It Was a Nice Warm Day

In typical South Dakota fashion after a week of rather cold temperatures the weather tried to redeem itself with 91º temps today. It was a rather abrupt change. The sun shone brightly all day. I was motivated to go plant shopping. I’m about two weeks behind on the “pot” shopping and planting. I usually plant several pots for the deck plus one of herbs. The herbs have been procured and several flowering plants all of which need to be planted. Tomorrow must be the day for such a task.

¶ Several new flowers have shown their beauty in the last week. The allium plants are proudly tall and lovely. There is another double daffodil which chose to bloom today. I did plant the big pot in the center of the front garden. The purple fountain grass and the petunias look much better than the dead grass they replace.

¶ The home health nurse called and I confessed that my legs were swollen. The nurse then called the oncologist who requested the pleasure of my company. That resulted in a visit to Cardiology for an ultrasound which proved to be negative. The doctor reduced my sodium intake by a third and gave me some other instructions. The “fat” legs have now returned to almost normal. Labs on Thursday will tell what the new regimen has done to my sodium level. I’ll also see the oncologist, have an infusion and then see the radiation oncologist. He’s already scheduled an MRI and three Gamma Knife procedures to take place over the next few weeks. What fun!

¶ Other than the aforementioned the week has been fairly calm. I’ve felt well and have had no bouts of nausea. I’ve had some exercise. The funny hip seems to have disappeared so walking is not a problem. ¶ Today is my natal day. The celebration began last week when my cousin and I began the celebration of the birthday we share. We are not the same age. She kindly shares her celebration with me. For the second year I chose to do a fund raiser for No Kid Hungry. I’m truly humbled for the gracious and generous gifts given to this project. I set my goal for $200. So far $1170 has been donated! That will provide meals for so many needy children. Thank you all who contributed. ¶ Thank you for reading, for thoughts and prayers and for all you do for me and others.

The Ups and Downs

Spring in South Dakota can be elusive at times. I know I crowed about it last week, about its warmth and the wonderful things that happen when the earth thaws. A couple of days ago it was in the high 80s. Today it is struggling to make 50º and 39º is predicted for tonight. It’s not as bad as Colorado where the Denver area received heavy, wet snow. Probably good for the ski resorts in the mountains but not so much for the trees that have to bear the burden or the flowers who would like some moisture and sunshine.

¶ Lovely things continue to poke their heads out of the ground here thanks to my faithful, hardworking gardener. A beautiful double daffodil showed its face this week. The new red bud tree in the front blossomed and is now beginning to leaf out. I’m so happy it made it through the winter. Pictures of both will be included. ¶ The week has continued with some interesting ups and downs, and enough of them that predictions could not be made with any certainty. Sunday was fine. My hip was sore but walking with a cane helped. I skipped my nap and went to an organ recital instead. That was the better option, in my opinion. The recital had the added bonus of an encounter with some fine friends from the fitness center which I had not seen since I ceased attending. I had my usual Sunday brunch and prepared my usual Sunday dinner. By the time dinner was ready, I was no longer hungry. ¶ Monday should have been my extremely tired day but was not too bad. Normal appetite prevailed until dinner when I was nauseous. Tuesday was much the same and the nausea hit about the same time. Tiresome!

¶ Wednesday I had the joy of some company from Colorado. They arrived in mid afternoon. We visited for a brief time. Off we went to see the two cathedrals and Falls Park with the meager Falls of the Big Sioux. The river is frighteningly low. Returning home I prepared dinner and after dining they were on their way eastward. It was so good to see this couple that I learned to know and love as I served their parish in Denver. They were so kind to include me in their travel plans. ¶ Thursday, the 7:00 PM nausea struck again. After taking the medication I was hungry. Friday was free of any distress. I did quite a bit of walking on Wednesday and Friday which was good for my painful hip. Whatever the problem it seemed to work itself out.

¶ Today I made the journey to the other side of the city to enjoy the high definition broadcast of the Metropolitan’s Opera production of Lucia di Lammermoor. Upon arriving at the theater box office received the information that their satellite connection was down so there would be no showing. It would have been a good way to spend a cloudy and cool Saturday afternoon, but no luck. ¶ So, the week has been sort of a see-saw. Most of the time I’ve felt fine except when I haven’t. The “felt fines” have exceeded the “haven’ts” so I can say it’s been a pretty good week over all. The chemo does not seem to have hit me as hard this time as the first infusion. Labs are on Monday so we’ll see how the blood looks. ¶ Thanks for reading, for prayers and thoughts, for all you do for others and for me. You are wonderful.

