This Fall And Forward

 I’ve made a concerted effort to move ahead, plan for the future, be less scared to live and venture out.  In the past few months, many good things have happened:  Deed and Fran’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the arrival of a Bill and Margot’s daughter June, a return to tutoring at Pleasant Hill, back to singing…both regular rehearsals and some gigs, welcomed the arrival of the newest Solstice “member”, Heather’s daughter Holly, made some mugs in a pottery class, learned about watercolor pouring in a weekend class with Myra Clarke, plans for returning to San Diego after Christmas, started selling my art at Dandelion gallery.

While my back continues to be a challenge in terms of healing quickly, I remain hopeful it will turn a corner here soon toward a speedier heal.  Perhaps warmer climes will help.  I sure hope so.  It’s hard not to feel discouraged.  

Here are some reminders of the positives, as of late.

Trip Home

Was proud to attend a ceremony on Saturday to mark Dad’s service in the Navy during WW2.  His banner will be one of 34 new ones to hang with 171 others along Broadway in Yorkton from now until Remembrance Day.  A beautiful day for a classy event.   Great Fall weather to do the yard work for sis.  A good few day.

So, Why Isn’t This Making Me Happier Than I Am?

 

So…yay?? I guess??   This is good?  Right?

It’s been so long…waiting and wondering.   I feel numb to the fact that travel will now be “easier”.  No idea if it will be safer.   But really, how long can you feel “paused”?   

I guess we will see. 

🤞🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

That Time I Sold Stuff At A Craft Show

 So, I peddled my wares for the first time last night!   Yesterday I drove to Lethbridge and joined Lee in an outdoor craft sale at a local brewery.  Ran from 6 pm-10 pm, sold 4 things and made $54.00!  Not even close to covering the price of gas, but what the hell!  We rented a lovely AirbAndb with air conditioning (cause it’s in the 30s here), a giant king sized bed with 12 pillows and room for Phil!

A weekend vacation in Lethbridge.  Who knew it could be so good?  🤣😆

Retirement Anniversary Day.

                                                                                 2021

                                                                                 2022

My annual retirement day check-in finds me just home from the Grade 8 grad bbq at JLA.  My second last year group of kids before I am officially obsolete.  And I am ok with that!  😜. Some of my favourite kids and their parents were still there (Propps, Simpsons, Quicks), so all was well.

I must confess, I feel a bit battered by the last couple of years-especially this one.  My resolve feels taxed and my enthusiasm has waned.  The recovery from my surgery has been slow…but steady.   Currently I am having a most unpleasant bout of tinnitus and I’ve been a little dizzy the last few days.  

But, I am safe and secure.

The world is so different than retirement day 3 years ago.  Between covid and the war in Europe, soaring gas and food prices and travel delays, life is definitely different…and not in a better way.

But on we go.  Hoping for the best, bracing for whatever will be…

 

Limping Toward Normalcy

 I’ve been making small steps to try and reintegrate.   My latest is starting to sing again.  I’m just home from my first rehearsal/time singing in 2.5 years.   I was nervous.  It was also the first time I’ve been in close quarters with that many people in just as long.   It felt good, but still odd,  to sing again and to be back in a familiar environment with people.  All but 3 wear masks.   I guess this is the new normal.

I also went to a yoga class and have been to a few movies and to Homequarter’s for breakfast a few times.   Next step is the Jan Arden concert on Wednesday night.   

The balance of being so cautious and alone has finally tipped to to take more risks.  I’m hoping that soon it won’t take such forethought and effort to mix and mingle.  My ultimate step forward will be taking a trip, perhaps a flight to Waterloo in September.  Dare to dream!  

So baby, (limping) steps as I continue to recover both physically and psychologically.  My back is coming along slowly but steadily.  It’s feeling much more limber and mobile, but it still has a ways to go.  

Limp on, Bob.  Limp on!

Farewell and fuck off, “Larry”

This morning I had my lump, Larry Lipoma, removed at St Paul’s hospital.  Good riddance.  I’ll be so happy to have it gone and now, hopefully, on to recovery.   This has been a rough few months.   After the MRI, there was some leg/groin pain, meds, a 10-day headache, tinnitus, meeting with an surgical oncologist, worry/anxiety, endless waiting.   But as of 9 am, it is gone.   

So grateful to Deed, who came up Wednesday laden with baking, food, tulips and everything good to help drive and nurse me for a day or two.  April in Saskatchewan being what it is, she came a day early because of a big snow storm in Yorkton (thankfully not here) Wednesday.  

So this morning was at Admitting at 6:30 am and was in surgery at 8:00 am.  Was out just after 9:00 am and discharged just after 11:00.  

A day of rest and meds and being tended to and onward to better days tomorrow. I’m so grateful to have had this thing removed.  It was not an insignificant “mass” but seems to be of  low concern.  Will have more information about it in 2-4 weeks.  

I am relieved.  

2 Years Ago Today

 …the pandemic was declared

…life changed

…

I Believe This Is What Is Referred To As A “Rough Spot”

What a fucking month this has been.  Like the pandemic itself, the cold dark winter days, a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, scary Omnicrom infection spikes, my decision not to tutor because of number of people getting sick and not being able to escape to San Diego for the season wasn’t enough, let’s add a health scare!

My lump on my back was getting more uncomfortable. So a doctor appointment led to an ultrasound which led to an MRI which led to a most unsettling and uncertain month.   

Thankfully, my results are in and I have an area of “central lobulated fat in the subcutaneous fat” in my lower back.  Annoying but nothing serious.  I am very very very relieved and grateful it is nothing more serious.   It really is true about the blessings of having your health!