that's how we are made

Some of the mighty oaks in our neighborhood are holding on to their glorious golden/yellow leaves with everything within them. When I walk underneath them and look up, it's as if I am in a cathedral. Seriously, what could be better? If you just whispered under your breath "10 degrees warmer today" I am with you. Kansas wind is serious when it blows. 

These temps combined with frosty mornings have me waiting until later in the day for walking. Sister and I are in agreement that jumping out of bed and heading for a walk early is our preferred modus operandi. But we adapt. That's how we were made. Even though we forget that sometimes. 

I am enjoying the spontaneous concept art installations I see on walks. Especially on the trail by the river. I named this one "painted tennis shoe on tree stump". Thank you creative people who do this. It's appreciated. 

I hope you all had a happy and safe holiday. While I am thinking about it... I may have shared this chart previously. But, with cold and flu season upon us, and with recent family gatherings, it could help sort out symptoms and guide you either not to worry, or to determine if you need to get a COVID test.  

I am not going to let myself worry about what the next weeks will bring in terms of numbers of cases, admissions, and deaths. I have jumped over all that to anticipating being vaccinated sometime in January. Fingers crossed.

This quote below was in the latest O Magazine. I cut it out and put it in the calendar/planner I carry with me all the time. It seems like such a healthy way to manage all the emotions that are circulating in the world right now. If you see me walking around with one hand out in front of myself and one hand over my stomach, you will know I am trying. 

That's all we can do. Thank you Hope Gaston from San Diego for sharing this bit of wisdom.  

Comments

[jacki long]

Thank you Carol for another day of specialness from your like, I thank you for sharing.
I am sharing both of your charts in my blog oon Monday, I will credit you and Hope Gaston from San Diego. Thank you both.

[Nancy Brill]

Thank you, that's a wonderful idea. Quite awhile back you spoke of a book about dying, I don't remember the title nor author, just that it was one you liked and recommended. Can you, with those slight clues, let me know what it was?
The nursing home in the next town had 27 new cases in the last few (4-5) days so I'm going back into lockdown.
My best wishes to you, I'm sure you are a great comfort to all those you work with, thank you for your service.

[Carol]

Dear Nancy: ahhh ... I am not certain what book you are speaking of. It depends on what aspect of dying you are wanting to read about. "Being Mortal" was very good as was "Can we talk about something more Pleasant" - One of the most instructive books about death for people with an illness or their family is "A handbook for Mortals". This is by no means a complete list. But you can start by looking those up and see if they are what you want.

[Emie]

Carol... thanks for the sharing these resources. I have bookmarked them for future reference. I truly appreciate hearing "news" coming from you since you are in the midst of all of this. We recently came to our FL place from Upstate NY and the difference in peoples behaviors are like night and day. In NY we rarely saw anyone without a mask... in FL we see about half of the people wearing masks. We spoke with a Walmart employee (which has a mask mandate)... there's no way for them to enforce it. We'll be changing our own behaviors to account for being in FL.