That’s right, I’m still yakking about my elbow/arm/wrist/hand issue because it hasn’t improved. I’m not complaining—just, you know, making conversation. 

To combat the carpal tunnel/tennis elbow nightmare, I’m wearing a compression sleeve “just like the one professional athletes use” and an air cast—something I had no idea existed until now. When appropriate, I’m using a hand brace that Satan himself might have designed, for typing (ouch) and sleeping.

Additionally, I have seen my doctor and had several sessions of acupuncture and massage. What I haven’t had is much luck, mostly because, according to Dr. Man-Bun, the “best way to avoid cortisone shots or surgery is to rest,” and as we all know (speaking of Satan) there’s no rest for the wicked. Recommendations to avoid typing, writing and driving have gone mostly unheeded, because there’s never a dull moment ‘round these parts, and I’m not independently wealthy. 

Adding insult to injury, I drive a stick (ouch) and a quick glance at the River Reporter’s fantastic calendar section informed me that there were tree lighting hooplas taking place in Roscoe, Narrowsburg, Liberty, Callicoon, Barryville and Bethel over the last few days, in addition to other towns on both sides of the river “rockin’ around the Christmas tree” as well. 

Did I mention the repetitive motion of constantly clicking the camera’s shutter is “aggravating my condition tenfold?” Yeah, that.

Knowing that I couldn’t attend them all, I chose Holiday in Hurleyville last Saturday, which promised a town-wide celebration including Santa, vendors, mulled cider, kids’ crafts, and live entertainment culminating with the lighting of the Rail Trail luminaria, the Hanukkah menorah and the Christmas tree. Sound like too much for poor li’l old one-armed me? It was. 

Between the dog, her stroller (don’t judge!) my camera, pad and pen, I was in a world of hurt long before dark and anxious to “rest” after only snapping a couple of pics and a quick video of Cris Spinner serenading shoppers at the general store. 

After wincing and moaning (Attorneys at Law) for a couple of hours, I packed it all back up again and steered (ouch) toward home, annoyed that the dog was whimpering. I turned to admonish her, but seeing her sleeping, was forced to admit the whining was likely coming from me. Sigh.

“Anyone have pics of the tree lightings around the county?” I talk-to-texted on my Facebook page that night. “I could really use a hand. Shoot me a message if you do” I added, “and thanks.” 

“They’re terrible” lamented Dorothy Wagner of her photos from Kauneonga Lake. “It was so rainy we were inside the fire station.”

“Here’s one of Rabbi Larry Zierler and the menorah,” The Hurleyville General Store wrote, attached to a couple of pics.

“Hancock had an awesome parade and really nice tree lighting!” gal-pal Laurie DeVito enthused, having sent a pic or two along. “You have to go next year!”

Thanks to you all, I’m able to see a lot of what I missed, but the good news (IMHO) is that the trees, towns, stars and menorahs have been lit and we can all view them at our leisure over the next few weeks. Now if I can just get someone to chauffeur me around the region while I gingerly snap pics of my own. Hmmm. 

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