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

funeral

Thank you very much, everyone, for praying for us. We had an absolutely beautiful day for Mother's funeral. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the 60's and there was no wind! Can you believe that for Jan.?(About 5:45 45mph winds hit) When Mother said she wanted a graveside service, I thought "We'll see what time of year it is and what the weather is like." All of the grandchildren and eight of the nine great grandchildren were able to be there. Jeanne and I are very glad that we went the week-end before to see her even though she could not talk to us and could not see us. We are sure she could hear us and knew we were there. She is now in a much better place. We will miss her. It seems strange to think that we are now the oldest generation in our family. A new phase of life has started. Ann

Helen's services

I'm sure most of you know that Ann's mother passed away yesterday morning. Graveside services will be Friday at 2pm at the rural Hackney cemetery just west of Highway 77 south of Winfield just after passing Strother Field. A lunch and time of visit will be at the First Methodist church in Winfield at 12pm. Ann says that's where we got married. (am i supposed to remember?) Memorials are to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or to a missionary family we are acquainted with (for more info get ahold of us) I suppose we will be going Thursday morning. We do thank you for the prayers of comfort for Ann and the whole family. Even though we knew it was coming it is still a time of loss and separation. Bob

Ann's mother

Ann and I do thank all of you for the prayers and thoughts of Ann's family. We just returned from Winfield this evening and thought this would be a good way to update you. Helen opened her eyes Friday afternoon when we got there and we thought she knew we were talking to her. We visited her off and on throughout the weekend and saw little change. She is comatose or nearly so most of the time. Jennifer held hands with her Saturday and she gripped Jennifer's hand. Today she was sleeping and did not respond. She is under Hospice care and has had no nourishment or fluids since probably Wednesday or Thursday. She does not seem to be in discomfort except when the aides turn her and clean her. She does have some nasty bedsores and is losing circulation to her legs.
Ann and Jeanne and Bill have made arrangements for a graveside service (her wishes) and the plan is for that to be held in the early afternoon.
Please join us in praying that her life on this earth ends soon and in comfort. I am thankful that I have known her as long as I have (actually longer than my own mother) and that she shared Ann with me. It is difficult to pray that someone's earthly life ends but in a situation like this it would be the best for her. Ann and her sister both said their goodbyes this afternoon before we left. We will miss her. Bob

Bill called us Friday afternoon while we were on our way to Winfield to say that Mother was definitely worse. We hurried to pick up Jeanne and head on to Winfield. I was afraid we might not make it in time. I called Bill again when we got close and he said that she was kind of stabilized and they were not taking her to the hospital. It was very disappointing not to be able to talk to her. She was in the hospital for a blood clot in Nov. and then moved to the rest home. When she got to the rest home she did not have a telephone; so I have not been able to talk to her for several weeks. Watching the aides turn her it seems to bother her quite a bit. The best thing would be for her to go quickly, but I am praying for God's timing. Thank you for praying for all of us. Love, Ann

Christmas ramblings

Over the hills, across the plains,through the woods to the city we go to Jennifer's house today. We're looking forward to the time spent with family and sharing love and gifts and just time with one another. How we are blessed!
We have about 2" of snow so travel may be slower than normal. Lots of snow right Carrie and Kim? Ann is planning to spend the day with Jennifer cooking and preparing the Christmas Feast. With all the sweets and candies that we already have eating isn't too exciting. Man-we really raked in the sweets.. Russell's wife (our employee) fixed a huge basket of candied foods. Ann's cousin sent a Tower of candy as well as several cheese and snack items. I lost a few pounds while Ann was teaching but I suppose that's ancient history with all this food.
We do pray for safety in travel for all in transit today and look forward to the time together with grandchildren, children, parents, sister and her family. We offer a special prayer for Mike and Dana in this time of movement to a new home and envirnoment. From reading Mike's notes people in Alabama must drive a little more reasonably than those in New Mexico. When you're driving 85 mph in the slow lane, things are moving pretty fast-right-Mike.
Anyway-enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus and the fellowship of believers and the love of family and friends.. Bob and Ann

This didn't turn out right I know but Lane was out this weekend and he and I decided to build a crane to rival the ones being used at the wind farm. We thought it turned out pretty well so decided to share with you all. We had fun -he helped me get through gates scraping pens and he thought it was great to be able to herd cattle by himself. He and Grandma Ann filled the cookie jar (yeah) and I finally convinced him he needed to ask his sister to feed his chickens. He really asked her nicely and she had already taken care of it. Chickens in town-he's convinced the sheriff is going to knock on his door! We had about 4" of snow Thursday (light and no accumulation, of course) by Friday afternoon it was mostly gone and Sat and Sunday have been great.

We got a load of cattle from far south Louisana from a customer Tuesday. The truck broke down in Texas and it was 5 hours before another truck got there. They were on a truck for at least 36 hours when they got here. They walked like drunken sailors but filled up and look decent now. The next 3 weeks will tell the tale.

Our church addition is pretty much enclosed-lacking the tie in to the existing roof and the plan this week is to start pulling wires and putting insulation in the walls. The fast part has been done and now it will seem to take forever.

We're looking forward to Christmas in Hutch and are praying for good weather and safe travel.

See a lot of you there-Merry Christmas Bob