Plastic Gloves! All my daily observations come from TV and my morning runs. So my big gripe today is litter. I run early, so I won't have to decide how to negotiate others on the sidewalk. Once I get past the closed school, everything looks normal... except this! Why would someone drop their contaminated glove on the ground. That's worse than dog poop. It's also a scary reminder of our world. People are concerned enough to wear gloves. Are they scared about contaminating their cars? It's not the first I've seen! Missing As I passed the Hope Tree today, I noticed something was missing. I took these photos the day I added my own ribbon to the highest branch on the right. Today, I noticed it was gone. I guess I didn't tie it well enough. My Litter Great! I thought as I ran on. My ribbon is now litter, blowing along the breeze... clogging the gutter... I littered! Then I felt better when I remembered the words I'd written on the ribbon. The person who finds the ribbon will feel like me, the day I found a deflated balloon with a note inside. (that's littering too) They will be excited with their find!
And then I remembered how we are all fretting over contamination. Nobody will pick up my germ-y ribbon to see what the words say. Oh well, maybe a bird will use it in a nest. I saw that in a book once.
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One Week Past Easter We used to have tons of kids in our neighborhood. Obviously, all those kids from 20 years ago, have grown up. But this year more than ever, I've been thinking of the kids who live in our neighborhood, now. I was sad today when I took down the egg perched in our tree. 10 days ago, I put it there for kids to spot. That mini plywood egg, was part of a neighborhood morale boosting project. Families were encouraged to decorate a small egg and display it in a window or somewhere in the yard. It would give families something fun to look for, when walking or driving by. It seemed like a good way to show we were all looking out for each other. I was happy to paint an egg and put it out. But when I ran on Easter morning, I saw very few. 20 years ago, there would have been more eggs. We had more kids then and less technology. Bigger Egg After putting out the little egg 10 days ago, I put Don to work with the jigsaw. He cut out a larger egg and the next day I played Easter Bunny. I snuck out before my morning run and put the egg at the entrance. Just something fun for kids to spot. It took me a while to decide where I could securely prop it. Then I suddenly felt weird about putting this silly decoration out. It might fall over and people won't want to touch it. Everyone seems on edge about the rules these days. My decoration might blow over and become annoying trash. Memories I stood there for a minute, feeling odd. And as I thought for a moment, old memories of the neighborhood entrance came to me. Hurricane Harvey, gave our entrance a different look. Our entrance definitely looked eerie after we and our neighbors evacuated. Instead of being told to stay at home, we were told to leave our homes. There was lots of worry, but also lots of support. People in our area, are much better at knowing about how to deal with hurricanes, than pandemics. Angels at the Entrance I really only stood there a few moments before I decided to leave the silly bunny egg. It was when I remembered the colorful angels that used to decorate our entrance, every December. For about 10 years, our neighborhood gathered at the entrance for caroling a caroling parade. The angels are pretty hidden behind our group in this photo. But they were a festive addition. Thanks Lorrie, for making them! Bye Bunny So today, I headed out to retrieve the wooden egg. I did it early when no one was around. Again, I was sort of sneaky... mostly embarrassed. Why again, did I put that bunny-egg out? Kids are all in their houses. Probably no one saw it. Oh well. I guess I did it for me. It was something fun to do. The bunny egg is hiding in the garage, until next year. Maybe young families will move in!
Chats With Dad I've been trying to call Dad everyday, since his assisted living community went on lockdown, way over a month ago. He never has much to talk about, because nothing is happening in his world. Not much is happening in mine either, so we talk about the past. Good things... like picnics, in 1973. Dad is 91. We need a vaccine soon, so we can go on another picnic! We never talk long, and I do most of the talking. I ramble about when we lived in Michigan or Florida or Iowa. He laughs at my stories. I've been watching plenty of old movies on TV and they remind me of lots of plays that Dad was involved with. It's actually pretty nice being able to ask questions about different shows, that I have only vague memories of. Dad's Younger Years But when my questions go further back, Dad gets more talkative. He tells me about his Dad and the banjo he made from a cigar box. "Where is that now?" he wonders. He talks about his mother, driving his brother Gene to Arizona for college. "For his asthma." Dad tells me. I never knew Uncle Gene had asthma or Uncle Bob played trumpet. I also didn't know that when Dad was teaching at U or Arkansas, he used to come home at lunch and play chess with my mom. I told Dad that I remembered my very first chess game... Zoom with Dad Yesterday, I got a text asking if I was interested in having a Zoom call with my dad. I didn't have time to plan or fret or worry about how odd this would be, to see my dad's face and for him to see mine. We're used to chatting on his landline. But I jumped at the chance. I answered the invite and immediately felt comfortable talking with staff member, Chris. She wore her mask and chatted with me, before taking the ipad to my dad's room. Poor Dad had no advance warning and seemed a little confused. Chris left her sanitized device, in Dad's hands and he fretted a moment. "What are they doing with this film?" I explained. Then I had him rotate the ipad, when I realized he'd been seeing me sideways for 5 minutes. Then I took him on a house tour! I showed him the Sicilian Knight that our family bought in Italy 50 years ago. I held my cell's lens to the knight's face and I could hear dad laughing. He remembered the crazy puppet. Photos... I "took Dad" into the living room and teased that I might play piano for him. Instead, I showed him my favorite photograph, displayed on top of the piano. Dad knows the whole story of this wonderful picture of Grandma, when she was a child. The photo shows a scene in a silent movie. The crowd is gathered around my grandmother. Her character had just been hit by a car. Outside Then I stepped outside and showed Dad the palm trees, with their rustling fronds. I pointed the camera towards the pool and asked him to help me spot some June bugs. I told him that my quarantine boredom has led to lots of bug rescues. He laughed and told me the pool needed cleaning.