The Most Marvelous Time

I know that is the beginning of a phrase from a Christmas tune, but here in the midst of May in South Dakota, the phrase equally applies. The flowering trees are in full bloom, the tulips are beginning their yearly show just as the daffodils being to fade. The grass is green and each day brings new delights to the eye. In addition it is often decent weather in which one may walk around and enjoy the beauty.

¶ Except, and there are always exceptions, for Thursday night when the storm struck. It turned black as night, rained copiously, and the wind blew and blew. A good number of trees succumbed to the wind. In some areas of town people were caught in their cars while downed power lines entrapped them. There seemed to be minimal damage in this neighborhood for which we are grateful. There are some branches down but few whole trees. The winds were estimated at 100+MPH at times. There were straight-line winds in the city. Tornados struck other parts of eastern South Dakota. ¶

This was another medical event week. The Gamma Knife procedure was accomplished without incident on Monday. I had several headaches this time around which I’d not experienced previously but no other seeming side effects. ¶ Thursday was another medical event day beginning with labs at 10:15, followed by a doctor’s appointment, followed by the infusion. I finally finished about 3:30 in the afternoon. The side effects from the infusion do not seem as intense as after the first infusion. So far there haven’t been any significant incidents. The fourth day is tomorrow. It was on that day the last time around that I found myself totally exhausted. I haven’t had a lot of sleep, probably due to the steroids in the IVs and those I take at the doctor’s direction. So, I’m hoping and praying this will be the new normal. I made it to my volunteer position yesterday and did quite a bit of walking. Today I was in attendance at a funeral and luncheon which was a three hour affair. I did need a nap upon returning home.

¶ The planned excursion to the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha has not yet taken place. On the one day when it was possible the forecast was for 94º there. That temperature is simply not a pleasant experience there with its penchant for high humidity. I’m sure that day fried the daffodils so that field trip while have to be delayed until next year. There is still hope for the Tullipaloosa in Brookings which I suspect will climax in the next week. ¶ I just heard that is safe to put out one’s bird feeders, so I must do that for the birds’ sake and Sophia’s entertainment. Squirrels are good but both squirrels and birds are better. We can also fill our bird baths so herself can be lifeguard once again. She feels that is an important duty. ¶. I’m doing well taking into consideration age, illness, and other factors. Thank you for all your support and prayers. It’s wonderful to hear about all those who are praying for me. I know you are concerned about others as well, and it most kind of you to give me a share in that concern. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. Thank you, also, for reading.

Finally…

Finally we had a warm day with sunshine and…wind.

¶ According to the measuring devices it reached 75º today. The flowers have longed for a day when they could begin to show forth their beauty and they really came forth today. Some of the daffodils finally opened, there are tulips ready to pop. The roses are putting forth a lot of green leaves as is Mrs. Robert Brydon who seems happy with her new location. She has much more room to spread which she will enjoy, given that is her nature. ¶ The Metropolitan Opera’s high definition theater event was today. Turandot was the presentation and it was marvelously performed. This opera is such a stunning piece of grand opera. Being able to see the back stage work during the intermissions is a special treat as well as the interviews with the stars and others. This opera, which has such monumental stage settings certainly requires all hands on deck to put it together. It’s even more amazing to think that all the hard work of this afternoon has to go away so a different opera can be presented this evening.

¶ Next week we will have reached the magical date beyond which we can safely plant things in South Dakota. It really hasn’t frozen for the last few nights. That doesn’t mean that it won’t between now and the wondrous date, however. ¶ The week has gone well. The nausea factor about which I complained last week pretty well disappeared this week. Friday morning I had my MRI in preparation for Monday of next week. That will be my third time of undergoing the Gamma Knife. The doctor was concerned about one spot that showed up next to a previously treated lesion. This time the MRI showed that said lesion had enlarged somewhat so it is definitely a new comer. ¶ Thursday will be chemo day again. I keep hoping that things will go better this time. Perhaps I was too anxious about starting with a new drug. I’m going to try to have a positive attitude.

¶ The attached photo will show you how convenient it is to have a cat around whilst engaged in a sewing project. So far this week Sophia has tipped over the ironing board, managed to dump the pins on the floor and has chosen to sleep on the material. All of this she is sure that I find very helpful. This is in addition to the hair she has deposited on the fabric and the ironing board cover. I’m sure she means well. ¶ Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, all of your kind acts, and all the kindnesses shown to others.