I woke early, but spent time in pjs listening to news and weather and such. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Odd. This usually means a delivery, but I wasn't expecting anything. So, as the second ring happened, I grabbed my bath robe and opened the front door. One of the workers from next door asked me to move my car from driveway since the wind was blowing materials into my yard around the car as the roofing continues today. This reno event should make it clear that there is sunshine today and expected for tomorrow. Then there will be rain for 5 or 6 days -- often big rain rather than drizzle. So, roofing will be completed in the next day or two, which will mean less nail gun and shouting noise <smile>.
It is interesting to watch the progress of work next door. I can't see what is going on inside, but the basement (door was open most of the time work was happening there) and now the roofing. It is all clearly outside my front windows. I will admit that I was a bit worried when he noted that materials were blowing off the roof. Then when I went outside, the wind was very noticeable at ground level. It must have been challenging for the guys up higher trying to remove and replace shingles.
The work next door today brought a favourite song to mind. The title said much about outside events today. <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was a real online day. I attended two seminars -- one on sustainable eating and one on COVID-19 vaccines. The final honours student thesis presentation of the year was held in late afternoon. One Zoom call with a colleague and a Facebook live streaming concert helped to round out the day with a bit of relaxation. <smile>
Listening to news about vaccine availability nationally and regionally and the latest disease stats from across the country, it can be difficult to hold onto the hope that comes with vaccine rollout. Plans appear to be in place so that a first dose for all who wish to be vaccinated will be completed by end of June. There will also be a cohort of people with both vaccine doses by that period, with the remainder getting these by September.
Hope is a short word for the huge concept. Wrapped up in this are fear, excitement, interest, trust, anxiousness relief, anticipation, uncertainty and so much more. It is a complex idea at best. When things get overwhelming, a thread of hope can feel positive. Holding on to that thread can be difficult in the long run, but becomes so important as we move through the heavier stuff.
Today, hope is front and centre. I don't want to lose sight of this as I move forward. The song chosen today expresses how I felt today. This first version of a Neil Diamond composition went gold within two days of release and was the largest selling record for 1967. This single sold over 10 million physical copies -- a rare event. Take care. Enjoy!
After the storm today, it remained grey and a bit rainy. The winds turned out to be not as strong as anticipated in this area, though other areas had more wind and snow. Spring storms with mixed precipitation are common, yet people seem to want it to be instant summer and are not willing to deal with the transitional weather patterns.
My major accomplishment today was submitting the materials for my annual professional license renewal. A new software platform created difficulties, but we'd been warned about this and had to submit without some profile updates for now. Not an issue as these can be done once the glitches are fixed. This marked the first time I could pay fees through an e-transfer. Very cool. It doesn't cost the sender or the recipient as other payment methods have in the past. I did feel like I had actually accomplished something today -- a feeling that hasn't been present much recently. So, that was a large check in the positive column today.
Music and dance can help raise one's spirit. This song reminded me of that. Listen and . . . go on -- dance! Stay safe. Enjoy!
I worked most of the day on editing and writing materials for annual professional licensure. This task always seems to be left close to the deadline of the end of the fiscal year. Everyone It feels good to have a polished draft ready to sit for a day before I do a final review and submission. Everyone I speak with notes this task seems onerous to do annually, but it serves a purpose -- showing how we keep up to date in two work areas we've chosen to enhance. The activity indicates concerted effort in these two areas to maintain competence and leaves room to highlight other areas of professional development.
