Perhaps Its March

Last week I seemed to have gone on about my exercise regime or the lack thereof. Today I bravely went forth for what I planned would be the first of my two walks. After one, I have resigned to being a houseplant. The high temperature for today being 37º that doesn’t sound too grim, but with the wind gusting to 40 mph it is a whole lot less than pleasant. I always thought March was supposed to be the month of wind. ¶ The public used to complain about nothing ever going on in Sioux Falls. I think that’s changed. Last weekend was the symphony concert. Last night there was a chamber music group, tonight there is an organ recital at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, and tomorrow another organ recital at Augustana University. ¶ I’ll be honest and admit I spaced out the chamber music thing. I will not go tonight because of an hour’s long drive in the dark on country roads. Tomorrow I plan to attend the event. It is in the city and in the afternoon so there really isn’t any excuse not to go.

¶ John Nordlie designed and built the organ in the Augustana Chapel. It seems like only yesterday but it is now fairly ancient. I tend to think this way. Anything that happened on campus after I graduated is really recent in my mind. I fail to remember how long ago it was when I was an undergrad there. Anyway, in my mind the organ is practically new. It did need to be rehabbed, evidently, and that task has been completed. So, it will be interesting to hear it. ¶ This week, on Tuesday, was my appointed time to meet with the radiation oncologist. I fondly refer to him as “Erik the Red.” I don’t do this to his face lest he be offended and accidentally mis-aim his Gamma Knife. That could be less than optimal. I didn’t expect to learn much because I haven’t had a high-def MRI since the Gamma Knife thing. ¶ He is always very prompt. He never brings my chart with him but recites the whole thing from memory. This would be remarkable if I were his only patient, but I am not. All the while he visits with me I keep wondering exactly how his mind works. ¶ My appointment was for 11:30 and I was finished by 11:40. I learned that there would be no results presented until the MRI at the end of March or in April. (No appointment yet so I don’t know for sure.) He is confident that the Knife did its thing. They saved my phantom-of-the-opera mask so it can be used again when and if other spots show up. And that’s it. ¶ I’ve had three Zoom events this week ending with a four hour committee/interview session this morning. Zoom is a great thing but it is tiring. It surely beats driving halfway across the state to accomplish the same thing. In the case of my Thursday meeting it would have involved a plane trip to Victoria BC. It is truly wonderful to be able to participate in things far and near.

¶ Sophia’s friend brought a new pot of grass today. Mind you, this is wheat grass and not the “grass” that our governor is dead set against having in the state. I’m highly amused at a local electronic billboard that proudly announces a fact that more people voted in favor of recreational marijuana than voted in favor of the governor. ¶ On a windy but sunny day, after paying close attention to Sophia’s squirrels, birds, and anything else that might attract her attention, the frosting on the cake is a really good nap. I agree. ¶ I did learn that my best friend from my high school days and my traveling companion Craig, died last week. He had been in hospice, released therefrom, and then returned to hospice. We had so many good times together. I have hundreds of pictures from trips we took. That included at least five cruises, as well as trips to China, Egypt, Costa Rica, and Mexico. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. ¶ Thank you for all you do for me and others. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for reading.