Hello,
I still have a slight fever of 99 or
so, but not so much coughing or sneezing. However, my nose is running like a
faucet that has been left on at a low stream.
Yesterday after much consideration I went
to my spirituality meeting. My mentor was actually coughing much more than I was.
I only occasionally used my tissue in our hour and a half visit. Guess we
United States citizens are in the top tier of being able to spread germs. If I
felt terrible I would have stayed home.
Leroy now takes Fridays off so I let
him do the grocery shopping. Sometimes it is hard to let jobs go to his corner
because he does not do them just as I would have done it. Do I want to be in
control?
My head is not stuffed so I am
beginning to wonder if this is an allergic reaction to something even though I have
not had much in the allergy territory. That seems to be Leroy’s skill.
I am trying to reread a book for book
club. The book club meets tomorrow. The book is The Lilac Girls. I liked it the
first time through, but perhaps it is because I do not have so much energy to
face the hard issues that life has brought to some people, but I am having
trouble getting through such a serious book. I think I could read a romance
with fluff, where is one when you need it to relax? I have been reading a lot
of Lutheran magazines because they had piled up in my book basket. Not fluff,
but not so energy draining serious.
Paula
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Oops, what did I say?
Hello,
When I was in UT I said, “I almost never get sick. I am not concerned.”
At church on Sunday someone was coughing and I assured them, “I almost never get sick. I am not concerned.”
Yesterday at work I coughed quite a bit and my nose started running. I felt less and less peppy. Trying to sleep last night was a struggle with my aching head and aching muscles. Today I did not work, or at least not for pay.
I did meet with someone to plan the neighborhood meeting for March. I did not have her phone number so, when she arrived I gave her the option of leaving if she did not want to be exposed to whatever. She stayed, but we covered the issues in about half an hour.
I wanted to make granola, but did not have enough honey so I went to the store, shuddered in the cold wind as I walked into the store, came home, ate lunch, then made granola and was grateful for the heat from the oven. When that was done I washed dishes.
A nap seemed like the next thing. It was a good idea. When I woke I noticed my achy joints, took my temperature and learned that it was 100 degrees F.
The coughing has almost disappeared and in spite of the temp, I do not feel so bad. Wondering should I go to work tomorrow morning? One of my co workers in gone so it is not a good time to miss, sigh.
Paula
When I was in UT I said, “I almost never get sick. I am not concerned.”
At church on Sunday someone was coughing and I assured them, “I almost never get sick. I am not concerned.”
Yesterday at work I coughed quite a bit and my nose started running. I felt less and less peppy. Trying to sleep last night was a struggle with my aching head and aching muscles. Today I did not work, or at least not for pay.
I did meet with someone to plan the neighborhood meeting for March. I did not have her phone number so, when she arrived I gave her the option of leaving if she did not want to be exposed to whatever. She stayed, but we covered the issues in about half an hour.
I wanted to make granola, but did not have enough honey so I went to the store, shuddered in the cold wind as I walked into the store, came home, ate lunch, then made granola and was grateful for the heat from the oven. When that was done I washed dishes.
A nap seemed like the next thing. It was a good idea. When I woke I noticed my achy joints, took my temperature and learned that it was 100 degrees F.
The coughing has almost disappeared and in spite of the temp, I do not feel so bad. Wondering should I go to work tomorrow morning? One of my co workers in gone so it is not a good time to miss, sigh.
Paula
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
The Movie in My Mind
Hello,
Our plan to go to UT was to be there for our oldest granddaughter’s 13th birthday. We had not been with her as she celebrated a birthday. We were arriving early enough to meet her at her school and walk her home. When on the train, Miriam texted us to say that Olivia was sick so instead we would surprise her at home.
The surprise scene in my head had been complete with surprised looks, squeals, running, hugging, and laughing. Surely there was some appropriate music in the background. It turned out to be a much calmer movie scene. She was lying on the sofa complete with mask over her face to protect others from her cough. She said, “What?? Why are you here?”
On learning we were there for her birthday, I guess she smiled, but we did not really see it until her mother said, “Take off that mask so they can see your smile.”
We did spend some time hugging and smiling, but no leaping around. She was still home the next day. She sat up most of that day, so we could spend some time playing games, talking, and watching a movie. She was still a bit astounded that we had come so far just for her birthday.
It was the gift of our presence instead of presents.
Paula
Our plan to go to UT was to be there for our oldest granddaughter’s 13th birthday. We had not been with her as she celebrated a birthday. We were arriving early enough to meet her at her school and walk her home. When on the train, Miriam texted us to say that Olivia was sick so instead we would surprise her at home.
