Rounding Out the Year

On November 26, I was admitted to Methodist hospital for major G.I. problems. They also figured out that I had something called Norovirus (basically like the flu with some of the same symptoms, but worse.) The virus had been going around through my family, but it only lasted about 24 hours or so, making them think that it was just the flu. Since the seriousness of the G.I. problems were so bad, I was in the hospital for 10 days, getting released on December 6. I am feeling much better now, and hopefully I can avoid the hospital.

I was sad to cancel my appointments with therapy and ABLE, missing it 5 times. When I finally went back, I had to take it easy because my body wasn’t used to all the physical work. Now that I’m back to my usual routine, it’s gotten easier every time. I continue to push myself each session, leaving me with the best possible outcome. I’m loving how much I have gained by going to ABLE, including balancing upright by using my core muscles.

Since today is Christmas eve, we are having my sister, her boyfriend and 2 of her 3 kids over for dinner. Tonight, we are having prime rib and tomorrow we’re going to have turkey (basically a repeat of Thanksgiving!) Christmas Day we’ll open presents with them and all 3 kids before we eat. 

This year is unique because it’s a brown Christmas. The few snows we’ve had this year haven’t stuck around. It’s even supposed to rain tomorrow, and temperatures are higher than normal. In 2021, there was no snow on Christmas, but it’s been a little over a century since there was no snow into the first months of winter. Although I have been able to take Everett for a walk most days, which has been nice.

Other than that, I’ve been mostly writing poems. I posted some below that I wrote in the past month or so.

Jenni

[ Soft flakes lightly fall ]

Soft flakes lightly fall

carpeting the ground in white

Winter’s serene hush

A Sunset

A sunset over the lake,

where colors bleed and blend,

a canvas of nature's art,

when time appears to delay

The sky is dyed in hues,

of crimson, gold, and pink

the sun slopes below the horizon,

a moment we cannot miss

Mr. Claus

In winter's chill, when evenings are cold,

a jolly old man with a heart of gold

bringing gifts to children young and old

his name is Santa, his legend bold

With a smile, he rides through the sky,

in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, so high,

they dash across the stars, with a twinkling light,

while Santa spreads joy, on Christmas night