So that was a first! We both laughed a lot and Dad admitted it was a lot more fun than he expected. I'm so grateful that the assisted living staff has worked to connect their isolated residents with family. I'm also grateful that Dad is healthy and able to chat! A month ago, Dad's dear friend from his community, died of Covid. 4 more died after her. I am finally beginning to feel hopeful. Telemedicine With Doc P. This morning I had my first Telemedicine appointment. A month ago, I would have been totally stressed at the idea of FaceTiming with my oncologist. But I've at least had a little practice, "Zooming" with friends and family. I set up my little tripod and made sure I had a book and coffee, just in case there was a wait. It was actually pretty funny, sitting there waiting for my appointment, staring at Dr. P's portrait. He apologized when he got on, 40 minutes later. His other appointments had taken much longer than he'd expected. He was relieved that I had good internet, since he said 90% of his patients don't. Whew. His world has gotten complicated. I assured him I had been reading and was relaxed in my own home. True. We chatted for longer than I expected, since I knew he was behind. Dr. P went over my labs and he reminded me to drink 64 ounces of water a day. But the main thing that I will remember of our appointment was his answer to my question. "How much more vulnerable am I to Coronavirus, because of my cancer history and treatments? Dr. P said his biggest concern for me, was my age! I jumped for joy! Ordinarily, that remark would make me cringe.
"You are over 60." But he assured me that my blood work is normal and has been for a long time. He knows that I exercise and eat well, but he also knows I'm in that vulnerable age group. It's funny how lifted I felt after I got off. For weeks, I've been trying to ignore the fact that I am a Cancer Survivor. How much more vulnerable am I? I've peeked on the internet for answers, but saw so many different ones. I was scared to ask Dr. P, but now I'm feeling empowered with what I learned. He didn't say my history means nothing, but I'm happy to know that age is my biggest factor. Can't do a darn thing about that. Learning How to Shop Even those who are mostly staying home, have to navigate this new way of living... during Quarantine Times. Getting groceries is something we're all dealing with. First we just worried about how panic shopping would affect the supplies in stores. Then we had to decide what was the safest way to get groceries. We've had groceries delivered and today we took on curbside shopping. At least Don and I could go together and make an adventure out of it. We had our "just in case we need 'em" masks. Curbside shopping isn't new at H-E-B. Some people have been doing this kind of shopping for a while. But I noticed an added sign, when we parked. It asked us to stay in the car. I insisted we put a "Thank You" sign in the back. Don thought that was kind of dumb, but I figured this is the time to "Err on the side of kindness". Don put a tip in a baggie and we tucked it in the back. Surely that's okay to do? I feel like we over-think every move. Don and I were oddly nervous, waiting for our cart of groceries to arrive. But as soon as Asmita greeted us through the back, she put us right at ease. Her smile was evident, even with her mask. She loaded us quickly, but we still managed to converse about the beautiful weather and everyone staying healthy.
