Taking A Break

These dark clouds may lead you to believe that things are not going well here, but that's not true. I saw them on a day when Jeanne was driving me home from a doctor's appointment in Bakersfield and snapped some pictures. 

There's no doubt, I really love clouds. 

My recovery is going well, I walk most mornings with Faith and try to increase the distance or steps each day. 

But my brain is still a bit foggy and while I think I can still write, coming up with a blog post, something to write about and being creative is a bit more difficult. 

So I will take a break for a while. I may post some photos every now and then, but I think I need a break to rest and heal. 

Take care, have a lovely Thanksgiving, and thanks again for your support. 

 

Walking In The Rain

 

It has rained here lately and one day when it drizzled a bit, I took Faith and the walker Jeanne got for me from the Senior Center for a short walk. 

Faith had to thoroughly investigate the walker before it met with her approval. 

Rain is healing and wonderful when you live in a place where you don't get much of it. 

I doubt we will get enough for the wild animals to return, but at least my trees must have enjoyed both the drizzle and the downpour that came later. 

 I saw the surgeon on Wednesday. Dr. Gordon came in and got out of the exam room really fast. I had no questions, except about the drain and when it may come out. The amount that drains must be at a lower level than it is now. It's going down every day, I'm just not sure how long it will take to reach an acceptable level. But it's no big deal for me, as long as it keeps going in the right direction.

Other than that, I feel good for the most part. I've felt down and sad too, which I think must be normal, but I haven't dwelled there for long. 

I'm actually living in gratitude, so much kindness and help has come to me. Jeanne has been wonderful, always there for me, helping me, supporting me in every way. 

Solange and Joyce's mom, Irma, came over on Sunday, and before I knew it, there was Solange with my vacuum cleaner, vacuuming my entire house for me. 

And they also brought homemade soup and fruits. 

So with good friends and much support, I'm really doing well. 

Rust ~ Post No. 38

 

A mailbox like no other, captured by Jane B., and inspiring me to start up the Rust Posts again.  

If anyone would like to contribute to these rusty posts, please send a photo to me at: sweed40ij@email.com

     

Winter Storms & Winter Skies

Winter brings beautiful skies to our area. 

It reads: Winter Storm Watch - Lots of rain and snow ahead for the West. We need it  badly so this is happy news, indeed. 

I slept in longjohns for the first time last night. I love to sleep in a cold room with lots of blankets and covers. 

Those of you who live where it still rains may not think much of this forecast, but it means a lot to our bone-dry land, our animals, and us humans. I hope we will get a good amount of precipitation, but any amount will be appreciated.

 Finally, I'm healing well, feeling better each day. 

Final Surgery Update & A Huge Thank You

 for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Jeanne took this picture of me as I was getting ready to leave the hospital. She also gave me the fabulous shawl she made and wrapped me up in. Jeanne has been a constant, caring support to me. 

I don't remember much about the hospital stay. In the operating room, I remember getting a shot in my back, which I, for a brief second thought was a bit strange, and then I was out of it. 

The surgery went well. My recovery is going well too. I took a couple of Tylenol for pain the first few days, but I don't need them now.

I only have one drain to empty and record. 

 

At home, I was greeted by my niece, Jasmine, who had made  a fabulous spicy mushroom soup, which was just what I needed. 

Faith wasn't particularly happy to see me. Having a visitor, who I'm sure gave her lots of treats, took her for walks and paid her a lot of attention, clearly was a lot of fun for her. 

Then I smelled of all those scary hospital smells, so it took a while for us to get back to normal.

All is normal now, she's snoozing here by my side and all is as it should be in my world. 

Even better, winter arrived early with a special snow storm just for me, or so it seemed. All gone now, but still so lovely.

November Joys

College Football 

Go Tigers!

November 16, 1963 (yes, I looked up the date) I watched the Yale at Princeton football game in Princeton with a tall, young man named Bob. Not a boyfriend, but a good friend. This was the first ever American football game I saw. Of course I didn't get anything of what was happening on the field, but the atmosphere, the joy of it all, was such that it was easy to understand how important this tradition is and will be for as long as there are colleges in America.  

Yale 7 - Princeton 27 ~ Joy for us in the stands. 

Presidential Pardon

I'm sure the turkeys receiving the Presidential Pardon are not feeling joy at the moment. But once they're back in their new home, happily clucking away, they must feel some joy. Maybe they will at least be joyful that all the fuss is over with and they can get on with their lives. 

Families Gathering for Thanksgiving Dinner

May all Thanksgiving Dinners across this wide and varied land be without family dramas and just filled with joy. 

Which is as it should be.

Have a joyful November my friends, particularly you, my friends in the Nordic countries, where the dark season is setting in, making some of you feel a bit down, knowing the turn toward lighter times is well over a month away. 

Lighter days will come though, as they always do. In the meantime, joy will come from unexpected places or people. As it always does.