I was so focused on the writing and editing, that it was 7:30 PM when I realized that supper hadn't been made or consumed. It had been very windy until early evening when it just stopped -- rather eerie, since that was when I stopped the writing process. All the swirling ideas that needed to be organized better on screen stopped with the wind -- unless it was the other way around <grin>. I'm sure that I don't have any control over the weather -- really I am. <smile>
Since the day was spent in activity necessary to continue professional practice, I did hear a couple of lines from a song by a Winnipeg man. It seemed to fit well, so I'll share it with you all. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today was my day to finish up laundry and housekeeping tasks that I didn't get to yesterday. When standing at the kitchen sink, I added another small job -- clear up some of the broken branches in the yard. Why? Well, we have another weather advisory for major wind and rain arriving into the overnight. I headed outdoors to pile the few larger branches and to place the smaller ones in the compost bin. With heavy winds expected, these loose objects could take flight and create havoc. While out it was grey and cool but no wind to speak of yet. This physical activity felt good and the cool air actually was refreshing. <smile>
Readying property and self for a storm can bring on anxiety. Terms used often sound like getting prepared to do battle or hide. Storms can be formidable foes. All we can do is get ready as best we can. Looking out the large living room window, I see two aluminum storm doors with large windows leaning against the neighbour's shed. Perfect place for them to be lofted by the wind directions expected. No one is living there as the new owners are renovating the whole place. So, I have no one to call or speak to about the doors or the lumber planks lying closer to my yard. These could be tucked under their shed, but not by me -- it would take two people at least. So -- my side is prepared, but nothing I can do about their side <sigh>.
I chose a song specifically for the title and a single lyric line that notes the need to batten down the hatches <smile>. This bluesy song has several covers, but this one brought together two greats. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Some sunshine tried to peek through the clouds today and the humidity was noticeable. Rain settled in by early evening and will last into tomorrow. I headed to my physio for a whirlpool treatment of an achilles tendinitis. There is something soothing about the moving water and it always helps to reduce the pain. The annual year end banquet festivities went virtual this year. The organizers had a couple of fun game events for the highly competitive group <smile>. Annual Department awards were presented to student recipients. The guest speaker graduated 5 years ago and spoke of her early career path in terms of a roller coaster. She provided great advice points from her learnings of which I found several very insightful -- Pave your own path, No one really has their life together, and Be resilient and persistent. There were points there that I could focus on more. <smile>
Spring brings endings and beginnings that help me to feel more positive. This year the world around me seems to be swirling like a whirlpool, but without helping to heal anything. The feeling of frustration with the whole world far outweighs the wee positives that might enter the day. I'm so tired of the disruption of life plans -- not only the little things that I miss but the bigger picture plans. The uncertainty remains so nebulous with talking heads saying we are 'almost there' -- a message that I've heard so many times over the past year and feel that it just holds no credibility anymore. I've not been one to trust easily and I feel absolutely betrayed these days.
With some decent rest and finding a couple of things to lift my spirits a bit, I should feel a bit better. The weight of it all, though, can be overwhelming and coping strategies fail me. All of this reminded me of a song title. I share a recent version of this song by the Canadian singer-songwriter from back in the day <wink>. Keep safe. Enjoy!
The Weight -- Playing for Change ft. Robbie Robertson & Ringo Starr
Today was difficult. I walked out for bread and muffins and listened to a seminar on vaccines. I've been avoiding saying one thing out loud except to my furry companion. Typing this here feels similar to speaking it. Our neighbourhood has lost a major personality. He is gone from his post. He got me through lockdown days when all I could do outside the house was my daily walk. I could always depend on him for a happy face and sometimes a head rub. The latter was important as we couldn't touch anyone and I missed that so much. Yes, he was a dog -- a Great Pyrennes. He had been failing over the past few weeks. I'd see him and once he just lifted his tail to greet me. Over the last week or so he would just look at me with big sad eyes. He was well into his teens. His presence was so comforting. I'm missing that as I walk down the street and find it difficult not to tear up when I pass his porch.
I thought of many songs but chose one that deals with the empty space that looks wrong whenever I pass it. Stay safe. Enjoy!
I woke to roofing sounds next door this morning. They began work earlier than usual. It appears that half the roof was completed today, with some odd angles left for the next day or two. The forecast contains rain so this work may be postponed for a few days. They have been doing the roof in sections, so there isn't any area without shingles at present.
My day involved online meetings and seminars. I headed out for a walk in the early evening as the temperature dropped and a dampness entered the air. I expect clouds instead of sun for the next few days along with cooler air -- more seasonal actually.
