Yippee! The hollyhocks have started to bloom. It’s very rainy here today and it looks like it will be rainy for the next few days. Actually, I love taking pictures of the flowers with water droplets on them.
The guy from the alarm company is here right now upgrading the system and he’s a bit chatty…I’m trying to write this post and he keeps asking us questions about what we do for a living, how long have we lived here, etc. – all very nice and friendly, but I can’t concentrate!
I was completely out of it yesterday, still suffering the after effects from the crazy weather. It really does a number on my sinuses and allergies. I’m feeling a bit more with it today, as I got a lot of sleep last night. The technician, by the way, is wearing a mask, as are we. This is the first time we’ve had any service person in the house since before the pandemic. I’m going to go around and spray everything he’s touched when he leaves…just out of an overabundance of caution!
I’m going to paint today. I wasn’t in the mood to tackle it yesterday but, thankfully, I am today.
I heard a Carolina wren singing this morning, very close to where I was sitting in the den. I knew he had to be on the porch. Sure enough, he was hopping from plants to the porch floor to the picnic table, singing his heart out. How I’ve missed that beautiful song! Is he planning on trying to build a nest on the porch? No can do, buddy. I didn’t see him near the trailer, though I kept hoping he’d fly up to his perch on the tree. I’ll keep an eye on things, but what a lovely way to start the day!
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
gorgeous flower and rain!
glad the security work is done. my very nice landlord had to come over and work on something that kept him here for an hour (ugh). Ml even though i had (and still have) zero energy, after he left i spent probably a half-hour lysoling and bleach-wiping everything that i knew or thought he touched … so i get what you said about cleaning after the guy left.
glad you slept better. may that continue.
same with the wren serenade. hope they find your cute birdhouse!
no big news here. waiting for covid test results, trying to sleep a lot. my wish-almost-instinct right now is to paint something (i feel full of ideas), but won’t … i have no energy. nor enough focus to read. brought a pen and paper nearby so maybe i can write or sketch out some of those ideas. otherwise just taking it easy.
happy friday.
kathy in iowa
quick update … tired of waiting after 65-plus hours, i called in and was told my covid-19 test result was negative.
kathy in iowa
Good news!
…oh, thank goodness, the negative result!
I’m so sorry you continue to feel unwell, Kathy! Sounds like some sort of virus, maybe?
Rest, do nothing, and baby yourself.
Stay safe!
Beautiful picture of the holly hocks. When you get tired of vases this holly hocks picture would be a great painting.
We have not had any service people in our home since the pandemic started. I’m glad he wore a mask. I heard more on the news this morning about the delta variant spreading in areas that have low vaccination rates. I think we will be dealing with covid for a long time.
The lastest on my granddaughter saga…Her Dr made a referral to pediatric infectious disease at DeVos Children’s Hospital. They reviewed her records and called my daughter and wanted to see her in the ER right away.
They were concerned because her last white blood cell count had gone up, not down. So they re-evaluated her, more tests, another IV and her white blood cells are now dropping which is what we want to see. Another covid test was done at my daughter’s request for her peace of mind. The Drs are quite certain that this is not covid. They sent her home. Nothing to be done for viral meningitis except, rest, and supportive care while she recovers. There is no antibiotic or anti viral for this. The Dr thinks she is having residual symptoms from this virus now rather than active infection. It is going to take some time for recovery but she seems to have turned the corner.
Many thanks to everyone for the prayers and positive thoughts.
Oh…that is good news about your granddaughter. Continued good wishes for her full recovery! ;)
oh, that is sounding better. i continue to pray that she and you all feel better soon!
hope you have a nice, restful weekend ahead.
kathy in iowa
ps … i agree, sadly, about covid sticking around for a long time. stay safe!
Oh, what wonderful news, Marilyn! She will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Stay safe!
Marilyn, what an ordeal; glad you have answers. Poor baby; what a time she’s had. Nerve-inducing to the rest of you who were on pins and needles for results. I hope you can all rest now and find some peace as she recovers.
Gorgeous flower! I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a stranger enter our home now. It’s become our sanctuary…our safe place. I probably would disinfect everything as well. Glad to hear your tech stuff is getting fixed though.
Sounds like you have a relaxing day ahead of you. Me too. It’s a good day to relax! ;)
It was unnerving, but he was masked. He had to use our bathroom, so that got sprayed!
We didn’t have tech problems, this was some sort of upgrade that the alarm company is doing with all its customers.
Stay safe, Donna!
My hollyhocks are blooming too. Also my Easter lilies. Love my gardens. I live in Central Massachusetts and have pretty much the same weather as you. Can’t believe the change from earlier in the week. Crazy…
I love Massachusetts! I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, including living in Boston for 5 years.
Stay safe, Luanne!
That hollyhock would make a lovely painting!
I seem to have developed allergies over the last year or so. I don’t remember ever having so much sinus aggravation in the past. Hope your symptoms have lightened up!
