First Snowfall
Simple pleasures. Helping shape the mind to accept change. Finding joy and satisfaction where I can. The dual challenges of my wife’s medical situation along with the frigid weather we’ve been having (judged by my growing intolerance of cold) have pushed my ability to go with the flow.
The first snowfall of the season thrilled the dogs. Me — not so much. Still, it was good to see the sunrise.
Winter Free
Just three weeks ago the only nod I needed to make to the cold was to turn on the heated grips with my hands nestled inside the Tucano Urbano mitts. I felt I could handle the cold weather when it was just above the freezing mark and the sun was shining.
Now that the thermometer is in the teens I can’t get warm. Indoors or out. The Vespa sits in the garage waiting for adventure. It even sports a new Termoscud apron that I know will help keep me warm. But the new snow and cold angst have walled me off from two-wheeled adventure.
It’s hell to get old.
Let Them Eat Cake
A friend visits Kim two afternoons a week affording me an opportunity to run errands and reflect on what’s going on. In life and in my head.
A stop for chocolate cake at Duffy’s Tavern has moved from special to commonplace. Regardless the change, it provides exquisite moments alone to think and write in my journal. Simple pleasures.
I still try to see the sunrise. I hope more riding isn’t far off. And I have a new photography project underway. While my world may have grown smaller, the satisfaction remains. As long as I’m willing to accept the changes.
And continue to see the sunrise.
This posting went well with my morning coffee. Your approach to life as it offers changes and challenges is admirable.
Hang in there Steve, sending you warm thought.
If that doesn’t work, the Termoscud surely will. If you add a tall windscreen every winter day will feel like spring.
I meant warm toughts of course. Sending one warm thought is just silly 🙂
I’ve really come to enjoy how your posts now feature a number of different short topics, Steve. Your introspective writings always communicate feelings beyond the words themselves. I truly appreciate that!
Yes, my father-in-law is finding out it is indeed hell to get old. I just hope, that he finds the alternative Even less appealing.
Hope Kim’s situation improves medically very soon.
Warm thoughts from me too, but darn you! You’re chasing me to Duffy’s Tavern again! As for the cold and snow, for many years I loved cross-country skiing and went all over MD, WV, PA and NY to find the best snow. Yesterday I skied a measly two miles and had so many pains I hardly enjoyed it, not from unused muscles, but from creeping arthritis I think. Today’s tasks, research arthritis and go to Duffy’s!
Just thinkin…
Chocolate at Duffy’s is not a bad situation;
you need your comfort food, we all do from time to time.
You, more of late.
Your own physicians will understand especially now with Kim ill.
So enjoy and think of those of us who are unable to
enjoy chocolate at Duffy’s Tavern
Your non-resistance to cold comes as result of a number of factors. Yes increasing chronological age however you’re on some form of blood thinner as I recall, that of itself can mess your system. I suffered/experienced three pulmonary embolisms way back in the mid-1970’s.
Those days many did not live through one, I endured three in five weeks, and since then have been on one form or another of blood thinner. And post chemo added another blood thinner to the mix. The blood thinner does the job, cold weather completes the situation hence cold is also not my friend.
However have over time my body can adjust to the cold, and now prefer cold to the hot confines of summer. Weird eh?
The two dogs seem to enjoy the cold and snow; black dogs on a white snowy landscape;
allows for an interesting photographic contrast.
I also enjoy reading you posts, especially since I found out that by scrolling over your text my phone will actually read it to me. Another sign of old age, small print on my phone.
Tell Kim that I am thinking of her.
BB
I saw your motorcycle parked outside the library the other evening. Pretty cold weather you’re riding in Billy. You must have the bug. Old age isn’t for the faint of heart. Small text… there have been times when I had to photograph small text and then enlarge the image on my iPhone so I could read it.
I’ll let Kim know that you’re thinking of her.
I sorry to hear about Kim. Watching my late wife slip away ranks as the most painful time of my life. I couldn’t even dull it with rides. I’m hoping for both of you.
No one likes to see their loved ones suffer. I know it helps her that I’m here. We’re all hoping for some clearer skies ahead.