We ended the week with tragedy and sadness as a house on the street behind us was leveled in a gas explosion on Friday evening. Tragically, one firefighter was killed and many others hurt. The only thing left of the house is the chimney stack. It shook our house as many pictures dropped off the walls, but for us no permanent damage. We could see the fire from the backyard and it was huge. The fire department and experts are investigating for the cause of the ignition. They do know it was a 500 pound propane tank leak that was buried underground. It damaged several houses around that area so the street is cordoned off. Our hearts were pumped and the adrenaline flowed for hours. I have not felt that level of anxiousness in many years. Our prayers are with all involved.
The rest of the week was good. I forgot to mention last week that I finally had a massage after many many months. I had a hot stone massage hoping the heat would penetrate the muscles and joints. I had a wonderful therapist who provided the right touch to get the blood flowing and lessen some of the inflammation. I signed up for a regular program as I'm hoping my body starts to normalize a bit.
I mentioned last week that I had to have lab work done in preparation for an upcoming rheumatology appointment. He is weaning me off Prednisone after having me on a two week higher dose regimen. He also advised I needed the Hep B series. As I traveled much for work I was given almost every vaccination known including the Hep B series. I could not find my shot records a few years ago, so my primary had me go through the series again. This time, I found my more current records (thank goodness for online records) and reached out to my primary. She advised that some people are non-responders and need the series again. I did some research and it does indicate that a weakened immune system can cause the non-responsiveness. So that makes me think perhaps immunotherapy wiped out the antigens. I've already started this new round so let's hope this time it takes.
I am planning a road trip north to visit family and friends; many of whom I have not seen since before Covid. I'm hoping to begin the trip the first week of April and I'll reach out to as many as I can with some dates and such. With many still working I'll do the best I can to fit all in and have a mini vacation at the same time.
This past week I finished reading: "NATALIE TAN'S BOOK OF LUCK & FORTUNE" - Roselle Kim - family, culture and recipes. "LOST AND FOUND" - Kathryn Schulz - profound look at love, loss, and moving forward. I watched "MAYBE IT'S YOU" (2023) - Romantic comedy but I was not impressed with this one - good thing I was having a lazy afternoon.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about (there are always more things about each day that are not listed here, but it's so interesting to google "whats important about ...) :
February 18
National Battery Day
National Drink Wine Day
February 19
National Chocolate Mint Day
President’s Day – It’s celebrated third Monday of the month.
February 20
Cherry Pie Day
Hoodie Hoo Day
Love Your Pet Day
February 21
Card Reading Day
February 22
George Washington’s Birthday
Be Humble Day
International World Thinking Day
National Chili Day – The fourth Thursday in February.
National Margarita Day
Walking the Dog Day
Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony – not until 2026
February 23
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
Tennis Day
February 24
Open That Bottle Night – The last Saturday night of the month.
National Tortilla Chip Day
World Bartender Day
I am leaving it here for today. Time to get the day started. I am preparing a few meals today for the week. Also, our neighbors just had their first baby so will drop off a pan of baked pasta later. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“Though February is short, it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.” ― Charmaine J. Forde
“February is even better, though, because it lets us study why so many of those resolutions are broken.” – Sendhil Mullainathan