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.