It Is Amazing

It is amazing that it is 5:00 CDT and temperature is 70º! After the hot days we’ve had this week it is a blessing. A light rain has been falling all afternoon. This is another blessing. Downpours don’t soak into the ground, they mostly run off. Slow, steady drips such as we’ve had today penetrate the ground and water the plants.

¶ The gardens have brought forth many blessings. Some beautiful day lilies have bloomed. I love their many colors and their persistence in showing off their blossoms. ¶ No storms this week have been another blessing. The number of severe weather warnings issued by the Weather Service this year is shocking. For this area of the state they have exceeded 200 according to the local paper.

¶ After several weeks of waiting, one of the companies I contacted to re-shingle the roof and repair the siding called on Tuesday and sent a representative on Wednesday. A very nice gentleman came to call, went over the insurance estimate with me, informed me they would do the work for the estimate and would begin when the materials arrived. There is one small hole in the siding on the west side. That will involve replacing all the siding on that side so it matches. That and my steeply pitched roof reaching three stories high is what they have in store for themselves. What a job! ¶ I had my CT scan on Wednesday, with appointments on Thursday and my infusion. I mentioned last week that this was the first scan following my introduction to the new chemo. This would tell us if it is working or not. Two new lesions were found in the liver on the previous scan I had whilst in the hospital. The scan revealed nothing growing in the lungs. The report said, “Other hypodense liver lesions seen on the prior CT have markedly decreased in size.” The report concludes, “Hepatic metastatic disease significantly improved compared to prior.” This means the chemo is working and I can stay on it as long as we tolerate each other. Yet another blessing of the week.

¶ Sophia enjoys her place on the piano. It gives her a chance to check on all her friends, the squirrels, the rabbits, and the birds. It is obviously one of her blessings since she spends the greater part of the day there. I laughed one day this week, one hot day, when I saw her lying on her back, sound asleep, desperately trying to keep cool. ¶ The week has been full of blessings and you, my readers, are another of those blessings. Thank you for reading, for prayers, for thoughts, for all you do for me and others.

Another One!

The state and, in particular, this corner thereof have had more than our share of frightful storms. This week brought yet another one. The pictures that have been shared of the acid green sky as the storm approached the city are frightening enough. The storm lived up to expectations and more so.

¶ I’d been out for a stroll while the storm clouds were gathering. It did not appear that things would be bad. After returning home, the wind picked up and the rain began to fall. The NWS at the airport reported winds of 80 MPH. Power lines were down. Tree branches were snapped off. Yet again the city is out clearing the streets of fallen trees and large branches. Just three doors down from me a tree was split and half fell into my relative’s yard. Had it fallen another direction it would have wiped out a section of their roof. Nearly everywhere one drives there is some kind of damage. Enough, I say. Two derechos in one season are a great plenty, plus the tornados. ¶ A beautiful pink lily withstood the wind that decimated the neighbor’s tree and brought some cheer to the morning after.

¶ In the meantime getting any roofing contractor to even call one back with an estimate is a no-thing. They are so busy trying to repair damage from the first storm they’ve no time to deal with another customer. ¶ The heat and humidity continue. The temp reached a balmy 88º today which, I guess, is better that 99 or 100. Given the copious rain we’ve had, the humidity is on the plentiful side of the spectrum as well. ¶

Another entire week without a medical appointment has been very pleasant. Next week the CT scan happens on Wednesday and the doctors’ appointments are on Thursday along with the infusion. I’ve felt well so I’m not concerned. This will be the first CT scan since the commencement of this new chemotherapy. It will be interesting to find out if it is working. I’ve reached the point where, aside from a few minor issues, it does not bother me. ¶ It’s weed season in the gardens. If there is spare time, weed dealing is the activity of choice. It is amazing how fast things can grow. It’s time for the Hens and Chicks to bloom. They are such interesting plants. They love hugging the ground yet send up a tall flower totally unrelated to their usual state. ¶ Thanks for your concern, your prayers, your thoughts and all the kind things you do.

Much Less Hectic

After two weeks of running to and fro, this week was found to be much less hectic. I had some responsibilities but they were few and far between. The feeling of exhaustion I had last week is mostly absent, for which I am grateful. I should know myself well enough that my point of exhaustion should not be reached.

