Winter not gone yet

I see people with spring fever after a few warm days out raking, mulching, wedding and clearing way for the sprouts to reach towards the sun. I had the urge myself after buying all our garden seeds, but something in my heart knows we are not done yet. Chickens are on hold this spring. Today I feel the winter chill and it will snow Sunday. I hope the fresh buds on our baby trees stay warm and toasty. I myself can not yet tend to yard care or gardening so I guess I am lucky because that impulse is so strong. After a long winter as we have had this year, with first snow in November lasting until a few weeks ago, one gets excited when spring appears. So for all of you Yanks...be cautious and let those leaves hang out a little longer to protect the tender new growth.

Today has been sleepy. Rainy-windy and cold make me want a fire in the fire place and nap or a good movie or a good read. I am reading an translation of War and Peace. Translated from Tolstoy's original edition. I did not realize he wrote a few. He had different endings and even some of the characters changed. During the time it was first written there was much turmoil and political unrest. This also has much to do with Napoleon and the bloody war between Russia and France. Yet many Russian nobles spoke French it was not considered "appropriate" among the commoners. Tolstoy was not as sensitive to this as he wanted to portray the truth as he saw it in a fictional text. He used French terms and language and even names(characters) in the first edition and later fell under extreme pressure to take out anything French which may cause political unrest. I am enjoying the read so far and am not too bored. I already am aware that the Russian writers from earlier times had difficult beginnings for those of us who do not grasp the Russian language and their need to explain the family tree and all relations-connections to the main characters. All the names sound the same anyway due to the surname use and maiden name added, I think that is how they did it. ??? If you know help me understand?

I was discharged from home PT today. Sally is my home PT and is wonderful. I have had her here at home for last three years. The one I see as an outpatient is Claudia and she is also fabulous. Both very different in style but equally great. I like to stay with the same care givers and trainers who understand the complications my body presents. Just like yesterday afternoon the infectious disease nurse(that does not sound right) called to let me know my white count was low and I needed to come in first thing this morning for the second blood draw of the week. I saw the labs and they have changed so much from just Monday. I feel like a fluid body of water rapidly changing with the tides bringing in whatever is washed out to sea. I feel like I need constant monitoring. Yesterday after the infusion I was so weak and tired I slept till 6:45. I got up only because dad called saying he was bringing over home made Mole'. It was fabulous !!! I love Mexican food and have been eating chili all week that I made Tuesday !!! So good and lots of avocados too. I need the fat said one of my favorite nurses. I have gained weight this past go around with being so inactive. I weighed more than I have ever weighed but just lost 5 lbs so now I am still 5 pounds over my normal-comfortable weight. Oh shut up all of you who are swearing at me. We all have our comfort zone and I have to stay thin to save my bones.. so there.

All is well and I am more concerned for many who I know who are dealing with their own health issues. There are too many examples and stories to tell of the sick, those in need of procedures and those who have recently passed or are preparing to die, but I will leave it at that. I do not fear or stay away from the topic of illness and death but I am sensitive to those who may feel it too morbid. "Hey it is a part of life".

Douglas is in hyper work mode for sure along with the entire team of people working overtime to get the job done and to bring it in under budget and under time frame. When I say under I do not mean less than I mean not above and over. Understandably all clients want it done fast and inexpensive. This client is very good to everyone and easy to work with so that is a bonus. Douglas seems to have gotten in his groove after two weeks with some stress but mostly happy with it. Dad and I talk about going down for a visit later but the Dr.'s will not let me leave. The lock down will continue for some time. I also know he is too busy to entertain even me. Although I am sure he would try. For those of you who want to visit with Doug understand he is working 7 days a week from 5/6 a.m. till late in the evening sometimes midnight. Do not be offended if he says he can not meet up. When on a project like this he is on the clients dime and clock and he wants to hurry up and get home !!! Plus another project immediately following will take a couple-few weeks so he is focused. I sure miss him !!! On that note good day to you all !!!