Back to February

As the saying goes: If you don’t like the weather in South Dakota just wait a few minutes and it will change. ¶ We’ve had minimal snowfall amounts this winter, and this week we had two snows which makes it an unusual week. Neither was as bad as forecast but it was more than enough to shovel. I don’t do that shoveling any more. I have people for that and they do a prompt and good job. Bless them. ¶ And it was cold. Each evening presented us with below zero temperatures. It was not as windy as the week previous, so the cold was not too bad. The forecast for this week has us back in the 40s. ¶ Next week March begins and we are that much closer to spring, and only two weeks until daylight savings time starts. It is nice to have the light in the evening. It’s not so nice to return to the dark mornings. This too will pass and the long period of daylight will be upon us. My “happy light” has really helped through the dark days of winter.

¶ I was about 6 months old when World War II began. Obviously I don’t remember much. My parents were air raid wardens. Rapid City being right next to the air base put us in a precarious position. It would have taken a minor miracle for us to be attacked in the middle of the country before jet travel was even a figment of someone’s imagination. ¶ Thinking back, in my lifetime WW II began and ended. The Korean Conflict began and ended. Likewise with the Viet Nam War, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan all have come and gone along with numerous other regional conflicts with which our country may or may not have been involved. Those regional conflicts did not affect us to a great extent, although we may have assisted in some ways. ¶ Now we have the invasion of the Ukraine. War is once again occurring in Europe. The cause seems to be, at its root, the vanity of the Russian president who is attempting to regain the glory of the Soviet Union. To satisfy his need many will be killed. Others will be subjected to the horrors of war. Children will be frightened because of the sound of bombs and artillery. His decision will cause hardship in his own country because of the sanctions imposed upon him and some of his citizens and some of his industries. What will satisfy him? If he wins this war, what will keep him from reclaiming other former Soviet countries who are now enjoying independence and a degree of freedom. ¶ Putin is evil. Others will suffer because of his evil. What can be done? It seems impossible that humanity has not learned from the past. The whole situation is tragic.

¶ The week has been good for me health-wise. I’ve accomplished some projects that have needed attention. I’ve gotten a little exercise (except for today). ¶ Sophia continues her supervision of the livestock on the deck. Two days ago she seemed more animated than usual. When I looked out there was a huge rabbit enjoying peanuts, corn and other treats. He was similar in size to herself. It would have been interesting to see who would win in a confrontation. The rabbit would have run off, I’m sure. What Sophia would do, I have no clue. ¶ Next week is chemo week. I begin with blood work early on Monday, an appointment with the doctor and then to the infusion center. I look forward to seeing the staff. ¶ Thank you for all you do for me and for others. Thank you for reading. You are a blessing.