Saturday, January 29, 2011

Things could be worse....

This hasn't been the greatest week. I've had a sore throat all week, my dad was in the hospital for several days, hubby hurt his one good knee, water is leaking through the roof as snow and ice melt, we are socked in with clouds that begin at ground level, the squirrels have figured out how to empty two bird feeders despite new baffles, and my computer conked out again. Plus a few more things I'm not even going to mention.

I have to stop and remind myself that we're all fine, and for that I must be grateful.

As far as we know, we have no major illnesses, just some kind of winter cold or flu that recycles among the grandkids, their parents, and Peter and me. Sore throats make me cranky, because (a) they hurt and (b)they represent failure. Hand-washing can't overcome all the sneezes and coughs, can't keep the kids from wiping their noses on my shirt, can't prevent them from taking food from their mouths and putting it on my plate. And really, I still want to cuddle them even when, in my mind's eye, they come to resemble those revolting germ images you see in ads for cold remedies.

For a man of 95, my dad has been in good health. Last summer he and my stepmother finally moved to an assisted living facility about 90 minutes from here (their home had been hours away). He was feeling weak and short of breath, so he was admitted to the hospital. His hemoglobin was low, so they gave him a couple of units of blood. After that, they began to adjust his medications. Each change created a new problem until things were properly balanced. He's been released to the nursing care wing of the same building where he lives, to rebuild his strength. His wife can be with him every day, and my siblings and I can see him much more readily than when they lived "up north." I drove up on Tuesday and spent time with him. He seems pretty happy and engaged, not at all ready to give up. I see this as both a warning and a gift.

Peter's knee injury is painful, but it seems to be a bruise that will heal. For his sake I hope so, because the other knee isn't reliable at all, and favoring the one just hurts the other one more. Meanwhile...

He's had to be up and down ladders indoors and out working to get snow and ice off the roof and manage the spots where water is seeping through, mostly in my office. Yesterday two aluminum mixing bowls filled with water drip-drip-dripping from the ceiling. At one point I leaned a few inches to my right to grab a document off my desk--and got two big plops of water on the forehead. News reports say just about every home in the region is getting some damage. The people next door had an entire room just ruined; a repair truck was there for two weeks straight. We are lucky to have minimal damage (right where we had some about 10 years ago). And we plan to have a new roof installed this spring, so we'll know exactly where attention must be paid.

We've made it to the end of January, which means the worst of the weather should be over, and even if not, February brings two birthdays and Valentine's Day. It can't be as drab and dreary as what I'm seeing today! And again, in the things-could-be-worse perspective, we are prepared for this stuff. Plus, as I like to say, this weather builds character.

My computer was out of commission for over a week. I have to spend some time restoring things to the way I want them, but the good news is I didn't lose any data. And this time, I had both an iPad and a borrowed laptop, so I could at least read mail and blogs, map my trip to see my dad, and such.

I was going to illustrate this post with a picture of nasty germs. Instead, I'm sharing a photo that Peter took not long ago. This is what it's all about.

18 comments:

Jeanne Estridge said...

I think there's a lot of that--colds, snow, leaky roofs, injuries--all the minor crap of daily living, only it seems worse when winter reaches this point in the cycle.

On the upside, Wednesday is Groundhog Day!

#1Nana said...

Yep, that was the better choice of a photo. They are what it is all about. It's a good strategy to remember not to let the small things get you down. There are some days when it takes all my effort to remember all the blessings that I have...and they are many. Spring is just around the corner...hang in there!

Jeanie said...

That is a very good picture and a good reminder of all the really matters in the midst of life's chaos.

The Good Cook said...

Drippy roofs, runny noses, but happy and healthy grandlittles - sounds like you have your priorities straight! God Bless.

Linda Myers said...

January seems like an endless month, but it's almost over. And look at those happy grandchildren! You're a lucky woman, all in all.

Terra said...

Goodness you are dealing with a lot right now, but remember, the month of LOVE is almost here. That's got to be good, right?

Darlene said...

I love the photo! What can bring us grammies more joy than arms full of grandkids---even if they are covered with germs! You certainly are dealing with alot! I hope everyone heals quickly, and the nasty drip problems are resolved. Spring has got to be right around the corner!!!

Anonymous said...

Lordy it sounds like you have had a bad day. I hate it when everything goes whacky at the same time. I knock on wood so it doesn't start up here.

DJan said...

Yes, I LOVE that picture, it's filled with love and warmth. Much better than icky germs. And at least your computer is getting better, and things are not so dire that a few well-placed buckets can't take up the drips! That's pretty good, considering. :-)

Sally Wessely said...

I just reminded my daughter that we only have two more days left of January. It always seems like such a hard month.

Leaky roofs, leaky noses, sore throats, hurting knees, computer breakdowns and a sick dad is a lot to deal with all at once. Hang in there and hug the kids anyway. They are adorable.

Kat said...

I think we are all ready for this winter to end. I had some hope come to me yesterday when I did a walk around the compound and saw some of my daffodils just barely creaping up above ground. Warm weather is on it's way. Enjoyed this post. Have to have the bad to enjoy the good.

Teresa Evangeline said...

Well,it sounds like life has been challenging, but what a great photo! Love itself! I hope this week is off to a good start.

gayle said...

I've got a cold too and I know it came from little Bryson! He was putting his face all over me last weekend so I knew it would come. Oh well wouldn't trade getting his hugs and kisses for anything!

Glad your dad is doing better! You are so lucky to have him close by.

Hope your husband knee will get better soon!


Hopefully your weather will be better soon also!

Lisa @ Grandma's Briefs said...

That *is* a lot to deal with. Glad you're still smiling ... and posted that adorable photo to make ME smile! Best wishes for a better February!

Cheryl Kohan said...

That is a very happy photo! What a bummer about your roof, though, and the sore knee is really a bummer...hope all is well, soon. I envy your being able to bond with your grandchildren like that. Ours are all far away.

I was just saying to Jack that it's almost February and even though we could still get a ton of snow, I feel like the bulk of winter is over. I'm so looking forward to spring.

Far Side of Fifty said...

What a week you had, my goodness..I hope you are feeling better soon and poor Peters knee gets better too:)

Deb Shucka said...

Wow. That's a lot for one week. You have a great attitude about it. I trust you'll all come through whole and ready to rock when winter finally lets go.

Jeanie said...

My goodness -- you've had your share of challenge and all in one week. All that and snow -- but I guess maybe the snow seems like the least of it! Hang in there!

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