A Little Hot

The week past has not been as hot as the previous week, or so it seems. Thankfully there have been no storms. Most days have warmed up nicely but our weather has not been as miserable as some other parts of the country.

¶ My friends in Victoria, BC, have complained about the heat. They have every right to do that given that air conditioning is a rare thing there. I pity the poor folks in Washington and Oregon who are, in no way, acclimated to the heat to which they have suffered. ¶ We’ve had a little rain but not enough to revive lawns that have not been watered continually. My neighbors to the east do not water and their lawn is brown. I water a little, mostly to keep the flowers going. With an irrigation system it’s easy to forget about the lawn watering thing until the water bill arrives. Then one knows for certain that the system has been on and working. Between the cat who enjoys watching water running down the drain and the sprinklers this household owes the city a tidy sum each month of the summer and early autumn. I am truly grateful that we are not suffering the same kind of drought plaguing the west region of this state and other parts of the country. ¶ The week has flown by without incident. I’ve felt fine and have done a little exercising, mostly walking. The day to day obligations are enough to keep me busy. I am happy that I have regular obligations. It helps to keep me grounded. When the obligations infringe on my free time I tend to grouse about them. At the end of the day I am thankful for them.

¶ Thursday I will have labs and then my infusion, provided the labs are OK. The oncologist doesn’t feel it’s necessary to see me every three weeks now. That saves a bit of time. Infusion is in the morning so I should be all finished by noon. As always, the pharmacy being willing and able is the determining factor concerning the length of the process. ¶ I do plan to attend the docent meeting at the Washington Pavilion on Wednesday. A traveling exhibit called “An Adventure in the Arts,” will be opening soon. It is from the Guild Hall Museum in East Hampton, New York. It looks very interesting. It will be nice to have some background information to share if people ask. I have not been to a docent meeting since the whole COVID thing began. I still don’t feel comfortable working with a group of youngsters especially with a resurgence of infections.

¶ Sophia has spent the week catching up on her rest. She was busy fretting over the roofing project last week. I hate to tell her she will have to endure the replacement of the siding when the material finally arrives. There will be more pounding! ¶ I hope you have a good week. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts and cards and calls. I’m grateful for your care.

Remember When

Today is St. Birgitta’s Day, the day on which she died. She was a Swedish saint who founded the Bridgettine Order of nuns, otherwise known as the Order of the Most Holy Savior of St. Bridget (another spelling of the saint’s name).

¶ It brought to mind a memorable occasion from years past. I had decided to try my vocation in a monastery in Michigan. It was connected with a monastery in Sweden. In my first summer in the monastery I traveled to Sweden to meet the Swedish brothers and see a bit of Europe. An American friend and I took the train from Stockholm to Milan and back. We arrived in time to celebrate this day in Vadstena, Sweden. It is a charming town next to a beautifully blue lake. It is where the first convent of the Bridgettine Order was established. ¶ There was a conference of clergy and religious from all over the world to remember the 600th anniversary of St. Birgitta’s death. This music teacher from South Dakota was totally amazed by the gathering. There were many speakers both formal and informal. The formal lectures were translated into major languages. The informal talks took place in meeting rooms and dormitories with small groups huddled around a person who would translate for the speaker. In any given space there might be six or seven languages heard. Questions would be asked and answered and translations flew around the room. It was an incredible experience. Obviously, it is something that I can’t forget. ¶ On Thursday the materials for the roof were delivered and on Friday the crew arrived to shingle the roof. They worked in the awful heat and humidity from 7:30 AM until 8:30 PM when the clean-up was finished. It is such a pleasure when workers show up when expected, do their job and tidy up after themselves. ¶ Sophia, however, hopes they will not be invited back again. The poor thing spent most of the day cowering in the basement. In her opinion the crew was far too noisy with their nail guns and pitch forks. It was very hard to sleep so most of today has been spent enjoying the peace and quiet and sleeping.

¶ Thankfully, I was away most of the morning and some of the afternoon. I had the excuse that it was my volunteer time at the Pavilion. ¶ We had such a crazy spring that most of the vegetables aren’t ready to be harvested yet. I braved the insane traffic to go to the Farmers’ Market here last week and walked away with nothing. One can eat only so many potatoes. It takes longer to get there, park, and get out again than the time one spends shopping. I’m happy it’s a success but it’s just too crowded. Today I went to Cherry Rock Gardens in Brandon. I arrived at 10:30. They open at 10:00. Most of the produce was already purchased. In both places there was no corn as yet.

¶ The week following chemo has been fine. There have been a few episodes of nausea which seems to strike in the evening, particularly if I don’t eat on time. Other than that issue I’ve felt well. I’m grateful for the medication that takes care of same in short order. ¶ My gardening friends deserve the credit but I’m the one who gets the compliments. Nearly every morning while I’m doing the watering, someone will walk by and compliment me on the front garden. I thank them and wish those responsible could receive the kudos in person. ¶ I hope everyone is coping with the heat and staying sane and safe. Thanks for reading, for prayers, for thoughts, for cards, and all that you do for me and for others. Bless you.

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.