Spring is in the Air - in February!

Well, I'm stunned by the speed with which February has flown by and even more so by the spring-like weather we've been having. As you can see, the azaleas, daffodils, and redbuds are in full bloom, and I spared you a photo of the pollen that covers everything! Today is a cold snap (71 at the moment), but tomorrow is supposed to be 73 with several days in the 80s next week. While this weather is very acceptable any time of the year, one can't help but wonder what we'll be having when spring actually arrives, and I can't even think about summer! Combine this with what is happening in parts of California - snow, hale, etc. - you have to wonder. But, of course, there are still the climate change deniers....  My theory about much of what is happening in our world today is that the Universe is making every effort to tell us something, that there are things we need to do differently, but we refuse to listen.

As you know, I had a very nice birthday with friends. It was totally delightful and much appreciated, and it continued! My neighbors across the street, Maria and Mark, gave me a window bird feeder, which I thoroughly enjoy. It's so captivating and relaxing to watch the various visitors. I've placed it so I can see it when I'm in my "nest", as I am now writing this or reading, or watching TV. It's difficult to photograph them since the minute I stand up to move closer, they fly away. While I don't need to photograph them all, there is the occasional one I'd like to get a shot of in order to figure out what it is. It's also a good opportunity to improve me camera skills.

My decluttering efforts continue. I've taken a load of items to the thrift shop and cleared my junk room, again making it a bedroom. The plan is to continue this throughout the year. 

I did discover something worthwhile during my decluttering. I knew I had an old Ipad, which I intended to return to manufacturer setting and donate, but I had forgotten that I also had an old android tablet. Right about the time I found it, I read an article about uses for old tablets, and one was for recipes in the kitchen. Once it was charged, I deleted most of the apps and figured out how I could access recipes that are on my laptop. I also clip lots of recipes from FB, etc. using an app called Paprika, which was fully accessible. At some point, I will get rid of my printed recipe file once I'm sure that my favorites are in Paprika. It's really a clever use of an outdated product. In any case, my next big job is the garage, and this nice weather is forcing my hand. I've been putting it off until it warmed up and I no longer have an excuse! Who knows what I'll find in there?!

The first weekend of this month, Tippy, Keiran, and I went to Oatland Island Wildlife Center. I'd heard about it for a while and thought it too close not to check out. It's not too far out of Savannah and it was an overcast, cool day, but pleasant enough for walking around. Many museums, parks, etc. were open to the public that weekend and the park was heaving. While I thought some of the animal enclosures were very sparse, the bird enclosures were better. The birds are all rehabilitated and unable to survive in the wild, so that made their situation more understandable. The facility has an interesting history running the gamut from a plantation, to the Order of the Railway Conductor's home, to part of the CDC! You can read a brief history HERE, as well as peruse thier site. As is typical of us, we then looked for a restaurant for a late lunch. I had no idea what was close by, but when we asked Waze and Google, The Haunt popped up. It is strictly vegan and Chris and I had been there once before and really enjoyed it. We made our way there and had a delicious lunch - at least I enjoyed it and Tippy and Kieran assured me they did, too. It was a very pleasant way to spend a weekend afternoon.

That Friday (2/10), Chris, Tippy, Rhonda, and I got together for lunch at - you guessed it - Olive and Fig!! Chris's sisters had given me a generous gift certificate to O & F and I wanted to save it until Chris could attend. She arrived under her own stream and it was like old times. Since then, she has also picked up food at the Farmer's Market and brought it over for lunch. It was from a food truck whose owner/chef got rave reviews recently and is within weeks of

opening a restaurant in Bluffton (called Okan, meaning heart and soul) serving West African, Caribbean, Lowcountry food. The vegetarian food we had was delicious and I figure his restaurant will have a more expansive selection. 

It took me a little while to figure out who was behind the surprise Valentine's Day gift of tasty cookies. Come to find out, it was Chris, out and about early playing the Valentine's Day fairy! I had checked with neighbors, all of whom denied the generous deed. I had thought of Chris but ruled her out since I didn't think she had a pass. When she came over for lunch and said she didn't need a pass (she had the one used to go to Lynn's for my birthday dessert), she went to the top of the list again!! Sure enough, she was the sweet person who made my day! Thanks again, Chris.

