One for the Books

I recall in the dim recesses of my mind that “one for the books” used to be a statement when something very surprising or monumental happened. I think this week just past falls into that category. ¶ I’ve felt very, very well all week. I had an MRI on Thursday afternoon which I didn’t even mind in the slightest. No results have been presented. I’ll hear all about it on Monday when I have the first of three days of Gamma Knife procedures. I’ll get to greet the machine Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and then have an infusion on Thursday. Next week may possibly be “one for the books” on the other end of the spectrum. I have a good attitude right now. Hopefully it will last through the week.

¶ The garden is doing well with all of its new plants. The huge allium with its starburst flowers is spectacular. The roses are busy blooming. Other plants are adding their color. We’ve had rain and abundant sunshine all of which helps the newbies grow. ¶ I am on the schedule to play for the service at the Cathedral tomorrow. Having gone there to practice I passed through the office exactly when an organist was being sought for a funeral today. So, it turns out that I will be playing for said rite this afternoon. It is for a most gracious lady who died during the height of the COVID drama so the funeral has been delayed a few months. ¶ Monday, the Prior of our Benedictine Community in Tempe, Arizona, came to spend a few days. It was so good to have him for his company and for someone with whom to pray. ¶ I invited him to preach at our Benedictine weekly Eucharist on Tuesday evening. I was mildly surprised when the Bishop appeared but rationalized it as his being in the city for something and decided to join us. The Dean of the Cathedral also came. At the time for the homily, Father Prior said he was supposed to preach but wrote a letter instead. It was written on behalf of the other priors and asked that the Bishop bless me as abbot of our communities. It is the first time we’ve had an abbot.

¶ An abbot is the head of a monastic foundation. Benedict’s Rule insists that the abbot be obeyed as if Christ were present amongst us. It is not something I sought and I am humbled to have been chosen. That the other priors would trust me with this office is an expression of the love we have for one another. ¶ The next day I received a most spectacular bouquet from good friends in Denver in honor of the honor, as it were.

¶ After the storms we experienced at the end of May and beginning of June, I was convinced by others that I should call the insurance people. Their adjustor made an appointment for 7 AM on Thursday. I rose early to bid my guest farewell and be ready for Mr. Adjustor. He finally showed up about 11. As it turns out I need to have the roof shingled and a few other minor things done. Now I have to contact someone for a bid. Given the storms and damage in the city, I am expecting that contractors are way behind schedule on their repair jobs. I can put that off until Monday, and I will. ¶ Now I must close my eyes for a few minutes before this afternoon’s funeral. Thank you for reading, for thoughts and prayers, and all the kindnesses that have been showered upon me.

I Wish It Wouldn’t

This has been one of those weeks that one hates to see pass. The weather hasn’t been spectacular but has not been unpleasant either. Temperatures were certainly as moderate as they could be for early June. We’ve had some rain but no severe storms as happened during the previous week. ¶ There is still clean-up going on from the Memorial Day tornados and wind. Just Thursday I passed by an enormous evergreen that had blown over and hadn’t yet been touched. ¶

This has been one of those rare weeks when I’ve had no medical appointments. I’ve hardly known what to do with my time since I’ve spent no waiting room hours. In addition I’ve felt very well, have gotten some exercise, done some planting, attacked my office and made progress there, and here it is Saturday afternoon and I’m blogging. ¶ My friend who works in the garden has spent many hours putting in the new plants we purchased last Saturday. It will be fun to see the new things mature into healthy plantings. I finished the last of the pots. The pots, on the whole, do not look terribly creative this year. After they’ve had a chance to grow I may be more pleased. I did purchase a bowl of succulents which I find attractive. This was pre-planted so I’m only responsible for getting it home.

¶ The space between the sidewalk and the street (variously referred to as the boulevard, the parking, no-man’s-land, or what have you) is always a struggle. Grass doesn’t do well because of the chemicals on the street in the winter. It is a dry place no matter how much rain we receive. I broke the law several years ago and planted the area, mostly with sedum. The hub-bub resulted in the change of the law so planting is now fine. One section of my yard looks very nice this year.

¶ As a retired teacher I react when news of yet another school shooting hits the airwaves. It is upsetting that the powers-that-be ultimately think the solution should fall on the teachers’ shoulders and do nothing to even try to reduce the number and type of guns. Other countries have made progress. We have not, obviously. When will we? ¶ The events of January 6, 2021, continue to disturb the minds of all caring citizens. The people of the United States need to be informed of the truth of that day. The truth is being presented yet there are so many who refuse to hear it and would rather believe a fairytale. ¶ Thank you for your wishes, thoughts, and prayers. I’m grateful for the things you do for me and for others.

It Is A Little Late

It’s true, it is a little late. I usually try to write this on Saturday afternoon around 4:00 or so. It’s now 10:44 so we’ll see what kind of sense I make.

¶. I’ve just returned from a lovely garden party at a good friend’s home. Tonight the table was set in the driveway and it was the loveliest driveway ever. This group of friends I taught with in my last years of teaching and we have stayed together ever since. I was the first to retire. The second has died. The rest of us have still gotten together periodically. The party tonight was to introduce the partner of the son of the no-longer-present-amongst-the-living friend. I think it is very special when this friend’s children think enough of her friends to request a get together when they are in the vicinity. It’s obvious that these grown children recognize what our friendship with their mother meant to her and to us. Hence the late hour. ¶. Following a very busy and stormy weekend the bulk of the city’s time has been spent with clean-up. The NWS in Sioux Falls issued 80 severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings for Sunday and Monday. The sirens were fired up a 2:30 AM Monday. Sophia and I headed to the basement. Major damage in this neighborhood were some tree branches broken.

¶ Following that the week has flown by with the usual things. Wednesday saw the last choir rehearsal of the “season.” We sing two more Sundays but get to skip rehearsal this coming week. ¶ Thursday was the big medical day with labs at 10:00, then meet with the doctor at 11:30, infusion at 12:00, followed by a visit with the radiation oncologist at 2:30. I haven’t had the latest MRI yet so that appointment was about possibilities of what might be going on. We will learn more after the MRI. The oncologist put me on an increased steroid for a couple of weeks to see if that would help my headaches and fat ankles. Ankles are normal and headaches have been mitigated. However, the steroids cause some sleep difficulties. I sleep for about two hours and then toss and turn until the morning. I am so stubborn that I refuse to get up and do something useful. I just stay in bed and become more angry that I can’t sleep. ¶ Today a friend and I went to Brookings to their fine greenhouse and purchased a few items to help the local economy. We left at ten and returned shortly after one so it was a quick trip. Now there are some more lovely things to plant.

¶. The first of the iris showed forth its bloom near the end of the week. The perennial geraniums have begun to bloom Most everything is growing well. At the greenhouse I asked one of the clerks if people were planting late this year. She said they were, and those who planted early are replanting. This is due to the chilly spring we experienced this year. ¶ So it’s been a busy week. I’ve felt well but have not had my usual amount of exercise to it’s difficult to do most things physically. ¶ Thank you for reading, for being you and all the encouraging words, and prayers, and thoughts.

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.