Thanks Asmita and all those workers, who allow us to get food into our homes ! No Cabin Fever Don and I are not suffering from cabin fever, unless cabin fever is what you get when you're missing your cabin. Yesterday, we left our home, as if we were escaping from cabin fever. We drove 3.5 hours and ended up at our cabin... feeling sneaky and guilty and odd. It was strange seeing signs like this one, on the freeway. Sunrise Beach We reached Sunrise Beach, in the early afternoon. The little community of retirees and weekenders is usually quiet on weekdays in spring. But it was eerily quiet. We didn't see another car as we drove into the "village". But we did see deer and a sign that reminded us that times are different. I felt that huge wave of guilt, that we are following our "Stay at Home" orders in two different places. That seems horribly wrong and indulgent. In Michigan, you're not allowed to visit your vacation home. Work The weather was beautiful when we arrived. I wanted to sit on the deck and read, but we had come to check on things and do "chores". Don got out the lawn mower and I faced cobwebs. Then I faced dirtier jobs with varmint poop and dust and weeds and wasp nests... I usually hate these chores, but there was something cathartic about my cleaning frenzy. Honestly, there is something about Coronavirus anger that makes me clean like an angry fighter! Actually it's not the virus that angers me, as much as the president and how he's dealing with this. No TV The best thing about the cabin, is that we have no TV. There are certain faces I can't stand to see on my TV screen. Our space felt peaceful and serene. At night we had a fire and pulled out the old games. We have no internet, but we turned on the radio and listened to Austin's NPR station. Suddenly we were brought back to reality. Every show, every podcast was about Covid. We got out the old ukuleles. In the morning, the skies were red. I can't believe we are heading home and not staying put. This is where we should be spending our quarantine time!
But how do you Zoom with your kids, if you have no internet? Oncologist Appointment? Every four months, I have have an appointment for blood work and consultation. Three days ago, I called to cancel mine. Surely they weren't expecting me to come in and put chemo patients or myself at risk. This wasn't urgent. I was told about all the precautions that the office was taking and that there was no need to cancel. I still cringed. I was also told I could postpone. Or I do a Telemedicine appointment, but then I'd have to get labs done elsewhere. So, I kept the appointment and this morning, I headed out with my mask and gloves. I also took my little mascot, Ms. Donkey. Yes, I'm way too old for a security toy. But I took this goofy friend to all my appointments in 2016. She helped me keep my humor and kick Cancer's butt. Memorial Herman I parked at the medical building and approached with my friend. I figured, she'd help me kick Coronavirus' butt... if I got near any germs! I stepped inside the deserted building and headed up to the 4th floor. There was a table set up, outside the office for screening. I was asked health and travel questions and had my temp taken. I laughed with the very cheery woman, who was covered in protective clothing. I showed her my fine donkey mascot and she laughed with me, as she put a band on my wrist, announcing my 99.0 temp. Guess that wasn't too high.? In the waiting room, I saw lots of reminders about keeping our distance. The other 4 patients in the room, wore masks. I had been stressed for a couple days about whether I should keep the appointment. But once I arrived, everything felt calm and clean. The good old holiday tree was trying its best to lighten our moods, with some pastel decor and lights. The TV however was not doing a good job of lifting my spirits. What happened to HGTV? Why are we having to stare at the medical station with creepy chatter about Cancer? After an hour waiting, I was the only one in the room. The others were chemo patients, who had been called in for treatment. I eventually got word that I was going to need to make a Telemedicine appointment. There had been some miscommunication and suddenly I was being told the office was closing to all, but patients doing treatment. I get that. They are incredibly vulnerable. But I'd been waiting... I'd put myself at risk... I'd tried to cancel. I was a horrible, fretting patient who got her way. They rushed me back and took my blood. I thanked them and apologized and thanked and apologized. Blood Pressure I drove home feeling horribly guilty. Those patients and the staff are dealing with scary, stressful issues, every day. I begged them to do my blood work. Why didn't I quietly leave. But I also drove home feeling like a huge weight had lifted. My lab results will help answer some questions. I have been worried for a couple months about what my past cancer history means, related to Coronavirus. How much more vulnerable am I? In a couple of days, I'll have my results and I'll have my Telemed appointment with Dr. P. I can find out just how vulnerable I am.
Plus, I was relieved that they rushed me through so fast and there was no time for scales and blood pressure pumps. I used my own when I got home and I it wasn't exactly low. But I do feel a lot more relaxed, now. My goal is to stay out of all doctors's offices and hospitals for the rest of this pandemic! Sad Shopping Center I carried my cellphone on my run yesterday morning. I took a detour to check out our neighborhood shopping center. It was early, so I wasn't surprised to see the empty parking lot. It was sad, knowing that hours later, it would look pretty much the same. Notices I walked down the sidewalk and studied the notices on all the windows. We've lived in this neighborhood for over 20 years. We've used so many of these small businesses. I looked at the sign on Dr. Closs's office. It made me miss our old pets, Molly and Figaro. Now is the time of all times, when I most miss having pets! The nail and lash salons were closed. No surprise. The liquor store has not closed down. I guess that's essential. Curbside liquor shopping. Crazy. Now Open I'm sad for these businesses and all their employees. There are so many unknowns. How long will they need to be closed? Will they even be able to re-open? The surprising news is, that right in the middle of all these pandemic closures, we have a new store opening. It's been over a year, since Randall's Grocery Store closed down. Now, Al-Rabba is opening, with foods from Pakistan, African, India... How about that! At 7 am, I was able to peek at the clean grocery carts and look through the window, hours before opening. I'm so excited to have a nearby grocery store, with new and curious foods to try. But I'm staying away from stores right now. Guess I'll have to wait a while.