The selection today deals with clouds since they entered my world and my head today. I love the voice of this singer-songwriter's from closer to my childhood home. The album cover contains the provincial flower and a great railway hotel in the background. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today was sunny with very warm temps for March -- 16+C. I went out to get a few groceries. This felt somewhat freeing today with no ice or snow to contend with and the warmth with very little wind. It was just a pleasant time spent outside.
The past year involved new ways of living each day -- ways that felt confining. This wasn't just the isolation, but the reduced abilities to travel or go to a concert. So, feeling a bit of freedom from the weather of winter felt very good today. Moments of freedom and feeling one with nature helped me to smile and relax today. The expansive blue sky was so inviting. I found lilies in the front yard when the snow pack melted. These plants were up an inch, showing that the ground had warmed before the most recent huge dump of snow. I guess this is Spring and hope peeking through.
I chose this song for the opening riff and lyric lines that had run through my mind today, while I stood in the sun staring up at the sky. Keep safe. Enjoy!
A highlight of the day was a walk in the sunshine and a sit in the park with a cup of tea for a chat. All of this involved time spent with a friend -- 3-D people are amazing <smile>. It has been a long time between visits like this one due to the colder weather and ice of the winter season. I hope this will become a regular weekly walk again like last summer and fall.
2D people on screen or 1-D people on the phone are still communications that far exceed the written word alone. When 3-D people -- IRL (in real life) -- are present, our brains can pick up on body language that can't be seen or felt onscreen. It takes a lot more work to decipher some statements without the extras we get by being in person -- stuff we learned from infancy and do without even thinking about it. I also find that when I speak with someone in person recently, that I don't look at them as much as I would have a year ago. That communication skill will need to be dredged up from deep storage and practiced again as we move back in that direction. Touch also has fallen out of our communications when on phone, online or in person. I miss that. Some days I just need to give or receive the comfort of a hand on my arm or a big hug. Those transmit so much that just can't be articulated well over phones and screens. So many messages may be mis-interpreted due to lack of complete communication information when we write or speak without being in the same physical space. So many messages we may miss that put the words into context. Now, we can communicate well when not in the same room, but it takes a lot of extra effort -- and our 'old' ways of communicating required more than enough effort to be clear.
An odd song came to mind today, which made me smile a bit. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Bright and warm sunshine was present all day today. Temperatures soared into the low teens Celsius. The plow guy moved the heavy wet piles at the end of the drive, so I headed out to move the bits left just behind the car bumper. It didn't take long. I also moved the stuff off the windshield. It will melt in the next day or two, but I was there with all the requisite tools and time -- in the sun <smile>. I did a short walk later in the day just to soak up the sun.
I've said often that the transition seasons are my favourites. There are warmer and cooler days but few extremes in either direction. Precipitation is mostly fluid in nature and if not, it leaves quickly. I like seeing the changes that each season brings. I'm certain that when the current snow cover melts this week (with several days in the mid-teens) there will be day lilies already up. Shortly after the squill, snow-drops and crocuses will burst forth. These will be followed by tulips, daffodils and magnolias. Many dislike the mud, but that is a great scent of spring. <smile>
I know I've used this song in the blog before a couple of times, but it seemed to fit my mood today well. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was the first day of spring. It arrived sunny with above freezing temperatures. I shoveled the back porch and cleaned up a couple of areas to make the walkway slightly wider. I called the plow guy just as he got home from clearing driveways for others, so he'll do mine next time he's in town -- tonight or tomorrow.
Inside I did usual weekend cleaning and laundry chores. I completed three other needed tasks with deadlines in the next couple of days. When I checked my weekend 'to do' list, they weren't even on it! I didn't even get the satisfaction of crossing them off the list <pooh> It was good to get the files out of the bigger active file and into the 'take to the office to file' group in the book bag.
