The Project Has Started

Last week it was reported that there were considerably more markings in the area of those I fretted about two weeks ago. This week the “crew” got serious. It seems the water main is being replaced from 28th to 31st Streets underneath Holt Avenue. The signs were moved into place and the chunk of 28th Street at Holt torn up. According to one of the “victims” the project will take four weeks.

¶ In the meantime those afflicted are receiving water through rubber hoses attached to their exterior water faucets. Other houses, according to another neighbor, have no water from 8 to 5 on some days. ¶ A phalanx of mailboxes have been set up so that all may continue to receive the post. Some will have to travel several blocks to collect same. Driveways are unusable causing autos to be parked helter-skelter in any available location near or far to one’s home. Let’s hope for clement weather so this project may be completed on time. ¶ The current temperature is 91º on this first day of May. I see the lilacs are nearly ready to pop. In days of yore we were lucky to see them by Memorial Day. There is little trust in the weather patterns so wise gardeners still will not plant outside until the 15th.

¶ Last week I reported that my main helper was working in the garden. He put in seven hours that day and got everything cleaned up. Things look ever so much better with all the winter trash, leaves, and dead stuff neatly tucked into paper bags in the garage. They will patiently await their journey to the landfill. ¶ Tomorrow another friend will come to plant some Easter lilies and discuss other items which may be inserted into the ground, now or in the future. No word from the landscape architect as yet. Patience is a virtue. ¶ Thursday I had my CT scan for this period. When I met with the oncologist on Friday he showed me the results which are very good. There is no longer evidence of the lung lesions. The liver lesions are smaller and will continue to show up on the scans. He explained that the density of the liver will not allow the lesions to disappear. They may be dead but the organ will hold its shape. No other cancer appeared on the scans. It will be another 6 weeks or so before an MRI which will reveal what is happening in the brain.

¶ Tonight is the kick-off for the centennial year of the South Dakota Symphony. I am going to be brave and attend the concert. It will feature Emanuel Ax as guest pianist. I do want to hear him play. ¶ This morning there was a knock on the door and the young lad from a nearby house with whom I often visit when on my walk handed me a May Day present, a lovely little plant. What a sweet gesture and a heart warmer. ¶ I hope you have a pleasant week with more and more reminders of spring coming your way each day. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts and cards and messages.