We've Had Practice Actually, Don and I have had lots of practice celebrating holidays, with just ourselves. We haven't had kids around on Easter, in a long time. But I was envious this year, of all the families who have been quarantining together. Our grown kids and spouses are good sports. We could have had a lot of fun with egg hunts and mimosas. Easter Run I had no egg hiding or brunch making chores, so I headed out early for a sunrise run. It was nice to have the paths to myself. The sidewalks have been more busy lately. When it got a little brighter, I saw an Easter duck. He did not move aside on the sidewalk, so I lectured him about social distancing as I passed. Bunnies... It was quiet in the house, but we had some festive bunnies and eggs. I always love a little holiday decor, but I had more fun than usual, with my silly eggs and rabbits, this year. For much of 2016, I felt the same way about holiday decorating. There were many months when I was anchored to home, due to cancer treatments. Putting out my whimsical favorites, kept things positive. So much feels the same now. Tiny Brunch We didn't exactly go all out for breakfast. We only had a few eggs and 3 pieces of bread left. I made French Toast. I haven't made French toast in forever. I'm acting like we're barely getting by with food. That's not true. We're just low in the breakfast department. It was just right. I had lots of appetite left for jellybeans. Concert from Milan Our biggest daytime activity, was watching TV at noon. We watched Andrea Bocelli, perform live, in Italy. His 'Music For Hope' Concert, began inside Duomo Di Milano. He began his solo performance with 'Ave Maria'. Then he moved outside and ended the concert with 'Amazing Grace'. I had chills, listening to his voice, singing out to the empty plaza. It was comforting to imagine all the homes in the world, watching him along with us. Millions of people, moved at the very same time. Dinner Guests In the late evening, we got to work on dinner. Before we sat down, I decided to invite some guests to our quiet table. I grabbed a few bunnies. They stared while we ate. Easter Zoom! At 9 pm, we set up the laptop and suddenly had family to share in the celebration! We've had a couple Zooms Happy Hours with our kids in Portland and Sacramento, but we had more this time. With Don's sister in New York and her son and family in Lake Tahoe, we had almost all the timezones covered! Our gathering was something we probably never would have done, without the Coronavirus Shake-up! We would have all been busy with our own plans. What a hoot, with all 11 of us, gabbing together!
I so hope there won't be many more holidays, tainted by Coronavirus. I especially hope that, for families who are dealing with more, than inconvenience. For those who are ill or have lost loved ones, there will be no celebrating. For those who are stressing over financial worry and job loss, I hope that Easter and Passover and Springtime, has offered a good distraction. Cheers to all the family video celebrations/connections, that have popped up in the last few days! A first for many! Hopefully the connecting continues after Covid!! Social Distancing We all know about social distancing. There are some creative ways to remind people. My brother in New Orleans, shared a couple of good ones. 6 Feet Apart at the Liquor Store I saw this reminder at Spec's, on my 7 am run. It looks very Easter-y. I'm not even going in stores, so I'm not sure how good people are being in the stores. I do see people on sidewalks and most are courteous. Some walkers cross the street to avoid each other. Ordinarily that would seem rude, but instead we all say, "Thank you!" Social Distancing at Church! Easter is tomorrow and I'm really wondering which churches will be open. Our governor in Texas, has decided that churches are essential. Easter services are allowed, if they keep social distance. Do these churchgoers think God will protect them? Even if they have services outside, they could still be crowded! These photos show the Easter service festivities in Florence, Italy in 1969. Our family avoided crowds, even though there were no pandemics, at the time. We watched from a hotel window. These images make me cringe. Luckily the Pope is planning virtual Easter at the Vatican, tomorrow. Drive - In Church The only church experience I would recommend, is the kind you attend in your car. Don and I came upon this one in Daytona Beach, a few years ago. We couldn't resist. We arrived on a Sunday morning, with our mugs of coffee. The grass filled with cars. I didn't spot any robes or pajamas, but I did see pets in cars. The music and sermon came through our radio and car horns honked, as a sort of "Amen!" now and then. It was a pretty fun experience.
This Easter, I think people need to worship at home. Save your Easter bonnet and white shoes for next year! |
Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
January 2022
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