Several musical selections came to mind when thinking of the seasonal change. The one I chose is an instrumental. Sit back and relax. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Wow! I woke to find 20 cm/8 in of snow on the porch railings. It snowed for several hours more. Perfect for the final day of winter, eh? Campus was closed for the full day. In the late afternoon I headed outside to make a path to the street and clear the front porch and back door. I left the back porch and stairs for tomorrow. It was just too much for one session. Forecasters state that there will be several hours of blowing snow into late evening. The colder temperature makes for ideal light, dry snow to blow around and develop larger drifts. I chose to wait to call the plow driver to clear the end of the driveway. It seems best to wait for the street and sidewalk plows to make their early morning pass before clearing the opening to the street -- frustrating to have it filled in after having it pushed out - believe me <smile>.
This is likely the last big snowfall for this season. A storm often appears just past mid-March. From a mythological standpoint, such storms are termed 'Shelagh's Broom'. As story has it, St. Patrick's wife comes by after his feast day and brushes out the remaining aspects of winter. Today's storm fits the timing, so it may be that more warmer spring days are ahead. The forecast shows that the next week will be sunny and above freezing. I'll take it!
With the bitter windchill while I shoveled today, I did think of warmer places for a moment -- or two <smile>. This song does just that. Sit back and enjoy the wonderful harmonies. Keep safe. Enjoy!
On this rainy day, I ran some errands to get ahead of the impending storm with snowfall warnings. the forecast noted up to 20 cm/8 in is expected; though the amount could go either way depending on the actual track of the storm. I expect this will be the last big storm of the season. <fingers crossed>
In the afternoon I had a master class in making hot cross buns <smile>. It was a long process by the results made it all worthwhile. <yum> It felt good to see a person in 3-dimensions. We had some great chats during the baking process, which reminded me of how much I miss in person visits and would love to be able to do this with everyone. Hope exists that this might be possible in the coming months once most of the population has been vaccinated and we can travel outside our smaller bubbles to see those further afield. In the meantime, I will have to settle for the occasional visit and enjoy a cup of chai and one of the amazing buns made today.
Sitting at home listening to the rain on the roof feels positive. When it goes silent it will have changed over to snow. So, for now I will enjoy the rainy-ness. The song lyrics of today's selection note a similar feeling. Keep safe. Enjoy!
This sunny cloudless day was St. Patrick's Day -- something that has devolved into a party day as evidenced by the line-ups outside two bars I passed on my way home from campus. I think about my ancestors on this day -- those from Ireland. There are several that we need to track down more than we have to date. Surnames were of Irish origin for several branches of that tree. The main genealogical work so far points to a family group who left Ireland just at the beginning of the famine -- three brothers with a sister-in-law and her baby. Some landed in the US and the others in Canada.
I can't begin to understand what they felt as they left their home, people and customs. Headed for something so unknown must have been frightening -- but mixed with hope that it would be better than what they left. The crossing would not have been delightful. As one who suffers motions sickness, this could have been horrific. Doing this journey with a young child must have been challenging, too. How does one make the decision to leave everything you know and set out for the great unknown? Doing so while knowing that one might never return must have been heartbreaking. Given the famine of the time, desperation was likely part of their story. Emigration to escape adverse conditions in their homeland led to mass migration. This created the Irish diaspora as people scattered across the globe.
The song chosen for today was one that my dad enjoyed. It holds a sense of longing for home -- not a usual St. Patrick's Day selection. Keep safe. Enjoy!
We had sunny breaks in the cloud on this cold and windy day. I moved the 2 inches of snow that fell since I shoveled yesterday. It felt exhilarating. I noticed that the neighbouring house hadn't been shoveled yet, so I called to offer my services. It felt good to help someone and get to spend time in physical activity and the great feeling day. I realized as I walked to get milk that the day reminded me of winter days from my childhood on the prairies -- cold with dry snow that squeaks when you walk on it and a bit of sun.
I chose an upbeat instrumental to fit the feel of the day. It sounds happy, exciting and energized -- much as I did while outside today. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today began with moving a couple of inches of light snow to make a clear walkway to the street. We had big wind and slightly cooler temperatures again today -- perfect for little bits of flurries that amounted to little accumulation. Several times the sun broke through from behind the clouds.