My other endeavor is to get back into Zentangle again. I only remember one art class of any kind in my life (not that I didn't have them but they obviously left no impression) and I have no artistic ability, but this has enough structure (combining patterns) that I think I can do it and possibly improve. It also gets its name because of the Zen quality of the drawing process, and I can definitely use that!  As you can see, I started big, with no practice; but even so, I'm hoping to improve however I approach it (not interested in just doing individual patterns. I want to see something that looks complete!!). The only problem is that I haven't developed a routine. I haven't found enough time to do it regularly, and I think I'll need to do that in order to see improvement. Anyway, it's still on my radar.

I meant to mention last time how much I enjoyed Bono's book Surrender. Usually, when I say READ, I mean listen to an audiobook, which I do when I take my walk, when I walk Rosie, in the car, etc. It's a great use of times like those and they are especailly enjoyable when narrated by the author, as this one was. Anyway, I had no idea he was a religious as he is and, which I knew he was a human rights activist, I had no idea of the extext. He's also met anyone and everyone you would want to me in this lifetime. Definitely worth the listen. And if you're into animals, The Elephant Whisperer was also great.

I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying life whereever you are. I'll leave you with this cute photo of Rosie and her boyfriends, Felix and Henry. They love taking all the toys out of the basket and playing with them on the flokati.

Happy 2023!

A delish rum cake from a neighbor.

 Well, the holidays are over (Yippee!) and Christmas is packed up and back in the garage. Life might get back to normal if I retained any belief that we even know what normal is anymore! At least, it's quieter! To complete the season, I attended a fun party at the Larson's, my neighbors across the street, and Chris and I shared a late lunch on Christmas eve, both of which were lovely. Maria and Mark invited me over again for brunch on Christmas morning. They are delightful company and Maria is such a great cook, it's always enjoyable - and Rosie likes their boys, so they enjoy socializing, too. All of that was totally pleasant, so I don't know why I felt so grumpy unless it is that from Thanksgiving thru New Year's, it goes on forever (actually starting well before Thanksgiving -- Halloween!). It's just too much! My hope is that you were much more into the holidays than I was and that you enjoyed them all!

This is an example of angiodysplasia, not mine.

TMI: In the midst of all that, I had a colonoscopy on Dec. 20th. I really didn't think it necessary to have one at my age, but when Cologard came back positive, I decided to go ahead with it. If you've ever had one, you know what to expect. To be honest, it really isn't as bad as the thought of it! I did have to drink 2-1/2 of those Gatorades with ALL of the laxatives mixed in. That made for an eventful day before, as well as having to get up at 4AM to drink the last bit before my 10AM procedure. By that time, the hard part was over and I have no recollection of the procedure itself. No polyps were found, but there is angiodysplasia, as shown in the bottom photo. It's fairly common and occurs when the blood vessels become dilated beyond their normal size. It can lead to small holes in the blood vessel wall that can leak blood and lead to anemia. The doctor didn't seem to think it was presenting a problem at this time and just needed to be followed. Here's hoping it doesn't progress further!

I gave up on New Year's resolutions years ago, but I did come across something that makes sense to me. It's Gretchen Rubin's 23 in '23 - 23 things to do in 2023. Twenty-three is too many for me, but I have identified about 15 things to accomplish this year - and I'm pretty good with following lists! So, the first task I tackled was decluttering my filing cabinet and desk. Not a fun task. It took me the better part of a week and a half (of doing it when time allowed), but I got through everything. It generated 2 large bags of paperwork to be shredded, and I found things that I had no idea were there! My mother had kept a large envelop of all of my 4H ribbons, etc. Also, when I was in the 8th grade going into high school, there was a big kerfuffle in our county about a new consolidated high school that was to be opened. Unknown to my parents, I wrote a letter to the editor of our local newspaper and it was printed! I remembered wrtitng the article and, once it was actually printed, how frightened I was that my partents would be angry. What I had not remembered was that I received a very gracious letter from the Board of Education complimenting my letter/article. My mother had kept them both! I think these were things that I had picked up when I cleared my mother's house, popped them in the bottom drawer of the file cabinet, and not really discovered them until this clear out. You can imagine the feelings that and other finds generated. I expected the task to be grueling, but not emotional, too! Anyway, the decluttering will be a year-long project and I've devised a plan - the larger projects needed, as well as small, quicker projects I can do as time permits to keep the task moving forward. My next job will be the bedroom that has a bed covered with items identified for donation or sell. I should be able to start that later this week. Inshallah!

