The price of free parking

In July, I had extenisve jury duty. After having jury duty in three different states, I finally pulled a murder trial. What was almost as bad was trying to find free parking in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Just about three blocks away, I found a nice side street with all day free parking. I locked up my Subaru, wished it a good day, and turned toward the courthouse. The heaved up pavement had other ideas. I went down hard enough to break my glasses.
When I showed up at the courthouse with bleeding palms and knee. I was told by the security that it was illegal for them to provide me any first aid. You're kidding!
Fortunately, one of the bailiffs was an R.N. and he got me patched up and then, got me a bucket of ice. During the trial, I kept my hands on the ice, under a pashmina. When there was a sidebar and no one was looking, I held the ice to my cheekbone.
That was 8 weeks ago yesterday.
My knee healed.
My glasses were put back together and though they're scratched they're usable.
My right palm, however, is still a mess. Until yesterday, it still required a bandage 24 hours. With some steroidal cream, I can now go about half the day with it "naked".
Why am I boring you with my tale of woe? Because for 8 weeks I've been unable to work with resin, clay, knitting needles, or almost anything with my hands. It's agony!