The surprise scene in my head had been complete with surprised looks, squeals, running, hugging, and laughing. Surely there was some appropriate music in the background. It turned out to be a much calmer movie scene. She was lying on the sofa complete with mask over her face to protect others from her cough. She said, “What?? Why are you here?”
On learning we were there for her birthday, I guess she smiled, but we did not really see it until her mother said, “Take off that mask so they can see your smile.”
We did spend some time hugging and smiling, but no leaping around. She was still home the next day. She sat up most of that day, so we could spend some time playing games, talking, and watching a movie. She was still a bit astounded that we had come so far just for her birthday.
It was the gift of our presence instead of presents.
Paula
Monday, February 24, 2020
I’m Still Around
Hello,
I am still around, but so busy that I have not taken the time to write. I can say that I missed this part of my life. Writing satisfies some need in me.
We were home just about two weeks before we headed off to UT to celebrate our oldest granddaughter’s birthday. We had not been with her for her birthday before. We returned home last Wednesday and I worked (for money at my usual job) two of the days that we have been back. The rest of the time I worked at home. All of that traveling left me feeling a bit tired.
I want to relate one more tale about our Columbia trip. On the way home we had to go through security again in Panama City airport before returning to the US. The woman who checked our passports and tickets asked if we spoke Spanish. I do not understand Spanish, but Leroy does a little, but could not get what she wanted to tell us. She kept his plane ticket. As Leroy said, “I cannot get on the plane without that ticket.”
That was a bit disconcerting, but she waved us on through the rest of the security check. At the end of that system she came over and gave someone else his ticket. He was then instructed to go through a more serious search of his pockets and carryon baggage. At the end of which he was given his ticket.
So he could get on the plane. It appeared that there was a code on his ticket that was not on mine. We assume that he had been randomly selected for a deeper search.
Would you believe that in Chicago waiting for our flight home, we saw people from our congregation? They offered us a ride home when they learned that someone was picking us up. What a deal! The original person had made a meal for us and which they still left that on the back porch for us. Caring people abound!
Paula
I am still around, but so busy that I have not taken the time to write. I can say that I missed this part of my life. Writing satisfies some need in me.
We were home just about two weeks before we headed off to UT to celebrate our oldest granddaughter’s birthday. We had not been with her for her birthday before. We returned home last Wednesday and I worked (for money at my usual job) two of the days that we have been back. The rest of the time I worked at home. All of that traveling left me feeling a bit tired.
I want to relate one more tale about our Columbia trip. On the way home we had to go through security again in Panama City airport before returning to the US. The woman who checked our passports and tickets asked if we spoke Spanish. I do not understand Spanish, but Leroy does a little, but could not get what she wanted to tell us. She kept his plane ticket. As Leroy said, “I cannot get on the plane without that ticket.”
That was a bit disconcerting, but she waved us on through the rest of the security check. At the end of that system she came over and gave someone else his ticket. He was then instructed to go through a more serious search of his pockets and carryon baggage. At the end of which he was given his ticket.
So he could get on the plane. It appeared that there was a code on his ticket that was not on mine. We assume that he had been randomly selected for a deeper search.
Would you believe that in Chicago waiting for our flight home, we saw people from our congregation? They offered us a ride home when they learned that someone was picking us up. What a deal! The original person had made a meal for us and which they still left that on the back porch for us. Caring people abound!
Paula
Monday, February 10, 2020
Columbia Day Seven
Hello,
Once again we took that walk to the monastery. This time arriving just a bit before the service. One of the monks greeted us and told us that the brother who was to spend time with us was ill and had even been taken to the hospital. Another monk then took over the role of guide and friend. He took us into the kitchen and meeting rooms. He would explain in Spanish and we waited patiently for an English translation. It was quite interesting to learn some things about ordinary life in this Benedictine order. We spent quite a bit of time in the library. It was fun for Leroy and I to see how it was organized. Some books had English titles, but not many.
The service was about half an hour with beautiful singing. Knowing the words seemed not to be important for it to have an impact. After the service the four of us, along with others, were invited to share lunch with them.
We were not to talk during the meal. Much of this time one of the brothers was reading from a book, but I have no clue what it was about. All of the food was things that they had grown. We started with fresh made bread and vegetable soup and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Portions were so generous that we thought it might be the entire meal (We learned our common thoughts after the meal was over.) The bowl and bread plates were whisked away. Then a large dinner plate was placed in front of all. A salad that had a variety of vegetables in it was next followed closely by chicken thighs, and rice with gravy like sauce and a few carrots. It was all quite good. We thanked them for their hospitality and walked on home. What a treat!