And, another birthday has rolled around. Lynn contacted me early in the week to ask if we might get together for lunch on the day (the 20th).  I thought she meant our pandemic bubble who have not gotten together much since Chris's accident; but, when I arrived at Ruan, the whole gang was there - Tippy and Kieran, Rhonda, Mark and Maria, as well as our bubble. It was a great surprise and lots of fun. Everyone was in good spirits and happy to be together after a long while. Lynn and Tom treated me to lunch and then invited us all over for dessert at their place. It was a very pleasant, chatty time and I certainly enjoyed it all. Throughout the day, I heard from friends far and wide, beginning with UK and other overseas friends first thing in the morning. Stateside friends chimed in through the day via Facebood, texts, cards, ecards, and phone calls. The day was full from beginning to end and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone who contributed to it. I have to admit that the card that got the biggest laugh was from Bogey, Lynn and Tom's doggie. It's the one with the hound face on the front and on the inside it said, "Do I smell old people?"

I should also note that Chris arrived to all events under her own steam. She drove herself and got to and from the car with a cane only. Over the last couple of weeks, she has made so much progress and, now that she is driving, I think that will continue at an excelerated pace. It's been a long, difficult process and I'm happy for her.

My phone just now made this gif out of the photos that were taken at Ruan! That just amazes me! From time to time it will put together a collage of memories from 5 years ago, etc. or with certain people. It is truly amazing!

I will leave you with this photo of my sweet Rosie that I made for Rhonda T. She has had a few episodes lately when she hasn't felt well - with her tail between her legs and a slight shiver. On one occasion, she just stood in place and didn't want to move. I prepared a treat with CBD oil on it, which she usually loves, and she wouldn't eat it. I took her to the bed and she just lay exactly where I put her. I had to go out for a while and she seemed better when I got back. It has happened often enough for me to be concerned and I'm definitely keeping an eye one her. I don't want anything to happen to my buddy.

In closing, I will send good wishes for peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health in 2023. May the Year of the Rabbit be kinder to us all!🐰🐇  Much love.💕💕

2022 Comes to an End!

For days I've been trying to sit and write, but mostly to wish everyone a Happy and Joyous Holiday before it's over! After being set up as children to expect such wonderful things at Christmastime, I think as adults it's difficult (if not impossible) to "feel" the holiday as much as we think we should. I started out just planning to get through it (wait it out!), but over time, especially with friends, I've gotten more into the spirit.

Today we have a storm passing through, though it isn't as severe as I expected.....just dark and rainy. Up until now, we have had absolutely wonderful weather. Even the dark days have been warm enough to get by with just a light jacket at best. Usually, after a storm like this, it drops us down a few degrees, so we may go from the 70s to the 60s. I'm okay as long as the nights don't get into the 30s (our houses aren't built for that) and the days are sunny!

Thanksgiving was quiet but bountiful with food and friends. We vegetarians, Chris and I, got together for lunch with the intention of making it as easy as possible. We got a delicious mushroom roast, green beans, and Scarlet pie (Yum!) from Whole Foods. Chris added a cauliflower cheese casserole and I did sweet potatoes. All of that for two people!! Everything was tasty and we had leftovers for days.