Inside I did some cooking and reading for a major upcoming task. I planned to make a phone call only to realize that it was after hours by the time I stopped my tasks <sigh>. COVID has messed with perceptions of time and changing time yesterday did not help at all. On top of this I discovered that my wrist watch is losing time, so needs a new battery. Another watch I'd hoped to use instead doesn't run at all. So, two new batteries are needed. The local store that installs them for customers requires 3-5 days for the job. This is due to COVID protocols -- sanitize and let it sit, replace battery, sanitize and let is sit. I totally understnad this, but feel anxious about leaving my grandmother's watch somewhere <sigh>. It appears that my ability to know time or perceive time over the next several days will be reduced.
Song lyrics that ran through my head today fit the thoughts of time. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is? -- Chicago
Again we find ourselves in the midst of Spring time change. So many clocks that don't change on their own <sigh> Each item has a different process for changing an internal clock. One thing each has in common is the excessively convoluted aspects of each unique multi-step process. When all the clocks were analog, time change would have been so much easier. I admit to being cranky about the whole concept of changing time. I lived most of my life in a province that does not change time. So, I had to learn this from the point of view of an adult. The adage of teaching an old dog new tricks comes to mind. <smile> My experience, albeit anecdotal, supports the extreme difficulty posited by the saying.
There are many song lyrics that would fit today. I chose one with a title that states how this whole change can feel. Stay safe. Enjoy!
After a calm overnight, major wind returned early in the day. Colder temperatures also arrived, which led to small flurries in the air -- possible sea effect snow. By sunset, the winds diminished a bit. My day was an ordinary Saturday mainly -- weekly household chores underway.
Hearing of people I care about getting vaccinated always brings a shout of joy and happy tears. Some have completed both doses and others have had their first dose. Many others are waiting in virtual lines or literally at a venue. This all brings hope. Anxiety enters the mix, too. Questions arise about when all of our turns will be even when I know locally these will be sooner than expected a week ago.
I attended an online play this evening. The audience joined via Vimeo and the cast appeared as Zoom meetings and side rooms. I've been to two plays where the audience joins via Zoom and the one or two actors live stream the event. In that format, the actors get to see the audience in the Zoom display. Tonight, the audience was not visible, but could interact with each other via the chat window. I'm not sure how actors who can't see the audience feel about a performance. When I do a classroom or conference presentation virtually, not seeing the audience can be problematic. I'm not sure what they are getting or what may need further explanation. I usually get all of that plus a read on the energy level or engagement of the audience from seeing them -- even in a room of several hundred. Not seeing them often leaves me a bit 'lost'.
When thinking of my day, I realized that several questions surfaced like those noted here -- When will we all be vaccinated? and How do actors and educators get feedback from audiences they can't see? And there were a whole lot more as I wandered through the day <smile>. That and the weather brought a song of quetions to mind. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Temperatures reached 15C during the day! Strong winds persisted through the afternoon. Melting happened. When I was out for groceries, the wind gusts made me concentrate more on the direction I wanted to go, not the one the wind was strongly suggesting. I visited a new store with pet supplies today. I found a few items that we needed that came with a discount due to the recent opening specials. Cool! <smile>
I made an early supper and chose a soak in the tub to relax. By early evening, I submitted to a nap. With that I was able to chat with a friend online and to stay awake until my usual bedtime. I realized that a bit of rest helped me to continue with the day -- another type of wind encountered -- a second wind. The title of a song led to my choice to share here. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today marks one year since the WHO declared a global pandemic. It wasn't the start of the disease, but perhaps it was more the start of the treatment and prevention of spread. We've all learned a new lexicon of medical and epidemiological terms. Some terms were coined just for this odd point in history. The federal government declared today a national day of observance for COVID-19 victims. Many have died and many others bear battle scars that will last well into the future.