Paula
Once again we took that walk to the monastery. This time arriving just a bit before the service. One of the monks greeted us and told us that the brother who was to spend time with us was ill and had even been taken to the hospital. Another monk then took over the role of guide and friend. He took us into the kitchen and meeting rooms. He would explain in Spanish and we waited patiently for an English translation. It was quite interesting to learn some things about ordinary life in this Benedictine order. We spent quite a bit of time in the library. It was fun for Leroy and I to see how it was organized. Some books had English titles, but not many.
The service was about half an hour with beautiful singing. Knowing the words seemed not to be important for it to have an impact. After the service the four of us, along with others, were invited to share lunch with them.
We were not to talk during the meal. Much of this time one of the brothers was reading from a book, but I have no clue what it was about. All of the food was things that they had grown. We started with fresh made bread and vegetable soup and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Portions were so generous that we thought it might be the entire meal (We learned our common thoughts after the meal was over.) The bowl and bread plates were whisked away. Then a large dinner plate was placed in front of all. A salad that had a variety of vegetables in it was next followed closely by chicken thighs, and rice with gravy like sauce and a few carrots. It was all quite good. We thanked them for their hospitality and walked on home. What a treat!
Paula
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Columbia Day Six
Hello,
In the morning we walked to the monastery that is about a 45 minute walk away. If Leroy had been walking alone it would probably been a 30 minute walk. It was quite pleasant with some uphill, downhill, and curves back and forth. Sometimes we walked in the shade and others we were in the sun. I am so thankful that my hat is packable and easy to bring along with my UV protection shirts. The road was used by cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and walkers. On the way home we shared it with a cow who just stepped over a fence.
The schedule for the masses had changed for the weekend, so we just missed it. The monk that our hostess knew suggested that we come back on Monday for the service that was close to noon and we should stay for lunch. That seemed like a nice plan for a day which was not yet scheduled.
In the afternoon we walked to town and got a boat ride for about 2.5 hours around this manmade lake. We got on a small boat with about five other people. The air was cool and invigorating. I was so happy that I had brought a jacket. We had one stop where there was a rudimentary museum. It did have a few interesting things, but was mostly unorganized as of yet.
In the evening we once again walked to town to go to a Thai restaurant that is owed by a USA citizen. Who knew we would find such a combination in Columbia?
Paula
In the morning we walked to the monastery that is about a 45 minute walk away. If Leroy had been walking alone it would probably been a 30 minute walk. It was quite pleasant with some uphill, downhill, and curves back and forth. Sometimes we walked in the shade and others we were in the sun. I am so thankful that my hat is packable and easy to bring along with my UV protection shirts. The road was used by cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and walkers. On the way home we shared it with a cow who just stepped over a fence.
The schedule for the masses had changed for the weekend, so we just missed it. The monk that our hostess knew suggested that we come back on Monday for the service that was close to noon and we should stay for lunch. That seemed like a nice plan for a day which was not yet scheduled.
In the afternoon we walked to town and got a boat ride for about 2.5 hours around this manmade lake. We got on a small boat with about five other people. The air was cool and invigorating. I was so happy that I had brought a jacket. We had one stop where there was a rudimentary museum. It did have a few interesting things, but was mostly unorganized as of yet.
In the evening we once again walked to town to go to a Thai restaurant that is owed by a USA citizen. Who knew we would find such a combination in Columbia?
Paula
Friday, February 7, 2020
Columbia Day Five
Hello,
We spent a quieter day reading, enjoying the view, eating much good food, and playing games. Leroy and I also walked into town by ourselves. Leroy, who does not know east and west, remembers the turns he takes and what he has seen. I was a little concerned about finding the street that led to our hosts’ house out in the country. But Leroy had it all figured out.
We do not really have a good picture, but this is called the painted town because many of the houses have designs painted along the bottom of them. They all looked fresh and new because they take pride in their homes.
When we were with our host we got to tour a part of the local hospital. It was certainly more colorful that I am used to seeing with many paintings on the walls.
There was a trick bike park with height and curves. It was open when so we stopped to watch what they could do. Even the smallest riders could to do more than I would be comfortable attempting on these fast moving jumps.
I am including two pictures from the town square.
Paula
We spent a quieter day reading, enjoying the view, eating much good food, and playing games. Leroy and I also walked into town by ourselves. Leroy, who does not know east and west, remembers the turns he takes and what he has seen. I was a little concerned about finding the street that led to our hosts’ house out in the country. But Leroy had it all figured out.
We do not really have a good picture, but this is called the painted town because many of the houses have designs painted along the bottom of them. They all looked fresh and new because they take pride in their homes.
When we were with our host we got to tour a part of the local hospital. It was certainly more colorful that I am used to seeing with many paintings on the walls.
There was a trick bike park with height and curves. It was open when so we stopped to watch what they could do. Even the smallest riders could to do more than I would be comfortable attempting on these fast moving jumps.
I am including two pictures from the town square.
Paula
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)