@funcountess The thumb is healing, but it's a long process - no use for 3 more weeks, except to touch fingertips to thumb 3-4Xday to maintain flexibility. Then 2 weeks stretching therapy followed by 6 weeks PT, followed by months of at-home exercise - takes close to a year for full use to return - as I wait impatiently.

As for the garden, I am now able to weed one-handed for a short time each day, so I pick the worst spot each morning and spend about 30-45 minutes while safely keeping the left hand tucked away. Due to all the new mulch, it still looks pretty good in spite of three weeks passing. I have also figured out how to remove, clean and replace the pond filters each day so it doesn't get nasty - so far, so good as long as I go slowly.

Yes, I quickly leave the main road and head down side streets to stay out of traffic & fumes. The local PD set up nearby yesterday, stopped the big trucks & told them to follow the "official" detour and stay off our little side roads, so I'm thankful. We live between 2 cities & two counties, so no one is willing to take the initiative to put up "Local Traffic Only" or reduced speed limit signs... so we just live with it for 4-6 weeks (hoping for good weather & no delays.)

Tomorrow a friend is coming for a walk in the regional park followed by take-out lunch.
Sue