Jo, Chris, and Karen

Speaking of Chris, as you can see from the photo, she is doing well and making steady progress. Her sisters visited for about a week and they wasted no time in getting her up and out of the house, which had to be a real treat for Chris. Her sister Karen is a nurse so she knew what to do and how to go about it. They also flung open the blinds, put on the Christmas music, commandeered the kitchen, and had Lynn, Tom, and me over for dinner one night. It was both delightful and delicious. They have a great sense of humor and it was fun to hear the sisterly banter! During their visit, Chris had her doctor's appointment and got the nod to begin putting weight on the leg. At her next physio appointment, he had her on the walker and walking from her kitchen to the bedroom twice. There will be no stopping her now! A huge "Thank you" to Jo and Karen for a fun evening and the boost they gave Chris.

The photo above and the ones to the left were taken on the same day, December 3rd. I point that out only to confirm our beautiful weather. While Chris was gallivanting around the beach, Tippy and Kieran invited me to join them for an outdoor concert in HHP. Of course, it began with food - lunch at our favorite spot, Olive and Fig. The day could not have been better and there was a great turnout for the concert. The HH Big Band was situated between the tents in the bottom photo. We were across the street slightly to the right of the band and an even larger group of people was directly across from them. The music, along with 2 vocalists, was surprisingly good. I think everyone wanted to be outside on such a nice day, which made it great for people-watching, too. Thanks to T and K for thinking of me!

The three of us along with Rhonda went to see Educating Rita by The Lean Ensemble (Sunday matinee). I really enjoyed it and now would like to see the movie again. The other oldie I'd like to see is Love Actually. Diane Sawyer did an interview with the cast, all of whom I find likable. I'd love to see the movie again before watching the interview. 

I've also run across some interesting books (audiobooks)  lately. Grace popped up on my reserve list and it didn't even ring a bell! It is written by Cody Keenan, President Obama's main speechwriter, and the process itself was enlightening. The audiobook was read by the author, who had his oven Obama voice when quoting the President. It was also interesting to see how Obama worked with his staff. I found it enjoyable and enlightening. Another is Madly, Deeply, the diaries of Alan Rickman. While I have to skip through it because the diary style becomes a bit repetitive, his manner, analysis, humor, articulation, and the people he comes in contact with, etc. are so interesting! He definitely has a way with words! And finally, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man, a compilation of oral interviews by and about Paul Newman. While hearing his own analysis of certain aspects of his life, I'm still unsure of how I feel about him as a person......still very interesting. Anything interesting you would recommend??

Since it is Christmas, this is my gift to myself - a new, real coffee maker! I have been getting no satisfaction with my morning coffee (Mr. Coffee), so I checked with Wirecutter of the NYT. Of course, their best recommendations were $300-$400, which wasn't going to happen. That's not Donna! But, they also happened to have a lower-priced recommendation, which was this one, a Ninja. This was my second morning with it and I can tell a difference - my coffee is better! I've also treated myself to a short subscription to the Atlas Coffee Club and should be receiving coffees from around the world. Now, I'm up from about 1/2 cup in the morning to 2 full cups! Is that good or bad? 

I'm also going to treat myself to new glasses. In a way, I hate to spend the money because my distance vision is so good since my cataract surgery, but my near vision is crap and everything I have to do within arms reach requires searching for or getting out glasses. And then there is a separate pair of sunglasses. I'm going to get what I'm used to (and like) - the all-in-one kind that is worn all the time. That will make like easier and less bothersome.

Look what popped up on Facebook not too long ago! That's my sweet Rosie! I can assure you she did NOT "love" being at the vet! This was obviously taken when she was in to have her teeth cleaned. Thankfully, all went well and she does appear to feel better.

I have to tell you about our neighbors and our walks, even though I'm sure I've told you before. This past week, we were walking and a neighbor a couple of houses up passed by in their car and waved. When we got to their house, they were waiting for us! They said they had been looking for us since they hadn't seen us in a while, which I thought was so sweet. As we chatted, Rosie got the zoomies and another passerby stopped his car and said he'd never seen Rosie move that fast!! That kind of thing happens all the time. Another day, a couple had stopped (in their car) to chat, when my cleaning ladies also stopped their car, got out, and came over to love Rosie! We're so lucky to have such sweet and welcoming neighbors.

