what a few stitches cost

Did you know a trip to the emergency room for stitches costs 700 dollars?

I got the bill for Starflower's recent incident the other day, and it nearly blew my mind. I knew we were talking at least a couple hundred bucks, but wow.

I was grateful for the bottom line: "Expected insurance coverage = 100%", although I knew better. We have not met our deductible for the year, so we will have to pay about $150. Still, I am more fortunate than a lot of folks in that my job provides health insurance.

While I think a lot needs to be done in the way of cost containment, personal responsibility, and defining why it is that people need to be on so many prescription medications anyway, I am glad this nation has finally taken a big step towards providing affordable health care for most, and guaranteeing that those who need it most will not lose it. After all, stitches happen, despite our best efforts at prevention. Although maybe next time I'll do them myself! (Taking them out myself saved us/insurance at least a $120 doctor visit.)

The barred owl and I

....are now on almost a first name basis. I can almost be guaranteed now that, on a sunny afternoon, if I just look close, I WILL see it! Yes, I did see it today, a bit further from the road than normal in a skinny birch tree. I haven't been this excited about driving home from work since the great gray owl event of 2005.

On another note, I am so ready for the snow and ice to melt!! Today I was walking out to a dog kennel we use as covered storage except for the middle kennel, where The Brittany and The Chesapeake hang out together during the day. I was getting a bunch of hay for the rabbits. Just as I approached the hay, my legs gave way beneath me as I slid to the right on some ice. As I was going down the upper front of my left ear happened to meet up with the protruding latch to the kennel door. I now have a one inch gash which slightly slices my ear from my head. Just slightly, though. Lots of pain, but I think no need for stitches. But it's really hard to find a Band-aid that will fit, and not be stuck to hair.

It could have been worse. The latch could have hit just a bit lower and caught my earring, thus ripping my earlobe in two. But we won't dwell on the what if's.