At the end of my last post, I said we were going camping. Let me assure older adults that are considering taking up tent camping in the winter that you are suffering from impaired judgement. It's cold out there! Public showers are no fun. Inflatable mattresses are too low, too soft and too cold. Don't do it! But aside from that, I thought it would be nice to join my teenage daughter and her pals on a horse back ride. I have only ridden once before, with the girl scouts a few years back. This time they gave me a young strong horse explaining that the older horses couldn't handle my weight. Harrrumpph! And the guide warned me to "move like a ninety year old man." He didn't know I was something of an expert on dementia related apraxia. I know how ninety year olds move and can do a reasonable imitation. Well the horse didn't seem to appreciate it, he threw me on the ground, dragged me a while, then stomped on my leg to make sure I wouldn't get up and chase him. I spent a very uncomfortable night in Inland Valley Medical Center where I got pretty good care in the ER but the worst nursing care I have ever witnessed on the floor. It made me sad to think of the patients who end up there without a skilled advocate.I had a couple of follow up surgeries at Huntington Memorial where the care was excellent. I had student as well as staff nurses care for me over ten days and can tell you, it's better now than when I trained there in 1980. I lost about 4 months work and will likely have more surgery to maximize my recovery and minimize what will be a lifelong handicap. There is a diagnosis called "altered body image" that is supposed to describe how someone feels when they lose a limb, or acquire a scar. It doesn't nearly describe how going from a regular gym attendee to complete bed rest makes you lose your identity. I have been an advocate of risk taking, because overcoming challenges makes you better at living your life. But be sure the risk is a reasonable one. Riding a unsuitable horse can teach you the reverse of the saying "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And wear a helmet.