Rather than boring you with my tired Christmas decorations, I'm going to bore you with my tree ornaments. Seeing them once a year is about the only thing that motivates me to put up a tree at all, but I do love seeing them and remembering where, when, with whom, or by whom they arrived on the tree. It also has to be one of the most eclectic trees around!

I hope your holiday is full of love, peace, and joy!

Merry Christmas!

The Holidays Are Upon Us!

10/27/22: After posting last time, I had lunch and headed to the poll to vote. My plan was to take Rosie with me, zip in to vote, and then head to the park for our afternoon walk. Well, I couldn’t find a parking spot in the lot and the line to vote was out the door and halfway down the walk. So, Plan B became taking Rosie to the park by the May River for our walk. Then, take her home and head back to vote, which is what I did. It was a lovely afternoon and I stood outside for about an hour before getting in to vote. It all went smoothly, though I didn’t know whether or not to be encouraged. When I left, the line was the same length as when I arrived. They always say a good turnout benefits Democrats, but in SC that isn’t likely. I hope other states make up the difference. By the time I post again, we will know the outcome…..

11/8/22: We continue to have fabulous weather. The mornings are in the low 70s by the time Rosie and I get out for our walk. It really has been glorious. Today it was breezy, probably blowing in the storm that is brewing in the Bahamas.

Well, today is the day we find out who we are as a nation! It is difficult to believe we are where we find ourselves, with a large portion of us willing to sacrifice it all (burn it down) for their own personal satisfaction. Rhonda is coming over and we are going to Drinking Liberally. It will be dark by 5:30 and we will be back here by about 6 PM, just before the polls close. It will be a long night and I’m going to try to stay up – I didn’t like waking up to the news that trump had won and I don’t want to experience that again!!

11/20/22: As time has passed, I feel better about the election than I did immediately thereafter. Compared to previous mid-term results, the Biden administration faired well. I do wish we had not lost the House as it would allow Democrats to pass some important legislation (primarily voting rights, women’s health choices, etc). Even so, Congress has been able to accomplish more than most thought possible, so maybe that trend will continue. The republicans have already told us how they will spend their time and taxpayers’ money – their usual retribution, blame, and vengeance….such noble Christian values! God help us!

As if the election wasn’t enough, throw in another hurricane! As with the last one, we had minimal negative effects from it. I hope the season will be over as November comes to an end. The storm did bring a change in our weather with nighttime temperatures dropping much lower and daytime now in the low 70s or high 60s, all of which I can cope with as long as the sun is shining!

There is lots of good news to report about Chris. As of the 11th, she has been home. Before that, she went home for part of two days when she had scheduled people to come in and prepare the house for her return - remove some doors so the wheelchair could get through, lower her bed so she could transfer herself from the chair to the bed, change AC filters, etc. On the day of her doctor's appointment, she was all packed up and had her belongings in the transport van so they could drop her off at home if the doctor gave the word....and he did! So, after 2 months, she is home! I can only imagine her relief. I was amazed at the calmness, patience, and determination with which she handled it all. She is getting therapy at home and making steady improvements. She's now able to stand long enough to reach things in the cupboard, get into bed without the slide board, etc. It won't be long before she'll be up and about, and friends are cheering her on!

I told Chris about the photo collage you see here. From time to time, my phone will show memories from certain years, etc. One day it popped up lots of photos of Chris and me (usually involving food!) and the last frame was this collage. It was just a nice surprise so I saved it. I hope we will be dining out again soon!

Tom, Chris, and Tippy have birthdays in November and we all assembled at Chris' to celebrate. Lynn made a delicious cake and I provided prosecco. It was great to be able to get together outside of the assisted living facility and we all enjoyed it.

I recently attended a Liberal Ladies dinner at Belfair Country Club. Tippy was to pick me up but there was a traffic accident that blocked traffic off the island for hours and there were quite a few empty seats at each table. In any case, it gave Sally and me a chance to catch up. One thing I learned from Sally is that she and a neighbor of mine went to the Women's March in 2016. Of course, Tippy and I went but I didn't know Sally at that time and don't recall seeing her. it's just one more thing we have in common and it was great to catch up.

