a considerable time horseback everyday and get to put some miles on.

We both have been busy with mostly just life things. Ann has actually been home most of the week and has'nt been called to substitute much and we are doing a little farming between cold spells. The feedlot is still full but we expect to start moving the custom cattle out soon. Our last years calves will start to be ready to sell in April and getting that done in the correct time as to garner carcass premiums is always a challenge. We have had some incredible days for January and early February - for example yesterday a front came roaring through around noon and we had 60 mph winds straight out of the west but the high was 75 degrees. We do need some moisture and some is promised this weekend. Our church addition is progressing rapidly and we plan to be in it by Easter. I expect Ann will spend several days painting and when the weather warms we will shingle. I agreed to serve as a ruling elder after only having 1 year off but we have a real shortage of men qualified and willing to serve.

You all have a great week and be careful out there!! Bob and Ann