The week began with lots of rain and fairly cool temperatures. A trip to the e-waste depot was postponed to a less rainy day later in the week. I ran through the last of the book stashes and found a few more to donate. I spent some time in the afternoon writing an annual research report. I think things are moving forward more this year than last year at this time. It hasn't been as productive as I'd planned, but things are moving for the first time in a while.
The heavy rain forecast by the meteorologists arrived into the evening. It poured -- like POURED. I love the sound of rain on the roof. Without major winds, the rain falls in a relaxing rhythm. It seems comforting in a way. This is especially so due to the rain needed to help contain the wildfires, which are the worst in history this year. I thought of a song from the dim, distant past. <grin> Keep safe. Enjoy
I spent time today preparing for an e-waste run tomorrow and gathering the eight bags of garbage going to the curb tomorrow evening. It was cold and damp again today. That is not a cmplaint as more of this type of weather will be good for fighting wild fires and for packing boxes on the main floor of the house -- where it gets as hot as the outdoors at this time of year.
The question of the day -- Is there anything more frustrating than dealing with the aftermath of a tissue disintegrating in the wash -- especially a load of dark clothes? I can't recall that last time this happened to me -- it has been decades. I check pockets and did again for this load. Somehow the little begger hid to get past my searching eyes. <sigh> I hate putting some clothes into the dryer -- so many have some degree of spandex or elastic, neither of which stands up well to the heat of the dryer. There is no cool cycle on the dryer I have in this rental unit, so I will wait until things are mainly dry from hanging on the clothes horse. Then I will put them in the dryer for a quick spin around. I hope that works.
I heard the title line of a song run through my head as I surveyed the dark clothes covered in white specks. It seemed fitting. <smile> It is a single from the singer-songwriter's solo career. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I spent a big part of the day working in office area of house to get things into boxes. I sorted the many books and was able to part with enough for three medium boxes to donate to a library fundraiser next weekend. Several more recycling bags were filled today, too. A few garbage bags will go out on Monday. I'm pleased that fewer bags are headed to landfill. The blue bags will become something new, which feels positive. They go out next week for curbside pickup.
When I began in the office today, I felt the anxiety poking at me and the beginning of tears. I took a few deep breaths and stepped into the disarry. I had thought of putting files and photos in boxes, but moved to sorting through the books. It felt more manageable and was a huge undertaking. The feeling of being lost and not knowing where to begin has been quite common as this adventure has moved forward. While working today, I had a TV music channel playing in the background -- heavy on that last word. At one point, I heard a melody line and stopped when I realized the lyrics noted something I've been seeking for some time. The song is shared here today. The vocal effects are wonderful. The only live video I found showed the artist with a Strat, though he also is known for his Les Paul. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I had a wonderful lunch with a friend today. It helped to provide a sense of normalcy in the world that is filled with cardboard and stuff. I shared some of the many canning jars from the basement. It felt good knowing they were goint to someone who would use them. The other option would be recycling, but that seems a waste in some ways. I spent a good part of the afternoon packing boxes and bags for the donation pickup next weekend. It felt good to get that finished before the night before the truck comes by for a change.
It was cloudy and cool most of the day, with rain starting in the early evening. It poured later into the evening. We really need this change in weather to heop battle the many wildfires. I never understood rain like I do after moving to a maritime climate. I grew up with downpours from thunder storsm. When I move east, I learned to like the all day rains. It is nice to walk in the rain -- without wind, of course. And the rain now and in coming days will be welcomed by firefighters dealing with multiple wildfires. I like this song that speaks to learning to like the rain. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today I walked out to do a few errands and attend an appointment. I met with a research colleague who is in the midst of a move, too. We had lots to discuss about writing and packing. I spent time in the basement finishing the sorting of saved boxes. I think this will help me move into the major packing process if I have boxes labeled to hold certain items. I think this will make it easier than searching for a box that fits. Such a time waster that is. <sigh> I got so into the sorting business that I completely forgot about a weekly meeting with a friend. She forgot, too, so we were OK. <grin>. We plan to meet tomorrow around lunch.
Today was HOT -- 32C out my kitchen window but light haze or cloud or a mix meant direct sun wasn't as present as yesterday. This mad it feel less oppressive today. Cloud and rain are expected for the next few days -- much needed due to little rainfall in May and the many wild fires in the province.
Getting so deep into the moving activities that I forget about other committments is bothersome. I'm glad that I got the sorting done, but dislike that I didn't take the break for a video chat as planned. There is good and not so good in missing an event. When anxiety runs high as it can with major changes and deadlines such as I am experiencing, the brain appears to be fully focused but may be less focused and more panicked. I have been setting an alarm to allow me to check in with myself or get to another time-sensitive task. Today I didn't do that. Just another thing that I need to think of to make the experience feel less anxious.
A song chorus and title made me think of setting my alarm so I'm not controled by anxiety but I am attempting to control it. It made me smile since the lyrics are likely about something else entirely <grin>. Either way, it works for me.
I had a phone meeting with a friend and another appointment in the late afernoon. It was quite warm. Well, really it was outright hot. I spent most of the day working in the basement where it was mercifully cool. I broke down boxes that have seen better days and sorted used boxes into piles by rooms that will be packed.
Upstairs was very warm, so I pulled out summer pjs to make the night more comfortable. By the weekend, the forecast notes there will be cooler temperatures and much needed rain. The wild fires outside Halifax and further south and west have damaged or destroyed over 200 homes and businesses this week.
I'm down to 40 days and 40 nights before the move. That just doesn't seem anywhere near enough time to put what remains into boxes. I like the metaphor of the title and chorus of a song since the metaphor describes how I feel as time slips away as I head closer to the day of the big move. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Flirting with Time -- Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers
Today was sunny and warm. I had an in-person appointment with my MD, who will be retiring next month. The practice will have new physicians along with allied health professionals. That made me feel better since I'm at the point in life when I'd like some continuity of health care. We do have many people in the province who do not have a family physician. There is a shortage of people moving into that specialty area. Later this afternoon, I also had a good meeting with a research partner about a writing project. In between meetings, I did a quick shopping trip.
The day was filled with small tasks and meetings. Not much went into boxes today. It will improve. To be frank, I has to improve <smile>. I didn't hear about the death of Greg Alman until today. He passed last weekend. My flitting from one task to another lately seemed to fit with the title of a song by the Allman Brothers Band. I share that one here today. Keep safe. Enjoy!
