So What

It's Friday and we're closing in on the last weekend in June. School's out and summer feels like it can finally begin. So what if I spent the entire month indoors, planted on a rickety old recliner long shredded by the cats. That's about to change and soon. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Soon, it will be better and I will be back outside doing what I do even if I'm shuffling along with a walker. So what. I don't care as long as I can be out in the fresh air again.


The garden, largely neglected since mid-May has graciously granted us another grudge-free season. Those little plant starts I buried hastily the day before my surgery provided us with beautiful greens at dinner last night. Sure, the asparagus bolted early and the strawberries are so weedy we can't see the fruit, but so what. There is chard, kale and peas and it's all ready to eat right now. And that silly impulse buy at Wegmans? That hanging basket with the spindly cherry tomato plant in it? Well it's full and lush, and loaded with fruit which has just started to ripen. What about the climbing rose that has taken up residence in the pot along with the tomatoes you say? To that I say so what.

Next Tuesday

On Tuesday at 4:30pm this blasted cast comes off!

HAPPY DANCE!

I can't begin to express how grateful I am for the many friends who helped get us through this ordeal. They are true friends indeed. They are the ones who showed up that first week with heaping plates of delicious food and offers of help in any way. They baked, grilled, ordered take out and made soup. They checked in regularly and even showed up out of the blue just to say hi. They brought flowers, chocolate, comfort and good wishes. They were the ones, who on hearing our convoluted plans for getting me from here to there and back, simply said STOP. I will take care of this for you. 

And though I knew it wasn't really true, they told me I looked good and said over and over and over again that it would get better. And in fact they were right...at least about the getting better part!

Sitting here in peacefulness of the early morning and pondering an inspiring message I received from a former student yesterday. 

Life is much too short to associate with people who bring you down in any way. I think one of the hardest things to do in life is to burn a bridge you thought you'd be walking across forever; a bridge to a person or group of people you thought you knew. 

Love yourself enough to refuse to be taken for granted. Do what is best for you, and give only of yourself to those who are grateful.

Still learning from these amazing kids after all these years. 

Summer Solstice. Time to make a wreath of flowers, light a bonfire and cast away our cares and woes. Time to breathe new life into our deepest hopes, dreams and intentions. Happy Solstice. May your cares be few. May your bounty be great.

May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on.

 

Eight years ago today we we spent a soggy morning trying to keep a stiff upper lip about the impending rain. Then the sun came out and has been shining on us ever since. I don't know where I'd be today without this extraordinary man by my side.

Higher Ground

Yesterday a massive summer storm came through and ravaged our sweet little slice of heaven. We were among the lucky ones. A little water in the basement, a few small limbs in the yard and nothing else. Our neighbors not so much. It rained for only ten or fifteen minutes, but it came down so heavily that none of the little creeks could keep up. Before we knew it the culverts began to give way, roads started to wash out and wild rivers of water started gushing down hill, across roadways and straight into homes, barns, businesses and lives. We are so grateful to live on higher ground.

Gotta Go

If I ever write a memoir based on my experience living life on one leg it will be titled Don't Wait to Pee.  I'm sure we're looking at a best seller here folks. And in case you're wondering, this is the best advice you'll ever receive when dealing with a non-weight-bearing injury.

Last night as I getting into bed I kicked K smack in the forehead with my cast while he was trying to straighten out the comforters. 


Fortunately, it didn't bruise...even more fortunately, we spent the next thirty minutes doubled over laughing about it.

This morning as I was getting up, I texted K my usual good morning, sweetie message, "Gotta pee". I know, so romantic. Unfortunately in my groggy haze I sent it to a friend instead. Good thing she has a sense of humor too. 

I'm just about to enter the fifth week of cast confinement. Happy to report we're still able to laugh.