I’m getting rather weary of this one for two business. That is, making one hand do the work of two.

I haven’t used a bicycle since January 9, the day before my hand surgery. Of course I couldn’t pump up my bikes’ tires after the procedure. For at least four days post-surgery, my arm was swollen; and it remained tender for some time after that.

Today I did my best to get some air into those tires before they could go totally flat. That meant some rather difficult one-for-two handwork. I had to brace the pump’s nozzle against my left fist to get it fastened to the air valve; and use my right hand and left forearm to do the pumping. That was quite tiring. At times like this, I become acutely aware of just how much I need my thumbs!

As it turned out, I couldn’t get the tires aired to the desired psi; but at least I got fairly close. Now, if only I could ride! Alas, that’s at least four or five weeks in the future.

One for two, of course, isn’t only about airing up bicycle tires. Although I can use my left hand better now, I still must avoid stressing it much; and that gets tricky. Buttons are difficult; and so is opening even a pull-top can. I have to send my laundry out; and I have to order groceries online.

I think that hand got rather too much activity yesterday; and today seems to be heading towards a repeat. It’s time to think more about making one hand do the work of two!