Finally, last Tuesday, on the summer solstice, it rained. Lightning and
thunder just as we were trying to fall asleep. I put a pillow over my head. John
opened the garage door and sat inside watching the rain come down.
In the morning, the air was fresh and tropical. But unfortunately the few inches we got don’t come close to making up for the 15” deficit for the season. An article in today’s paper about a cattle rancher said it’s costing four times more usual to feed his herd because he has to truck in water and hay. And the poor animals have to suffer in the heat.
My own ass is getting flabby because it’s too hot for an afternoon walk. I’ll have to start riding the bike, or walking on the treadmill at the gym. For now I’m doing arm machines 3x a week. I love the gym atmosphere. It’s brand new with high ceilings, soft music, plenty of space. I love the contrast of little old ladies and muscular young men, high school girls and middle aged retirees. When I see someone my age I think – possible new friend?
Also on Tuesday I found out my writing teacher is going back east for two months. This is devastating to me. The class motivates me and the teacher – a writer and editor - gives editorial advice that I sorely need. I’m learning to use more active verbs and keep a folder in my computer of “cuts” – which I simply call “notes.” Dorothy Wickenden, executive editor of the New Yorker does the same thing with the book she’s writing based on her grandmother’s prose: “If it’s any good, you’ll find another use for it someday.”
So, since class will be suspended until September, I decided this is a good time to visit my mother. I’ve want to help her either find the most excellent, intelligent, sensitive, obedient, non-intrusive, good-humored caregivers, or find her a quite haven where she can enjoy her life, free of worries.
A tall order I know. But I have the help of my sister and nieces and a score of kind professionals just waiting to be of service.
Today was my annual check up. My cholesterol is the same – on the high side, but my LDL is superb, meaning I’m fine. Next: mammogram, then later this summer colonoscopy. I’m really curious about the “twilight” drug they give and am focusing on that, not the other grim details.
Well, it looks like there’s a bit of shade now. I’m wearing my new 81-cent knee-length pajama bottoms I got at the Salvation Army Thirft Shop and a $3.88 aqua tank top: my new favorite outfit. No one’ll see me. They’re all inside with the air conditioning on.
No comments:
Post a Comment