Others have suggested that we acknowledge those lost, but that we also take a moment to think of the positives that have occurred during this past year of isolation. Communities have come together to support members struggling through the social distancing, lockdown of businesses and inability to travel to see those we care about. Scientists around the world worked diligently to produce vaccines. Vaccination sites have begun in many areas. These were the first to come to mind for me. Well, these and the access to great virtual meeting platforms that have kept me in touch with people around the world and just down the road.
On a lighter note, on this day in 1969, Levi-Strauss began selling bell bottom jeans. How cool is that? This fact made me smile. It also made me think of a song -- imagine! <grin> Stay safe. Enjoy!
After a research meeting, I headed out to the dentist. Today we did a repair of a repair of a repair. All of this stems from the fall over a year ago. Given lockdown that occurred after the first temporary repair, the adjustment didn't happen for months. The non-permanent crowns weren't meant to hold on this long. Insurance has approved the three permanent crowns and that work will begin soon. Today's visit was to fix a second major chip in the non-perm material. It feels all smooth and new now <smile>.
The sun made the walk to the dentist perfect. I then headed up to campus one more time to get materials for an editorial taks that came in yesterday. I got home just before 5 PM -- later than expected. I realized that I'd missed lunch so supper was first on the agenda. Bedtime snack will be a bit more substantial than usual, too. <smile>
A funny song seems to fit one aspect of the day <smile>. I don't usually miss a meal so today was an oddity. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Girls Just Want to have Lunch -- Weird Al Yankovic
Another glorious sunny day. After a phone meeting, I headed to the grocery store for a major stock up. It has been two weeks since I did any shopping. So, today was a great day to get back in the swing. Driving up to the grocery store felt a bit freeing. Life has come to this -- getting groceries is a bit deal. <smile> Weather and illness have kept me inside more than I'd like over the past couple of weeks. Today everything came together in a positive way and I made that trip. I found myself smiling under my mask -- a lot. Seeing three dimensional people was cool since most of my interactions are online with 2-D folks or on the phone with disembodied voices. These link us together well, but isn't as satisfying as encountering people in real life.
A song came to mind as I was driving up and back from the store. It is light and fun -- just how it felt this afternoon. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today had bright sunshine but cool temperatures. Forecasts indicate that it should warm significantly in the next couple of days. Sprint is in the air and the sunshine is warmer that it had been.
I had a good discussion about the fatigue of managing and monitoring today. Information changes with great regularity often before one has time to absorb, understand and react, things have changed again. Managing the reaction to such rapid change can be draining. Trying to stay abreast of key elements of situations without plugging into news media 24/7 -- in fact, while attempting to be unplugged as much as possible -- makes monitoring fluid situations almost impossible. How we cope with this constantly swirling around us has no simple answer. Taking control of what we can when we can might give us moments that may approach a sense of calm even briefly. Sing. Dance. Walk. Cook. Soak in the tub. Sit on the porch. Paint. Play an instrument. Knit. Gaze at the stars. Do whatever works of each of us. Over the past year I have had success with walking, doing jigsaw puzzles, listening to music, and chatting with friends. Some days one of those may work better than others. What we do is relative to how we feel in that moment.
The title of a song came to mind as a way to sum up the pondering of the day. I share that with you all here. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today marked the third time I walked into the office on campus in a single week. I'm not sure I've been there that often in almost a year. Only one trip was planned, though. First trip was to gather files needed for future tasks. The second trip was quick since I'd forgotten one file. I then needed to login to the system from campus with the computer I've been using while working from home. Now, I had done this on a previous trip using the wifi, but this update required the use of a hardwire to the system -- hence trip three. Given that each of these trips means taking about 120 stairs, I do expect to see extra definition in the calves next week. <grin>
I was reminded today when reading that supporting others helps both the supported and the supporter. One quotation that I've always liked came from Maya Angelou -- "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." I've thought of this one often. I've had many people provide that support and hope for me. I only hope that I've been able to pass that along to others. I think these are great words to live by.
The song brought to my head by the Angelou quotation is shared here. I love this cover by a well known singer, but from an early part of her career. What a wonderful young voice. Stay safe. Enjoy!