¶ My main duty this week was getting my friend to some medical appointments. The usual Tuesday evening services along with Wednesday and Thursday noontime services were my only obligations. ¶ I used to volunteer regularly at one of the facilities serving food to those most in need. With the onset of COVID that ceased. Today I was able to volunteer again at a different venue. It was very good to be back doing the service kind of thing. I wore my mask and felt safe so I should be okay with doing this type of service again. I’m happy. ¶ The recent decisions handed down by the Supreme Court have not made me happy. I know there is a minority in the USA which is pleased by one of the Court’s decisions. It smacks of the establishment of a state religion. Nearly every other country has done away with the idea of a State Church. We, however, are drawing closer. Whenever the “state” tells its citizens how they must think or believe about any topic we are on dangerous grounds. ¶ The decisions on guns and the environment are disturbing in other ways. It is dangerous to be out on many streets. One day in the supermarket there was a husband and wife and a baby. The only problem with this picture was the father who was carrying a pistol in a holster. The child will grow up with this picture of the father ready and armed. Undoubtedly the child will continue with legacy inherited from his father. Somewhere along the line the gun will be discharged in a situation where there should never have been a gun and one or more innocents will be dead.

¶ Given the frequency and severity of storms since the beginning of “the season” there is no question that our planet is changing. If we are to leave an habitable place for the next generation to live and work we must do something. It must happen sooner rather than later. Having a government agency in charge is, granted, not the most efficient method of dealing with an issue, but it is far faster than leaving it up to congress, an institution known for taking forever to decide. ¶ Sophia was excited this morning since some birds were cavorting in the large tree in the rear. It is a wondrous thing that there is a large window there so she can observe the antics of the birds. ¶ Thank you for all you do for others and for me. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for reading.

Another One for the Books

Last week I did prognosticate that this week might be another for the books. I was correct. This being the first day in about 14 that I’ve not had something on the schedule, my body said “I’m tired. Period.” ¶ As I looked back it has been a busy two weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed my houseguest. Working in time to practice for the funeral last week as well as Sunday really took up any time I might have had to relax.

¶ Monday started with the planning visit with Erik the Red. He noted two new spots on the brain from the MRI. A third spot which he speculated upon as either a new spot or scar tissue had grown so that was a sure fire thing. Another spot about which he had been suspicious was also confirmed. That afternoon I began the first of three consecutive Gamma Knife treatments. They all went well I seemed to suffer no side effects. ¶ On Thursday I appeared for labs at 9:30, checked in for my doctor’s appointment at 10:30. Everything in my lab report was good. The frequency of a couple of medications was reduced. I checked in with the scheduler who said she would notify the infusion center that I was ready, but she didn’t. So I sat for 45 minutes waiting to be called forth. ¶ My dietician, former personal trainer, stopped by and I complained about the wait so she fixed that immediately. Once in the infusion center the wait for the pharmacy begins. It took over an hour for the chemo to be delivered to the nurse. Then it’s another hour for the infusion, plus the flush, plus the shot for my white cells at the end. So the truth of the matter is that I was in the Cancer Center from 9:30 until almost 3:00. Ufda! ¶ Thursday evening I went to the annual Fairy Tale Opera in the Park. This is an annual event sponsored by Opera South Dakota. It is always delightful. Having served on the board thereof, I sort of feel it’s a duty of mine to attend. I always enjoy it. The basso who sings next to me in the Cathedral Choir was a singing horse.

¶ Friday was my usual stint at the Visual Arts Center at the Pavilion. I had to leave early to attend a really long funeral and reception following. So that has been my two weeks. Just writing about it makes me tired. Thus my fatigue today. ¶ I am pleased that tiredness is my only reaction. So far there are no other side effects from all the treatments. ¶ The garden continues to grow and change. I was out front when the post arrived this morning and the mail person said “I just love all your flowers.” I thanked her for her kind remark.

¶ Currently the weeds are thriving and my friend is driven to attacking them as she has time. I’m usually content with the pots on the deck—few weeds, fewer concerns. ¶ Today is super pleasant with a high temp of 81 degrees and little humidity. This is a contrast from the last week of 99º days and humidity not to be believed. ¶ All is well. I just need some rest. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Thank you for all you do for me and others.

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.