SO AS the flight draws nearer, fortunately I feel better each day. But let me explain.

A few weeks ago as snow was melting and rooves still had loads of ice, I had the brilliant idea to solve that problem. With no accident being a 'smart' one and all of them being kind of foolish, my ladder tipped over and down I went crashing ever downward. My body felt 'white' with shock. And embarrassed because of my stupidity.

Summarizing the next little bit - if I broke any ribs, there is nothing to do but let them heal. My lungs were not punctured. Keep breathing deeply to avoid pneumonia. My arm bones are likely bruised but not broken. Take ibuprofen and rest. Though not great news, not terrible news. Moreover, Dodie Miller (another blogger on CycleBlaze) had a cycling fall in Portugal a few weeks ago, seemingly broke some ribs, yet is continuing on that tour even now - this gives me great hope.

To today. I am fine walking. I am fine on the bike trainer in the rec room. Deep breathing is fine. Ibuprofen quickly masks the rib pain.

Conclusion: I am leaving for Madrid in a week from today.