My little girl has had a rough week. I took her to the vet last week because she just was not herself for about 3 days - not eating much, lots of licking and smacking her lips, grimacing, etc. I was afraid it was her back but, thankfully, the vet didn't think so. He did bloodwork and all was well so he thought she was experiencing nausea. He gave her a shot and sent meds for four days home with her. She seemed better but I noticed that when she ate she was still doing the licking and smacking. When she got her shots in March, the vet said she would need her teeth cleaned within the coming year. I registered that and was going to have it done in February when they offer it at a reduced rate. After showing the vet a video of her eating, he recommended going ahead with it. It was an all-day thing with me dropping her off at 7:45 and picking her up at 4PM - and that doesn't include me waking up at 4AM and spending the rest of the morning dreading the day for both of us! They pulled 5 little teeth, four in the upper front and one on the side. He said they were so loose that he didn't have to use a drill or suture anything. He didn't even send her home with pain meds! I can see where the front teeth would have been very bothersome and possibly painful. In any case, she ate when we got home, got a good night's sleep, and I do believe she feels better. That little girl is 8 years old and it makes me sad to think of her aging!

The End of the Year Flies By!

9/30/22: We made it safely through the night and with the passing of time, hurricane Ian has moved away from us. It looks like it will make landfall closer to Myrtle Beach, and we are also on the weaker side of the storm. Just listening to the wind and rain, I didn’t sleep well last night, but it wasn’t threatening, nor is it now (noon). That could change over the next few hours as the storm makes land. Even so, it looks like we’ve faired well compared to Florida! Things will probably be back to normal tomorrow. Many thanks to all who touched bases and sent good wishes. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and am happy to have good news to report.

Rosie likes the leaves, too!

10/26/22: So much time has passed and I’m not sure where it has gone. That seems to be typical for this time of the year – the last three months just fly by! I’m happy to report that we are having glorious weather. As I look at the next 10-day forecast, the temperatures are in the mid-70s, sunny and bright. The mornings are cooler and crisp, but by mid-day, it warms up nicely. The leaves are falling and I often think we clean the years too quickly - I like to see the fallen leaves!  It really is a wonderful time of year.

Chris's first decent cup of coffee in weeks!

Lots to catch you up on with Chris. She was in the nursing facility for two weeks when they decided she needed to see an orthopedist for her leg, which was not improving. She saw him on Monday and had surgery on Tuesday – she had a break in her leg as well as her arm!! It was outpatient surgery and she returned to the facility where care continued to be minimal! She was told not to put weight on her leg until she saw the doctor again in two weeks. At that time, he told her to keep weight off it for another 6 weeks!! Her insurance company also informed her that she would have physical therapy for a certain amount of time and suggested she wait until she could put weight on the leg. In any case, Chris has worked to be able to transfer herself from bed to wheelchair to toilet so that she could move to the assisted living side of the facility. She has been able to do that, which is a vast improvement in every respect.  She has a spacious room and bathroom, both of which are easily wheelchair accessible. There is a little kitchenette and she has installed her personal coffeemaker! The move has made life more livable and Chris has been stoic throughout. Even so, it is a long, slow journey and I’m sure Chris is eager for life to get back to normal.

Chris's sisters kindly sent Lynn and me a sweet thank-you note, delicious Pittsburg chocolates, and very generous gift certificates to Olive and Fig and Barnes and Noble. It was unexpected and unnecessary, but it certainly was appreciated. They plan to come down as soon as Chris is able to go home. They would have come much earlier but there is little they can do at this point. I'm sure Chris will appreciate their time and attention once she's home. I thank them for their thoughtfulness.

What have I been doing in the meantime? Not a whole heck of a lot! I have continued my walking routine and have walked every day this month with the exception of three. I usually walk Rosie, have a quick breakfast, and then head out for my walk. On my way home, I run any errands I need to do, so all of that is taken care of by 10:30ish.