I’m sorry to hear that! My symptoms are better today, but this spring and summer have been awful!
Stay safe, Ellen!
Ah, hollyhocks; I haven’t had one in so long. It’s beautiful.
I have friends and family who have all kinds of service people in their houses like window washers, electricians, painters, cleaners, various guests as well; no masks, no precautions. I feel it’s not wise; but, okay, that’s ME and I’ve learned to shut up about it. People have STRONG opinions about everything-Covid; just like they do about politics, race, religion.
(My thought, though, when outsiders come into one’s home, although I keep it to myself, is why take unnecessary chances with the Covid unknowns? I’d be doing exactly what you’re doing with masking and cleaning after somebody’s been in your midst who you don’t know. We just went to go pick up our mail at the post office and my husband still puts on gloves, we go very early when no one is there yet; and of course he’s masked going inside the building while I’m in my usual perch which is the passenger seat of the car.)
I came across a good online article this morning from CNN where a frequent contributor/physician I’ve watched on the television/cable CNN for over a year, Dr. Leana Wen, was being quoted on ‘taking it slow’: “What you choose to do depends on your tolerance of risk.” I found these key quotes to be helpful, to ME:
(Question: There are a lot of vaccinated people who may not feel comfortable with any of this [4th of July] social activity. They are worried about getting Covid, however small the risk might be. What’s your advice to them?) “First, know this is normal. People are responding in very different ways to vaccination and the end of Covid restrictions. Some are eager to resume all aspects of pre-pandemic life. Others need to take more time. Maybe it doesn’t matter to you much if you go to an indoor restaurant, but the thought of it is anxiety-provoking. Postpone that activity for now – – there is nothing wrong with dining outdoors, getting takeout or preparing your own meals … take it slow; if you weren’t seeing anyone much before, consider starting with an outdoor meal in a backyard or a park with one or two other people, for an hour or two at a time. Ease into larger and longer interactions and go easy on yourself if you don’t quite feel ready yet.”
“Finally, be OK with saying NO. Just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you have to go. And just because others are okay taking a greater level of risk doesn’t mean you have to as well. Everyone has different medical histories and different interpretations of risk for themselves. We also place different values on what activities we most want to bring back.”
“It’s important that we do try to move forward and regain what we most enjoyed pre-pandemic — as we also acknowledge how difficult this could be. ”
“Emerging from Covid is an opportunity to reset expectations in social interactions.”
“For those who were big huggers pre-pandemic, it might be a good idea to ask others if it’s okay to give them a hug before going in for one. Checking is always good etiquette, as is being tolerant of other people’s differing space needs.”
(end of quotes)
I-Vicki am SO tired of people ‘in my circle’ bashing me because I’m very cautious about Covid and variants. No matter how many times I remind them that I am indeed SEVERELY immuno-compromised (I’m having another CT scan next week; don’t they ‘get it’??), they tend to sniff their nose at me sarcastically as if I’m the ultimate germaphobe/weirdo. I’m very weary of the ‘attitude’ and it’s concerning to me that I seem to have no credibility with them, but I guess that’s a personal issue I need to work out. I do feel it’s somewhat/they’re somewhat bullying but I’m known to be over-sensitive. I don’t know why they get so defensive and offended just because I don’t want to ‘come over’ or go out, meet up, and why I have to keep explaining WHY. (I’ve done a few things ‘out there’ and with people! But I pick and choose carefully. I have to be protective of myself.)
I speak politely and diplomatically to my choices but I’ve got these other people around me who aren’t so diplomatic. It’s as if they think I’m challenging THEIR decisions they’ve made for themselves, or bringing THEIR choices into question (nobody wants to think they’re ever wrong!), but that’s not it at all with me. I guess they just want everybody to be in the same boat, but it’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to global pandemic (and what I know are, and what I perceive are, MY risks).
It’s gotten to the point lately that I’ve needed a ‘time out’ from people (temporary; but I’ve needed a ‘break’). I’ve actually avoided returning emails and phone calls. Just leave me the heck alone; quit judging me! Can we simply talk about something else, please. Like any neutral topic, or maybe the weather? (It’s hot here in SoCalif.; at least too hot for ME!) I try to not bring it up, but all-things-Covid consistently raises its ugly head, with them, not ME. I’m not trying to impose my views on anybody, but they just won’t let it go. Perhaps they mean well and worry I’m being reclusive and need rescuing?!! I’m tell’in ya, when my husband was recently gone for eight days out of state on a friends-visit/job, I didn’t let anybody think I was alone back at home (I didn’t need ‘checking up’ on; no mother hens necessary). I needed the quiet time, and it was bliss. I did a lot of calm, personal assessment and, on the subject of Covid, I decided I’m going to keep CHANGING the subject when it comes up in my circle of peeps; and, if that doesn’t work, I’m going to be more firm on my stance and not let myself feel kowtowed.