It was a slow Saturday at my house. Got parts of a few chores started but nothing completed. The up part of the day was dinner at a friend's house with three other friends. The evening reminded me of other evenings we had with greater regularity. Laughter and story-telling held moments that felt akin to what once was, but that have now been tinged with a bit of discomfort. It was an odd feeling.
I miss regular get togethers. Even more, I miss the spontaneity of just calling someone and making plans to meet for tea, wine, a movie or a walk. I know we will have more of these times as the winter season moves off for another year. Being together outside felt wonderful last summer and will again in the next month or two. The added aspect of accessing vaccination clinics in the coming three months may help to reduce the feeling of oddness that social gatherings hold. A glimmer of hope exists.
Lyrics that spoke to me today stressed the need to find and follow that light. Things will improve. Love this supergroup. Stay safe. Enjoy!
The day felt colder than the past couple of days. During my walk this afternoon, there were some sunny breaks but mostly cloudy. Walking felt relaxing; it helps me take deep breaths. I found myself smiling at times with memories.
Laughter can be sought out for ourselves and shared with others. This helps us with the tension release of a big uncontrolled laugh. It isn't just those few seconds, sing the reminder of that laugh can bring smiles and further laughs as we go about the mundane aspects of the day. Reader's Digest might be right - 'Laughter is the Best Medicine'. I often look for the absurd in situations that create stress. This helps me reduce the anxiety potential. At times I have to remind myself to look for the smile or laugh, but it does help me relax even for a small moment.
Only one song kept coming back into my head as I thought through this topic. It comes from my childhood. Stay safe. Enjoy!
I Love to Laugh -- Ed Wynn, Dick van Dyke, Julie Andrews
Today was bright and sunny. The wind kept things a bit cool, but the sunshine melted spots it reached. I went for an afternoon walk in mid-afternoon. The wind provided a bit of a power-assist as I walked down the hill. <smile>
While walking I pondered the general feeling of hopelessness that visits regularly though uninvited. At present, hope seems to be so difficult to grasp. I wondered if sometimes it might be that the fragility of hope makes us choose not to hold it thus reducing the risk of seeing that hope turn to dust in our hands. This year has held many disappointments such that we don't want to wish yet another into the mix. Further thought made me recognize that finding the strength to get out of bed each day and look for the things that make you smile may help to move through the tougher days. For me, getting out the front door -- even if it is to shovel snow -- can break the negative thinking pattern. Being out in nature for a while can change moods. Physicians are beginning to prescribe time outside in nature for this reason. I find it helps me to see the small changes that occur as seasons pass. It provided a sense of normalcy during this past year -- one that showed that hope could survive.
The song chosen for today played in my ears during my 'walk and ponder' time today. Much of it describes my thoughts. I'm not sure a smile is mandatory from the outset, but aiming to find a smile here and there will help. Such actions can affect others, but also ourselves by focusing on kindness. the singer-songwriter is one of my favourites and has been a huge part of the soundtrack of my life. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today was sunny but cold. I moved a couple of inches of snow and sprinkled ice melter where the ice has settled. I walked into campus to pick up mail and did my 125 stairs to get onto campus and up to the office. I may feel that tomorrow since I'm doing it less often than a year ago. I chatted with a couple of colleagues which brought a few smiles. I miss seeing these people as regularly as we once did.
In the mail today I received the annual tax forms. While I do use a software program to prepare taxes, I submit things on paper. This may seem odd, but a past issue showed me that the paper copy can settle some disputes that an e-copy just can't do. <sigh> I took some time today to gather all of the requisite receipts and forms to begin the process. There is just one missing that I should be able to find online.
The song today came from the major productive activity of my day. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Sunny morning with clouds by early to mid-afternoon seems to be the pattern lately for days with any sun at all. <smile> So, by the time I am ready to head outside, it is often overcast. Today had major wind which will increase again overnight into tomorrow, so wind chills require extra clothing layers. The walk out for an errand was brisk to say the least <smile>.