On this particular day (see below), I was meeting Tippy for lunch and walked at Jarvis Creek beforehand. Before I picked her up, she was hosting a group of ladies to write postcards encouraging people to vote. I got there just as they were finishing up. We went to a new ramen place, which was very trendy, modern, and tasty. It was also nice enough that we could dine outside. We’ve already made plans to dine there again. We always seem to get together over food – just yesterday morning we met up at First Watch for our catch-up before she and Kieran are off to the mountains. Our favorite waitress was there and took us to our usual spot. There is something really comforting  about a well-worn routine, especially when good food is involved!

 

My neighbor is at it again! Her Halloween displays began on October 1st and change each week. I'm not really into Halloween but I do enjoy her humor and enthusiasm.

 

After working with Democrats here in the Crescent and meeting Tippy's postcard group, I actually received one of the postcards! Our local Indivisible has sent 10,000 out encouraging people to vote. The Democratic Clubs have done the same, and I hope it makes a difference. I feel very anxious about this election and fear that our whole democratic process is at stake. It is difficult to believe that we are at this point and that 1/3 of us are willing to risk it all in exchange for being able to express their hatred and hostility openly and boldly. I will be happy when the is election over and I hope it is a sound rejection of those behaviors and policies. Either way, I am going to make a concerted effort to step away from politics/news/etc. for a while and look for other more comforting ways to fill my time. I have already resigned from the Board of Lowcountry Coalition Against Hate and will do so with other groups after the election. I hate to leave LCAH as it was one of the more diverse groups I've worked with and I will miss the people; but, I am wrung out and need a break.

Friends in Need

David gave me this cute popup bouquet!

9/16/22: Today has been a day of helping friends, which I am happy to do. In this case, both were medical issues and it made me very appreciative of good health. At 11 AM, I sprang David from a rehab center that he was anxious to leave – in my opinion maybe too anxious for his own well-being. I wondered if he had thought it through and whether it was going to be as easy to look after himself as he thought. He wouldn’t hear of my objections so I picked him up and took him to his place. This all came about when about 10 days ago he went in for what he thought would be laparoscopic hernia surgery; however, it turned into real, full surgery. So he went from thinking he would be in hospital for two nights before going home to spending almost a week in hospital before going to a rehab center. You can imagine that I was very thankful NOT to be in his situation.

Then I had just gotten in from Rosie’s walk around 3PM when Chris called. Chris and I are texters, so when I received a call I knew something was up. She was on a ladder trimming shrubbery and took a fall that hurt her shoulder. When she called me, she was on her way to the hospital in an ambulance!! She sounded calm and her concern was for Ivana, her timeshare cat. Ivana spends her days with Chris and her evening with a neighbor, living the life of Riley!! I guess with the unusual activity of an ambulance, etc., Chris was unable to coax her outside before leaving for the hospital. So, I went over to see if I could get her outside. She has responded to me well in the past, but when I first went in, she was nowhere to be seen. I then opened the door to the porch and in a few seconds, she appeared at the bedroom door. She wouldn’t come to my call so I just went onto the porch and sat down to wait. Pretty soon she appeared. Well, the ladder that Chris fell from was still in the backyard and she immediately knew that it was something she wasn’t used to. She nestled down low and carefully surveyed the yard. She did not like that ladder! I went outside and moved it out of the way, but by that time the next-door neighbor started mowing his yard! I just propped the door open and gave her time to move forward slowly and eventually, she headed toward her second home as only a cat can – down low and moving stealthily. I have to say that the ladder gave me a start as well. If Chris was near the top, she had a big fall! At this point, I’m back home and waiting to hear from Chris in case she needs a ride home from the hospital. I hope she won’t have to stay overnight and that it isn’t anything seriously wrong. I also know she wants to be home tomorrow morning when Ivana shows up again!

All of this serves to remind me of how fortunate I am to have good health (and no serious accidents). In that vein, I’ve convinced myself that I can walk 30 minutes a day 5 days a week! To most of you, that sounds like a dottle but for me, it’s a big thing. I’ve always been amazed at my UK friends who seem compelled to exercise! It never crosses my mind and is totally alien to my nature! The other thing, which I will shamefully confess, is that I can’t walk out the front door for a walk and leave Rosie looking out the window after me! So, I drive to Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and walk in their large, shaded parking lot. If I drive away, Rosie won’t be looking out the window the entire time I’m gone. So far, I’ve walked all but 2 days this month and it isn’t so bad. I’ve even done it right after walking Rosie and having breakfast, which really isn’t like me – but, it seems to be working and I hope I can keep it up. It’s also interesting to learn that there are others using the church parking lot as I am – a couple who walks their little doggie, a jogger, another walker, etc.

