It was a busy week and I'm not sure why. I worked my normal days just a little longer on a day or two. I felt I rushed from one thing to another, yet when I looked at my calendar, I was not overbooked I did have an awesome massage (my first one in two years) and I truly needed it. Time to get to some regularly scheduled massage treatments. I also took a longer than normal nap yesterday afternoon - just pulled my blanket over me and put the recliner back and I was out. I knew it was longer than normal when I woke up groggy - guess I needed it.
I had dinner with some wonderful ladies the other evening. We went to a restaurant I have not been to since before Covid. It definitely was not as crowded as it was before. It was wonderful catching up and socializing a bit. I had an awesome dinner (enough for lunch the next day).
I must say although I adore Tom Brady and he is the G.O.A.T as far as I'm concerned. The coverage of his retirement news was astounding and humorous. I mean he had to retire at some point. I did feel bad the announcement was leaked prematurely as I felt he wanted to wait a bit longer. In my mind, he will always be a Patriot.
On a sadder note. This past week my dear friend Paula passed away. I met Paula when she was a volunteer with hospice and worked at the memory care unit where my mom was a resident. Paula was friendly with my mom while visiting others. When my mom was placed under hospice care, Paula immediately stepped up to be her companion. I must say, Paula befriended me at the same time and would keep me informed as needed. Although Paula had health issues she declined and was placed on the transplant list. She continued to see my mom on her own when she stopped as a volunteer. When I took mom home, Paula came almost every week. If Paula did not visit in person, she called to check in. After my mom passed, Paula was determined to come to the service (carrying her oxygen). Paula continued to keep in touch with me whether in Plymouth or Sterling. Paula had a double lung transplant in 2019 so she could continue to live and make memories with her family. Paula and I chatted almost every Tuesday or Thursday (some times more often). She helped my commute fly by - we talked about her health (triumphs and setbacks), family and world problems. She also would let me when when she dreamed of my mom. In October 2021, she had a few major setbacks. I visited her at home when I was in Plymouth (thank goodness). She was back/forth to the hospital until after Christmas. She went into the hospital right after Christmas. Her team tried everything possible, but to no avail. She told me all along her journey that she would fight to live until she could not. I talked to her about 10 days ago and I could hear the fear and emotions in her voice...she was getting tired of fighting. I called her Tuesday and there was no answer, which is not unusual as sometimes we played telephone tag. I don't know why I did not call on Thursday. Friday I noticed her number flash on my phone, but could not call until the afternoon. When I did, her daughter answered. Paula passed on Thursday afternoon surrounded by family. I'm sure those she cared for were waiting to greet her when she arrived in heaven. Paula always called herself an enigma because she was a puzzle that could not be solved. Although my heart hurts, I know Paula is no longer in pain and keeping watch over her family.
This past week I finished reading: "THE BUDAPEST ESCAPE" by Bill Rapp (3rd in Cold War Thriller Series). A good read of history and espionage.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
February 6
International Frozen Yogurt Day
Lame Duck Day
National Chopsticks Day
February 7
Send a Card to a Friend Day - obviously created by a card company
Wave All you Fingers at Your Neighbor Day
February 8
Boy Scout Day - celebrates the birthday of scouting
Kite Flying Day - in the middle of winter!?!
February 9
National Pizza Day
Toothache Day
February 10
Umbrella Day
February 11
Don't Cry over Spilled Milk Day
Make a Friend Day
National Inventors Day
White T-Shirt Day
February 12
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
National Lost Penny Day
Plum Pudding Day
I am leaving it here for today - think I babbled on long enough. I hope you have a good week. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated and boostered. Wash your hands. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“In February there is everything to hope for and nothing to regret.” - — Patience Strong
“In the coldest February, as in every other month in every other year, the best thing to hold on to in this world is each other.” - — Linda Ellerbee
“If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers… February is for doers.” - — Marc Parent