News today brought clarifications and further cloudiness. Federal and Provincial updates regarding vaccine arrivals and vaccination protocols showed more of the current planning process. For our province, we learned that a regional lockdown will continue for another couple of weeks. Vaccination appointments for four of ten sites will begin next week. The phone lines and website crashed yesterday when they went live. The good news here is that people want to be vaccinated. Sadly, some looky-lous were trying to see what the process looked like when they were not part of the 80+ age group -- or were trying to crash it on purpose <sigh>.
Based on the national advisory report expected tomorrow, the protocols for second dose will be reset. It is expected that these will move from the maximum of 42 days to three to four months. By changing this, it would mean that most adults in the province will have the first dose by June. I suppose this means that the summer would then be devoted to the booster shots so all are completed into September. The theory behind this involves getting short term immunity in place on three levels
-- Clinical protection that reduces risk of ICU needs and hospitalizations in general
-- Individual protection that reduces risk of contracting the disease and expected lesser symptoms if contracted
-- Community protection that reduces risk of community spread
The second vaccination will extend the time of protection past the 3-4 month period.
So, this seemed to be more good news for those of us in the lower end of the'older' age groups since vaccines will be focused on getting the first dose into all arms so there is some degree of protection against outbreaks. Masks and distancing will remain with us through this period -- and perhaps beyond. More news on the specifics of when vaccinations will occur and what the interval between the first and second dose will be forthcoming in the next few days.
A few bits of lyrics from the selection today spoke to me. This vaccination process is a moving target with things changing as we learn more about the science behind it all. I learned more today than I knew yesterday and I want to know more and understand the process better. In general, I get adrenalin surges or 'butterflies' when working through this process. This duet says a lot about this new world and moving forward, though that is not what the lyricist likley meant <smile>. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Everything has Changed -- Taylor Swift ft. Ed Sheeran
For a Monday, it has been a grey day on many levels. Snow began early into the evening, followed by rain, which will change over again into the overnight. Tomorrow will likely be icy. <sigh> Two high points involved phone chats with two friends -- one a planned weekly catch up and the other serendipitous -- it came as I needed to hear a voice other than my own. <smile. The good news today indicated that campus has been chosen to be one of the ten vaccination sites across the province for the general public. Those 80 and over can book appointments starting next week for vaccinations beginning March 15. This is a glimmer of hope. I found it heartening that this will be a familiar place to me and only a 12 minute walk from the house. My time likely will not arrive until summer -- into the 3rd quarter -- hoping for early to mid-summer.
Even with the uplifting chats and news, I felt more down than up today. How can it be almost a year since we started isolating? It feels like forever some days. Yet, moments arrive that show something positive or uplifting. Realizing that a new month began amazed me on one hand -- where did the time go? -- while on the other hand, this indicates being nearer to the vaccination process for my age group.This should help us be a bit more mobile and able to see those we have not been able to see over the past year. Changing calendars -- 'calendar flipping day' as a friend calls it <smile> -- added a bit of a bright spot to see all the new photos and designs for March. One is a great close up of crocuses. That made me smile. I can't wait to see them in the lawn this spring, though that may not occur until April. There is hope. That small light in the tunnel helped me to smile again. I guess I just have to be open to seeing the positive and hopeful bits in every day.
The chorus of this song fits my hopes for the month. The verses not so much <smile>. It is an older tune, but gets the point across. The singers are folk and country royalty. Stay safe. Enjoy!
March Winds Gonna Blow my Blues All Away -- The Carter Family
Feeling slightly more up than down today. Physically feeling better than yesterday, so each day brings me closer to normal. It was a quiet day with more housework completed and no new snow to move. <smile> I used the oven to roast chicken and vegetables for dinner as well as to bake a blueberry-raspberry crisp for the week. All yummy. So, some things were accomplished and it wasn't a total write-off in terms of actionable items planned.
This rather mundane day required a song about ordinary things. The song chosen deals with a bit of sun and a Sunday, so seemed to fit the bill well. Stay safe. Enjoy!
