Back to Normal?

I hate to even use that word. What is normal anyway?

Funny story: when I went to the cardiologist last week, (because what 48 year old doesn't want her own cardiologist? This one, that's who.) his verdict was that I am a "normal person." His words, not mine. And yes, he used air quotes. So when the cardiologist has to qualify what normal means when he's referring to YOU, you know that there are definitely shades of normality.

When I say back to normal, what I mean is that Speedy appears to be back to his typical self wherein "normal" means quirky, unconventional, outlandish, zany, idiosyncratic ... you pick. 

50 shades of normal

His leg wounds look 98% healed over. You can read about the original injury here. There's still a bit of rough skin which should shrink over the next few months. I can't say whether all of the hair will grow back, but both legs look really good.

HIs right leg.

His left leg.

It's been too challenging to get an updated photo, not that it looks that much different, but Speedy's tooth is hanging in there. It's still a bit loose, so I don't know what that means for the long term health of the tooth. You can catch up on that story here with a follow up here. That small bit of gum that looked funky - the part next to the damaged tooth, looks much calmer than it did when I took the photo. 

I just had a crown replaced myself, and the technician remarked that my gums had healed remarkably well. Of course I showed both her and the dentist Speedy's orthodontia which they both found incredibly fascinating. Her comment about my gums healing well, after three weeks I might add, got me thinking that Speedy's gums might need longer to heal than I first anticipated. The vet said six weeks; it's been just over three.

Photo from a week or so ago.

If you'll remember, Speedy was recently diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. Spring hit Bakersfield, but Speedy didn't start shedding as normal. (He's on Prascend in case anyone missed that part.) I threatened to body clip him in early April if he didn't get with the program; he got with the program. He's not shedding copious amounts, but the hair is finally coming out in chunks. It's weird to feel relief about shedding, but after the winter of woe we've had, I am entitled to feel relieved about weird crap.

Yes, it's weird to celebrate hair. No, I do not care.

So with all of his parts mostly in place, he's back to a regular work schedule which even included a lesson on Sunday. I'll get to that in a day or so. After working on the flying changes and a better push from behind, I decided to take it easy yesterday afternoon. It didn't hurt that the wind was gusting and threatening to knock us both over either. We don't want to actually be flying during those changes.

The view from between those ears - there's nothing like it.

I grabbed my riding halter, brushed off Speedy's back, and hopped up bareback. We cruised around the neighborhood for all of 23 minutes. He enjoyed it, I enjoyed it, and we both went home happy.

Here's to lots more normal.