Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do ...
Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Getting in under the wire!

Here I am slipping off the November calendar into December without leaving a post!  I am fixing that right now.
November has had its ups and downs.  It started out UP!  Going into November I was eager for the coming season.  Winter is just around the corner!  My favorite season.  But then it began to slip.

It began with several sad announcements that always seem to come in threes: the death of a long time friend from cancer, the death of my mom's 94 year old Long Island friend who became my friend as well, and a second cancer diagnosis for another long time friend.  By the time we heard the third bit of bad news - I was ready to say "uncle."  Please, please stop.  My husband made the observation ... now that the generation before us is gone, we and our peers are the next in line - and I should get used to it.  Sadly true.  My mom outlived most of her friends and it was sad to watch.  It does, however, put perspective on how I spend my own time - shedding things that really don't make a difference in life and putting more energy into family and friends.   Simplicity in life still remains a value for me.  But being there when it counts for those you care about is worth the complexity it adds.  The friend with a second cancer diagnosis is a single guy with little extended family.  His friends will be pitching in to drive him to his treatments.  I will be on that volunteer list.

My physical therapy sessions continue but reduced to once a week.  Progress I guess.  The leg is now stronger.  Maybe too soon to expect the symptoms in my knee to be resolved.  But the exercises do make my leg feel better.  It is just frustrating to know that I will have to do these exercises (in both legs) for the rest of my life.  Falls for seniors are the #1 cause of hospitalization ... and in older seniors - #1 cause of death.  It was true for mom and it was true for her Long Island friend.  I have added a 5 pound weight routine for my arms to my regular exercise.  My grand baby is growing and gaining weight - although she is still a string bean - and I want to be sure I can continue to lift her.

My Christmas Tree and Esk's chair with Santa Cat!

Christmas preparation is well underway.  My daughter helped me put up my Christmas tree the weekend before Thanksgiving.  That is a record for me.  I actually dislike decorating the tree and put it off 'till I have no choice.  It is a small tree so there is no excuse for it.  And I do enjoy it while it is up.  Thank God for beautiful and helpful daughters.  Shopping is happening mostly on line so it is not too painful.  The next big goals are gift wrapping and party prep for a December 15 event at our condo for some friends - and finally, Christmas Eve prep for the family at our condo.  Christmas Day is usually a day of rest for me - but this year I will either be sitting in a chemo clinic with my friend or visiting my parents' grave site.  They both died within days of Christmas - so that is always part of my holiday.



And .... Ta Da!!!!  Big announcement.  My grand daughter, Eskarina, finally calls me "ga-ma" ... her version of Grandma.  It is music to my ears.  In fact, we had a sleep over last night and I got to hear that over and over and over again.  Ha.  I would be standing in the kitchen and she would be coming from the living room chanting Ga-ma, Ga-ma, Ga-ma, Ga-ma, all the way into the kitchen.  I, of course, came to meet her half way - asking what she needs.  She smiled up at me and just said "hi."  Its like she is making sure that this is the best word to get my attention!  It works and I love it!!  She went back home this afternoon and the house is like a morgue.  The quiet makes my ears ring!  She will be 2 in February ... the adventure is just starting!  Thank you God for giving me this grand baby!!



Knitting is happening at a snails pace.  Oh, I am not knitting slowly.  I am knitting fast and a lot, but the projects I picked were designed for thin yarn and small needles.  What ever was I thinking.  I won't ever make that mistake again.  All the knitting is done - except for one sleeve which is 25% done.  Then I have to add buttons, sew in the loose ends and block.  I'll make it but I hate the pressure.  It takes just one unexpected "something" to throw everything out out wack!

That pretty much sums up my life.  Hope all is well in your world.  I'll be back in December!!


10 comments:

Michelle said...

Sounds familiar. A dear friend lost her husband a week ago; Rick went to a memorial service for a former church member and friend today. I look at my peers and in my mirror and wonder when we all got 'old.' And yet, I'm dealing with a teenager! (Enjoy that cutie while she's young and innocent!)

Retired Knitter said...

Michelle - I do very much enjoy that dear little soul - Esk! Since I became a grandma so late in life, I probably won't live long enough to see the difficult teen years! But you never know. All I can say is I look into those darling blue eyes now and thank God I have lived this long ... long enough to at least meet this beautiful child.

Wendy said...

We too have reached the stage of being "that" generation. I opted for being "nanny" to my grandkids - it's easier to say and I never tire of hearing it. Your granddaughter is gorgeous. My three have all had a boy each. I'm hoping none of them will be an only child and there might be a girl or two in the future and yes while I can still lift them and run (slowly) after them. Glad your leg is improving.

Leigh said...

RT, thank you for the update! I become concerned when people stop posting without an explanation. Sounds like November was a a very sad month for you. It's even harder when bad news comes in bunches. I love that you highlight your bright spot - Eskarina. Such a doll baby! When circumstances are difficult, that's the best thing to do.

Marie Smith said...

Your life sounds familiar, except for the knitting. The older we get, the more sickness envelopes our lives and the more people we lose.

I remember the first time my first grandchild said, “Nanny.” Precious moments. Those little beings have us wrapped around their tiny fingers. Enjoy!

happyone said...

Your granddaughter has gotten so big and sure is a cutie.
Sorry to hear all the sad news about your friends!!

Lynne said...

Sad for you for the not pleasant news . . .
Smiled at the saying UNCLE, haven’t heard that for a moon . . .
Ga Ma, Ga Ma, Ga Ma made my day . . .
Is there anything better than grandchild love . . .
What a precious adorable she is!
Happy December . . . you are further ahead than I am' a

Susan said...

What a beautiful child! I am so glad you have her in your life. It's hard when we reach this 'stage', when parents die and friends follow. I hope that your holiday is filled with peace. I know it will be filled with love, ga-ma. :)

Paula said...

Death can be a kick in the butt no matter what time of the year it occurs. But the holidays are the worst, aren't they. My dad died on January 8 when I was but 7 and I will always think of the last time I saw him just before Christmas that year. I am not a fan of Christmas celebrating but it is something I have always done. I haven't yet put out any decorations and don't know that I will. Even though they always make me feel better it is just so hard to get it done. I did not know you had hurt your leg. I will have to read backwards.....keep up with the healing! I missed you!

Paula said...

P. S. I forgot to talk about that precious baby girl. I cannot believe she has gotten so big. I am so happy you have her in your life. She is darling!