9/27/22:

Chris before her accident!

It continues to be a busy time with friends. Lynn and I have rotated trying to keep an eye on Chris and see that she has what she needs. She was in the hospital for about 3 days or so. Since the accident happened on a Friday, not much happened over the weekend except for necessary tests. She has broken her arm and has extensive soft tissue damage, being unable to put any weight on her left leg (and her right leg!). Early in the week, she was transferred to a nursing facility where it all fell apart! The care was rough. Therapy and treatment came together very slowly. Even getting a shower was difficult, and when she did get one, she was left in the shower for about 20 minutes! The request for a vegetarian menu seemed totally alien to them and consisted of whatever was on the regular menu without the meat – one day when I was there, that was a scoop of mashed potatoes and a spoonful of corn! The next day I took her some of my meager, homemade soup and we have plans to Thai-one-on tomorrow! Finally, yesterday she met with the physical therapist, the occupational therapist, and the doctor. She is supposed to get PT and OT five days a week, which will be a major improvement. To add insult to injury (literally) she has been told by various staff to “suck it up” and they “don’t have time for that S*!t”!!  Absolutely amazing….and frightening!

Photo from Tippy's first surgery!

In the midst of that, Tippy had her second shoulder replacement surgery. I didn’t see her until Sunday when I picked up our favorite dishes from First Watch and took them over for breakfast. I knew Kieran would take good care of her and she was in good spirits. Unfortunately, she reported much the same experience in the hospital as Chris had at the nursing home! All of that is frightening for folks our age. In any case, she is doing well, which is a relief.

From a previous visit.

I did devote one day to the Queen’s funeral, which was impressive.No one does pomp and
ceremony better! I held up well until the piper was on the balcony and then turned and walked into the distance!!   I felt I was experiencing something historic and that we were losing a stabilizing force in this unstable time. 

I also had my mammogram and a bone density test, and for fun, Rhonda C came over for pizza on Friday. We always tackle the major problems of the day – if only anyone would listen to us! AND, I’ve walked all but 6 days this month, which is amazing for me! I’m even beginning to enjoy it.

 

I owe Rhonda T and Bryan an apology. Rhonda sent an email asking friends to bomb Bryan’s mailbox on his special birthday. Upon receiving the request, Rosie and I took some selfies with the intention of making it into a birthday card. Needless to say, I did not have time. So, Bryan, we wish you a belated and heartfelt Happy Birthday! I hope you celebrated well!💖

 

The only other thing to report is that the mornings have gotten cooler and even Rosie has picked up her pace. It really is pleasant to have the heat of summer behind us. I ordered these little “votingbluerocks” to distribute in strategic places as we do our walks. If you live in a red state like SC, almost any place you leave them is a strategic location! I just thought it was a clever idea...and they're free. They also send instructions for making your own.

9/29/22: Yesterday and today have been devoted to hurricane Ian preparation. We have been told (until just recently!) that it would be a tropical storm by the time it reaches us. Just now I have heard that it may be a Hurricane I! Basically, it's too late to evacuate, so it will be what it will be. It was already cool and gusty this morning when I walked Rosie, to the point of some gusts scaring her. It hasn't started raining yet so we may be able to do our afternoon walk, too. Tomorrow we may be hunkered down for much of the day. I have Apple Coconut Oatmeal in the crock pot and the house smells great, so we are as ready as we can be. I am eager to hear from Florida friends - Cheryl and Phil, Kathy, Nancy, Jim and Anthony - and hoping they got through it safely and without much damage. Here's hoping for the best!

I did have one nice thing happen yesterday when a new neighbor and her husband stopped by to ask if I need help with anything - putting outside furniture away, etc. That was very thoughtful and made my day. 

Take care, Everyone.

Stay safe and well!