Recovering in Switzerland – Now What?
Recovering in Switzerland – doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Let me back up my story.
Upon returning from Portugal in early August, Marc and I headed over to Rolle, Switzerland for the annual Semaine du Soir, a week long sailing event. There 5 evening races, followed by an evening of food, drinks and dancing each night. We stayed with Marc’s longtime friends, Philip (Fifi) and Ursula Rosset in their historic home. Fifi and Ursula have a family-owned wine growing and producing business called Domaine Rosset . There are many wine growers in the area surrounding Rolle, and the wine their is very unique to Switzerland. The wines tend to be on the very dry side, and some have a touch of sparkle. The wine growers of Rolle sponsor the Semaine du Soir sailing event, and contribute the wine for the evening festivities.
Fifi has a sailboat christened “Follow Me” that was participating in the event. Marc was once a professional sailor, and has competed in many big sailing races around the world. He also has extensive knowledge on shipbuilding and sailboat rigging. He currently has a business known as Jahaya Marine. Marc and Fifi have sailed together for many years. Marc’s brother, Eric, also had come as a crew member, and unlike me, has many years of experience as a sailor. I was fortunate to be included as crew.
On the first evening, we had moderate to light winds, and had an unremarkable finish somewhere in the middle to front of the pack. Afterwards, we enjoyed a dinner under the tents with the crew, Marc’s mother Renee and Aunt Evelyn. Around 11:00 pm, Marc, Eric and I began our walk back to Fifi and Ursula’s house.
The walk back involves a stroll along the Lake of Geneva, then maybe a quarter mile walk up the hill. Somewhere along the lake I rolled my ankle, and Marc and Eric had to help me, limping on one foot, to the nearest street. We called Uber, and after getting to Fifi’s house, I had to drag myself up 2 flights of stairs to our room.
I stubbornly refused to see a doctor for 2 1/2 weeks, thinking it was just a sprain. I finally went to the hospital in Davos, Switzerland, where I learned that I had two broken bones. The service at the hospital was fantastic, with little to no wait. I had x-rays and a cat-scan, and was in and out of the hospital in maybe an hour and a half. Fortunately the bones were all lined up and no surgery was required. I had to return the next day for a synthetic cast, with a similar experience. Now I am stuck here, wearing a cast, for the rest of the summer.
The good news? I am very lucky that I have Marc and his mother to look after me. I have my oil paints with me. I have, so far, created 6 paintings. I also have my laptop with me, and can work on my website as well as social media. I also have my Canon Rebel camera, and have been able to take some great pictures.
We found time to visit our friend, and Swiss Olympic dressage superstar, Christine Stuckelberger. She was very busy with lessons and clinics, but found time to spend with us nonetheless. We enjoyed dinner at her house, and watching her train horses and other riders. I was on crutches, of course, and could only watch. Marc busied himself with little projects around the farm (he is so industrious!). He also helped care for the horses, which at the moment comprises of 8 stallions and one mare. He had to watch his back, as you can imagine, when in their stalls!
I have become a grandmother again! My son Jackson and his wife, Wendy, have a baby girl they have named Danica Dodd. She is quite beautiful, like her older sister, Francisca. Jackson’s sister ( my stepdaughter )Megan has also had a baby girl named Mila. Congratulations to both families!
We have been visiting some lovely spots around Davos, anywhere we can get with a handicapped person, that is. I have to say the United States is much more handicapped-friendly. A trip to a public restroom can be quite an adventure on crutches, having to navigate steep stairways and cramped quarters at times.
For now, I am chained to my easel, which is a good thing. I am trying to make the best of things and be productive with my time. I hope we are not smelling, like they say fish and guests do after 3 days! Marc’s mother, Renee, is a really good sport to put up with us. So far, we have been here for about two weeks, and I should be recovering in Switzerland. (I know that last sentence is poor grammar, but in order to get good SEO ranking, I need to repeat the title verbatim at least a couple of times in this blog).
Marc, too has been wonderful. He has taken excellent care of me. He has stood by my side, even though I have encouraged him to explore on his own. He wants to be with me – how lucky am I?
By the time I get home, I should be able to remove the cast.
We have been watching events unfurl in the US, with Hurricane Dorian threatening Florida, and we are crossing our fingers and praying no one loses their home or their life. Our horse, 007, is safely out of harms way with our friends, Tim and Natasha Russel, in North Carolina.
Good luck to everyone there in Florida! A warm hug from us both,
Martha and Marc
Ps: Have you visited my store yet?
