It’s the First

This week we had the first, the first of many to come. I’m speaking of a winter weather advisory which was proclaimed near the end of this week. ¶ We had our first snowfall which didn’t amount to a great amount but it did turn the lawns white. And we had wind. If we’d had more snow it would have been a blizzard. Now, after a couple of days of 32º or less, the prognosticators claim we’ll be back in the 60s in a couple of days. No more snow is predicted for the next week or more. Let’s hope the weather scientists are correct. The changing of the time and the first snowfall all in the same week are too much, too much, I say. ¶ Has anything exciting happened this week? Not really. Sometimes lack of excitement is good. I can keep up with the usual round. My schedule is far from hectic but busy enough to keep me up, out and around. I’ve been feeling really well and always looking forward to the next day.

¶ Twice each year the Washington Pavilion honors its volunteers with a dinner and entertainment. I avoided the crowd this year for safety’s sake. Pavilion staff and volunteers are again required to wear masks. One cannot do that when eating, however. There is usually a crowd so it’s not a good place for me to be. In spite of all the chaos of the last 18 months, several of us were honored for the number of hours that we contributed. It’s always a pleasure to be able to give my time each week, and occasionally at other times when I can fill a need. The Pavilion is such a wonderful addition to our city and I’m pleased to do what I am able to do. ¶ Next week is chemo week again. My but that comes around very rapidly. I’m sure all will go well. It always begins with blood work to be sure my system can take the medicine. There is usually no problem with that. Everything seems to be pretty stable. When the doctor came into my hospital room and told me the cancer diagnosis and that I had 3 to 5 months to live without treatment, I was shocked. Having heard about all the horrors of going through chemotherapy I said yes to the treatments with fear and trembling and partly out of shock. I have had very little trouble enduring the chemotherapy for which I am so very thankful. I’ve been going through this regime for over two years now and I have no complaints. ¶ The bulb planting has gone on throughout the week and there are still more bulbs to arrive in the post. My trusty right-hand man and I dealt with leaves on Tuesday. We have several bags in the garage ready to go to the landfill. The neighbor’s aspen on the east side refuses to give up its leaves until the bitter end. Friday’s wind put an end to that foolishness so all the trees are bereft of their leaves now. Kindly friends have volunteered to come over and finish the “leaf job.” ¶ In spite of the cold and darkness some of the sedum insists on showing its colors. Looking at it can bring hopeful thoughts of spring in a few more months.

¶ One of this week’s appointments was at the tire department in the local Costco. My front tires have been gradually losing pressure. It had become a ritual to purchase fuel and then bring the tires up to pressure. I finally decided to do something about it and had them checked. Corroded beads and a nail in one tire seemed to be the diagnosis. While waiting for the tire repair I was joined by my former personal trainer. Chatting with her made the time fly. How fortuitous that she had a tire appointment at the same time! ¶ Once again Sophia has been very helpful with the office work. Research seems to be her forte. She follows the principle that my first year German professor espoused. When something is difficult put the book under your pillow and sleep on it. For Sophia the method is also is of value when sitting on the volume and taking one’s bath. ¶ Thanks for reading, for prayers, and thoughts, and all you do. Thank you for all you do for others. At this time of year we need to be especially aware of all those in need. I give monthly to our local food bank. I know that you are doing something similar. There is no need in our society for anyone to go hungry. ¶ Have a good week.