March was a good month. What a gift to have some warmer days! Of course, we all get lulled into the belief that summer is finally here and then we swap our walking shorts for ski pants the next day because it is snowing sideways. What have I been up to in the last month?
1. I made a trip to the trailer at Memorial Lake to check things out. Fortunately, there were no unwanted guests in my trailer...raccoons, skunks, mice, or other varmints.
2. Haley hosted a lovely Easter Brunch on Easter Saturday. The usual routine with Bug and I playing downstairs and watching Baby Bum while the adults are upstairs visiting. Just the way I like it.
3. I received my Pfizer vaccine on April 7. No problems at all.
4. The first Old Age Pension cheque arrived. Fortunately, I don't have to spend it on hearing aids, geritol, or muscle relaxants. I am truly thankful that I don't have any significant aches or pains. I still clock around 13 000 steps a day, ride my bike nearly every day, and do weight bearing exercises every morning. I have also resolved this month to really cut back on the sugar. I have always enjoyed a cookie or something sweet after a meal, but now I am trying to wean myself or at least limit my sugar intake. I have also tried to clean up my sleep habits especially by limiting my screen time at night.
5. Mary continues to feel well leading up to her due date. She will begin maternity leave in May. The new little peanut is due in early June. Mary and Morgan have feathered the new nest. Bug has graduated from her crib to a bed in advance of her third birthday on April 12.
6. Haley and I are still walking the grand dogs on a regular basis. The dogs are actually moving into their golden years so we have to schedule our walks around the dogs' geriatric needs. I am truly thankful for the great conversations Haley and I have while we walk. I am extremely proud of the way both of my girls approach their careers. They truly care for their students and colleagues. Both girls have acquired wisdom and knowledge that they apply with empathy and understanding. Mary and I have regular consults except the consults take place when Mary is on Bluetooth in her car on her way to somewhere. Mary unpacks her day while I listen. I wouldn't have it any other way.
7. The girls have been able to continue in person instruction all year. So far, there has been only one Covid case at Haley's school and that was the day before Christmas holidays. Mary's school had only one false positive.
I know it is a fearful time with the Covid numbers rising again. Cortisol levels are elevated for everyone, it seems and for good reason. For my part, I have decided to limit my exposure to the news...especially American political news. I follow the daily Saskatchewan covid update and I try to control what I can control. I stay connected with my family and friends via phone calls, texts, and FaceTime. I pray. And as long as I breathe, I hope and have have confidence that things are going to get better. Patience. Patience. Another practice that I have maintained for years is: I make daily entries in my Book of Thankfulness. Every morning, I write down three things I am thankful for, three things I am looking forward to that day, and a positive affirmation that I find from various sources. In the evening, before I go to sleep, I write down three good things that happened that day. And finally, I write down the name of someone that I feel inspired to call. I don't remove the name until I have made the call and checked in with the person. Yes, that's what I do to find joy in my life. I have a lot to be thankful for.
