I know I'm getting old when the only day I ventured out of the house was the only day schools were in session. I ventured out to have lunch with a dear friend whom I have not seen in about 5 years. I had a wonderful time catching up with him (he was one who did not know about my cancer). I could not believe it when he told me we met in 1990 and how both of our lives intersected at points and changed over the years. He did tell me I looked good in my hat! We will strive to get together a little more frequently.
The cold weather has played havoc with my joints. I soaked my hands almost every day with hot water/epsom salt. This helped them move and reduced some of the inflammation for a bit. I took many naps this week as I felt overwhelmingly tired. I definitely could not shovel this year so we hired that job out. It was worth the money to see the driveway and walkway cleared. I'm grateful we don't have to worry about clearing a sidewalk as well.
I hoped that since I'm a month out of treatment that I would feel and see my joint issues start to ease. I know miracles do not happen overnight, but I can hope. I feel in some ways the joints are getting worse though I'm hoping I'm wrong. Believe me when I say I value each movement. It was weird realizing my life is not in three week increments this year. I have moments of sheer gratefulness that I had such a strong support system around me. Then I have moments when I think what would have happened if I just had surgery (remember they got everything) and did not have the treatment. I truly never asked that question when this started. I try not to dwell on any of it.
A funny story from the week. When we were on a road trip this past summer I brought a pre-packaged corn chowder kit. I enjoy corn chowder and usually make it myself, but thought what the heck. Well, it was terrible and I even followed the recipe!! Barely had any flavor and was more like liquidity soup. I'm still working on doctoring it up so it tastes like something, but so disappointed. I guess I'll stick with my old fashioned recipe from now on for this.
This past Friday was five years since the death of my mom. I know she is with me although I don't always easily recognize the signs. I did on Friday as we had an all day snowstorm which is what happened the day my mom passed. I will always be grateful for the time I was able to spend with her the past few years of her life.
This past week I finished reading: "THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME" by Laura Dave - Reese's Book Club - mystery and intrigue. It was made into a movie - which I did not see. It was a good read. "MAGNOLIA WEDNESDAYS" - Wendy Wax - family, secrets, courage and truth with some humor thrown in. It was a good, easy read. "THEREBY HANGS THE TAIL: A CHET AND BERNIE MYSTERY" - by Spencer Quinn - apparently there is a whole series and this was book 2. It is humorously told from the dog's perspective as he and his owner solve mysteries. A good, easy read.
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 ...) :
January 21
National Hugging Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day
January 22
National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23
National Pie Day
National Handwriting Day
Measure Your Feet Day– we only ask….”Why!?!”
January 24
Beer Can Appreciation Day
Compliment Day
Global Belly Laugh Day
January 25
Opposite Day
January 26
Australia Day
Spouse’s Day
January 27
Chocolate Cake Day
National Seed Swap Day – Last Saturday in January
Punch the Clock Day
I'm going to leave it here for today. Been sitting long enough and need to get the day moving. I hope you have a good week where you are. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“January is the quietest month in the garden. But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.” - — Rosalie Muller Wright
“Taking care is one way to show your love. Another way is letting people take good care of you when you need it.” - — Fred Rogers