Day 8 - 89 -- Look Up

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! 

Up on the Roof -- Carole King & James Taylor

Day 8 - 90 -- Believe

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! 

I'm a Believer -- The Monkees

Day 8 - 88 -- Raise Spirits

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!

Put Your Records On -- Corinne Bailey Rae

Day 8 - 86 -- Focused Activity

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! 

Takin' Care of Business -- BTO 

  

Day 8 - 87 -- Hunkering Down

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! 

Feels Like Rain -- Bonnie Raitt & Buddy Guy

Day 8 - 85 -- Whirlpools & Roller Coasters

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

 

Day 8 - 84 -- Missing Presence

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! 

Empty Garden - Elton John