The week past.

Looking back at last week’s offering it struck me that it has been a week since my last communication with all of you. Thanks for another round of compliments. Now I’ll try to remember the past week!

I still remember how tired I was last Saturday. I recovered nicely, however, and attended the early service at the Cathedral on Sunday so I could avoid a large crowd. I’m not a germaphobe, but I’ve been told I must be careful around crowds of germ-bearing humans.

I returned home and fixed a rather large breakfast and returned to the Cathedral to manage the Bookstore following the 10:00 service. Several people stopped in just to greet me.  It was very nice and I also was privileged to spend some time with dear, dear friends who live in, as one of my Colorado friends described her place, a “institution.” I have to avoid entering “institutions” because of the large number of germs being shared by the inhabitants.

I was able to keep an appointment with the attorney to make some changes in my will and powers of attorney. Just waiting now for the signing party in front of a notary and several witnesses.

I met with a trust officer from the bank and was assured that my funds would be looked after and distributed according to my instructions.

Tuesday was my appointment with my regular physician as a follow-up to my hospital stay.  All seems to be going well. My sodium is still below normal but not alarmingly so. I’ve been a good out-patient and have not consumed more that the 1.5 liters of liquid allowed me each day. 

I went to my regular post on Wednesday as a lobby greeter at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.  It was good to be back.  Most of the schools in the region are back in session for this school year. That means less business at the Pavilion. Everyone is getting used to resuming their “school year” activities.

I’ve gone to to the same hair stylist for close to forty years. I saw her again on Wednesday and told her about my diagnosis. Hers is one of those few vocations in which she is going through the aging process herself and watches the aging happening to her clients. She thought I looked very good.

I made it to choir rehearsal Wednesday evening.  I was tired at the end but it was good to be back. I figure that the choir is a safe way for me to attend church because we sit apart from the regular congregation so the germs are fewer in number. This is my theory, at any rate, and I don’t change my mind often. If I must alter my state of mind, it’s done after a great deal of introspection and prayer.  Some would call it Swedish stubbornness!

Thursday I was overcome with ambition and met my trainer Glenda for 

a workout on the pilates reformer, which I refer to as the “rack.” The session went fine.  I walked for 45 minus and then headed for the therapy pool and a class in aqua chi. That is exercise to which I look forward to doing. That warm water feels so good.

The one side effect from the chemotherapy that I’ve noticed is that my beard is not growing much at all. I shave about every three days and there still isn’t enough with which to work. After I washed my hair in the shower on Friday I was towel drying furiously as I usually do and wondered what all that white stuff was floating around the room and on the towel.  Turns out it was my hair!  I guess I’m molting.  One of the predicted side effects!

Went out to lunch with some dear friends on Friday and had a good time. We met at one my favorite restaurants and I enjoyed my salmon salad. It was nice to get together and enjoy one another’s company.

Sophia at rest.

I’ve invited some friends for dinner on Monday evening. This Saturday morning I drove through the rain to get to the Farmers’ Market to pick up some fresh things for that dinner and just for me. Then I hustled to do a few more errands and prepared three of the dishes for Monday night. I enjoy cooking and will be happy to see my friends on Labor Day. I will admit that I was forced to stop by the Queen City Bakery to pick up some things for desert on Monday, and while there could not pass up one of their totally decadent bacon, spinach and cheese quiches. I usually opt for a large latte there, but given my fluid restrictions I had only a small one. I felt deprived but it was still awfully good.

One of us worked today. Sophia decided a dreary day should be used to relax and refresh. She did not work but napped exquisitely. Evidently it’s a sign of real relaxation to have one of your hind legs extended. Who knew?

That’s about it for the week. So many people have asked that I continue to keep them updated. I am so happy to hear from so many and thank you for your cards and notes, for your prayers and wishes for my good health. I am so blessed.