End of rant. I suppose I sound like a major drama queen. I’m glad it’s Friday. We’ll spend the weekend trying to keep the dog from convulsing when hearing all the illegal fireworks with her elderly, tender ears/hearing. I got the oddest message today: The power company notified us that there will be a DRONE over our house SPECIFICALLY (and others in the neighborhood, but ours was printed as an actual physical address) as they check us out for, essentially, weed abatement because our fire risk is SO acute/imminent due to heat and the drought. We have NEVER had that happen before. The wildfire risk alone is enough; add fireworks to it and we’re sunk, and I have some idiot neighbors who’ve been setting them off all week. (Now, THOSE are some other current topics worth discussing!!!)
An aside: I printed out your photo of the Roseville paintings on your piano as you displayed them as a set. I wanted to show it to my husband who had inherited quite a bit of Roseville from his grandmother. Fond memories of it from childhood. He was duly impressed, Claudia; thought you captured the look of this unique pottery really well! Maybe you’ll become a seller on Etsy with your art.
Oh, thank you, Vicki. And please thank your husband!
xo
hej, vicki …
best wishes and prayers for your pup and all creatures everywhere who have to deal with fireworks.
can’t see how fireworks are allowed, especially during a drought, when wildfires are such a risk.
same wishes and prayers to you dealing with people making statements (even with good intentions) and assumptions about covid precautions. i very much relate to what you described. my boss and others at work have asked when i will stop wearing a mask. i work at a very busy place (so do they!) and tell them that i treat being there like being in a store, the kind of “store” where i have dozens of conversations with dozens of people every day (that i’m not allowed to ask if they are vaccinated or not) so i choose to wear a mask, ride the elevator alone, etc. because i want to protect myself to protect my family. end of subject. all that to say, i hear you and understand and good for you for doing what is right for you. stay safe and well and strong!
sending a virtual hug in solidarity and friendship, if you like.
kathy in iowa
…thank you for your kind thoughts, kathy; virtual hug back atcha!
My thoughts: People who seem to be so threatened by something that is, frankly, none of their business, aren’t worth your time.
If my friends were not supportive of my choices, I would politely tell them to move on until they somehow find the grace they are lacking.
I suppose a psychologist would say that it touches a nerve – a hidden fear. Also, they are not your friends if they need to pump their egos up at your expense.
Stay safe, Vicki!
Claudia, thank you for your thoughts. So key; so spot on; you always know exactly what to say! I have indeed thought to myself that this is their problem and not mine. But I’ll often tend to blame or then question myself. It also crossed my mind that maybe I need new friends; but of course we can’t choose our relatives either! The pandemic has been a phenomenon in a lot of ways; we’ve seen the true colors in some people. I definitely can spot ‘shallow’. I’ve definitely also felt disappointment. I try to look at myself first, but I’ve, again DEFINITELY, come to know ‘deficits’ in a few people I’ve known for a very long time that had just never popped out pre-pandemic. I think one of the striking things for me is how ADAMANT a few of these people are in their very-pointed opinions (it’s not any kind of ‘mild’ response); an underlying hostility or frustration (almost goes along with a lack of civility in society [in general] these days? [what ever happened to ‘reserve’, when people had filters?]) so I’ve tried to understand that 2020 was an unsettling year of course for everybody and maybe some handled it better than others.
xoxo
Vicki ,I totally agree with everything you said. Before the pandemic I had cleaning help every other week but not now. My husband and I have some health issues and we are very very careful.
My house is not how clean it was before but I just do what I can and that is the way it will have to be for now.
We still wear masks and socially isolate. I really appreciate and thank you for your response because you said everything we feel.
Linda, thank you for sharing your thoughts; I appreciate the support and to know that it’s not just me who is making certain/different choices (than another person’s) with Covid still in our world. I think most of us, at least those of us with real risk from our underlying health issues, have just tried to keep up with the ever-changing medical advice, what’s in ‘the news’, just trying to do the right thing for ourselves and everybody. We shouldn’t be faulted for it! I want to make people around me feel good, not bad; I wish they’d think similarly/vice versa; it sounds trite and immature, but I have had hurt feelings. Like maybe they should think before they speak. Be kind! We need gentleness in this rough world! I’m always too cautious about not wanting to cause a crack or wrinkle in a relationship, but I’ve decided next time any of this comes up with one of my ‘group’, I’m just gonna flat-out say, “Look, you’re making me feel bad; back off; I’m allowed to make my own choices without you criticizing me! Accept me as I am!”
That hollyhock is a stunner. And I love that you are hearing the wren. Big smiles.
I’m not seeing many birds at the lake, apart from ducks and gulls. I hear them but the trees are so tall and full, I think they are well hidden. Happy weekend!
Oh to be by a lake!
Stay safe, Jeanie.