Time Marches On!

March is here already! Yikes, this year is going by at record speed. So far, we've been lucky to have a mild winter that is confusing everyone. Pollen has been out for weeks and azaleas and others are blooming. It still isn't too late for some cold weather. The best part about it is that it has been a sunny winter. Last year seemed so bleak, cloudy, and rainy that I just wanted to hibernate. The sun makes it all better.

Rosie and I have succumbed to a slothful morning routine. My watch goes off at 7 AM and I don't make a move. Then my phone is set to go off at 8 AM in case I'm not already up. When I awaken I feel so snug and content, and I've really enjoyed savoring it. Because some mornings have been cold, Rosie is in no rush to do anything (another reason she is my perfect soulmate!), so I have 2 cups of coffee while checking emails and FB. Eventually, we get out for a walk. I'm not feeling guilty about it because I know we will have to get up and out early when the hot, summer weather arrives.


Speaking of Rosie, I took her back to Charleston to see the neurologist (Dr. Shompers), whom I really liked. He examined her and concurred that there was a back issue, and he presented several options - one being steroids for 15 days to see if that might help any inflammation and hopefully present a manageable option. Dr. Seibert had also mentioned steroids but I understood it to be long term and was not wanting that. So, she will be weaned off them by Thursday and we will see what happens after that. I have also tried to restrict her jumping and was told to restrict walks to about 5 minutes.....all of which you know is impossible short of crating her! I have done my best! She is able to jump up on both sofas and there are pillows to cushion her jump down. She is such an all-out girl, I can't deprive her of everything. My house is in total disarray with chairs backed against the sofa so there is only one way up and one way down, cushions of the floor, etc. But, it is what it is, and she is my first concern. She has had only one major shivery episode and I think that was more anxiety than pain. I had my floors done and put her in the bedroom while it was being done, but the sound must have frightened her. I was in there with her but that was still unable to calm her.  At this point, I'm just hoping she will be okay once the steroids wear off. It may mean a calmer lifestyle, but I will do my best.

WE DID IT! We got the Black Voters Matter bus to Beaufort County! Campbell AME Church had a Get Out The Vote (GOTV) workshop ob Feb. 22, to which I was invited. Tamika and her team brought the bus and shared ways they might be able to help the GOTV effort. I was disappointed that her presentation was cut short due to time constraints (when a lot of time had been poorly used earlier!). In any case, my hope is that other Black-led groups will work with her to get them back often between now and November. 

I'm also pleased that my efforts in various groups have expanded and diversified my circle of friends. Between this, Lowcountry Immigration Coalition, and Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate, it's been wonderful to interact with more within the community.

Then on the 27th, Tippy and I did our Africa class for OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). The room seated 104 and he almost had a full house. It was lots of fun and the audience was very interested and seemed to enjoy it. We were going to do both trips, but in the time we had (1-1/2 hours) we only got through Kenya and Tanzania. We're thinking we may offer a second one on Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Capetown. It was great having a captive audience for our adventures!!

Since the New Year, it has been great to hear from longtime Aramco friends around the globe - Alan & Mairead from Downunder, Paula & Neil from Spain, and a surprise out of the blue note from Dave and Rita (UK). In spite of the unexpected vicissitudes of life, everyone seems to be doing well healthwise and keeping active. I was surprised that two couples are into ballroom dancing! It must be trending around the world and dancing is certainly a good way to keep fit. This is a test (and a laugh) for those who know these Aramcons. Who said this be??

     "And so to our cruise to Alaska in June. The weather could have been kinder, dull but no rain. I had booked a whale watch cruise on a catamaran as a surprise for (spouse) at a cost of $130 each. We did see whales but not an impressive display. After a couple of days cruising we put into Icy Point and walked along the coast road into the local town. Low and behold, whales frolicking in the bay near the beach and a free better display than I had paid for. I had to rush back to the ship and lie down in the cabin with the curtains closed!" 

That made me laugh out loud. I could almost hear his voice saying it. So funny! It was great hearing from everyone.....and now I owe more emails!

I'll also be seeing more friends soon. Melodee is visiting from St. Louis and the end of the month. Then in early April, Eileen is visiting from the UK. These visits may be my opportunity to check out the thrift shops. I asked Eileen what she wanted to do while here and she suggested retail therapy and thrift shops, which we did successfully last time. I'm thinking Melodee and I might cover those in Beaufort (and Herban Market!) and Eileen and I can focus on Bluffton/HHI. I NEVER go shopping but am trying to purge my closet between now and then. If successful, I will do some shopping for clothing that will more deceptively cover my full-size body!

Before closing, I wanted to include this clip of Reyna's son: https://vimeo.com/392735088
Alex is so smart and dedicated....and poised for his age. I asked if I could post it for those who know her to see.

I hope this finds everyone healthy, happy and enjoying life.