New Week

Monday.  Started with my morning walk, The Husband decided to answer the pillow call.  I thought I'd be smart and do the walk I wanted in reverse, the plan was to avoid the bicyclists.  There is a large club that meets at the school near us - most weekday mornings they set off in groups, generally heading up the trail we often use.  There are usually a couple hundred of them.  They are having fun, good for them.  They are anything but considerate and careful of the people walking.  This seems to be a trait of the bikers around here in general.  

But, my plan was foiled.  Whatever it was, the timing was just right for me to be coming down the trail as  all couple hundred of them were heading up.  I was loving my personal alone time, being thoughtful and prayerful.  Only to be interrupted at least a hundred times to reply to the "good morning" that was tossed my direction.  Had to step off the trail several times to not be run over - they take up the entire width - no regard for anyone else utilizing the pavement. 

And...it was 84 degrees when I left the house.  One of those days when the clouds hold in the heat.  Was super happy I'd left the air conditioning on overnight. 

Wanted to post a picture I took of the fox we saw yesterday morning.  It's been at least a year since the last sighting.  I took a bunch of pictures - this was the best one, he was far across the horse pasture. I love his white-tipped tail.  

Today feels kind of odd / off.  First week in many, many weeks I'm not taking dinner to my friend on her cancer treatment day.  The Bishop visited her, the result was a Relief Society online sign up to take her dinner every treatment day and vacuum once a month.  She sternly told me I would not be vacuuming her house, not with my back. And the sign up for meals was filled within a couple hours.  It's kind of a relief.  But kind of sad.  I still feel like they think I wasn't doing enough.  But whatever, I get that service mostly includes some kind of sacrifice.  Was my sacrifice sufficient?  

Fast meeting was pretty good yesterday.  Most people expressing gratitude for this country.  Yes, it is flawed and troubled, just like the people.  But I would not want to live anywhere else. I did notice that most everyone bearing testimony was of a certain age - none of the young people.  I guess it takes some life experience to truly appreciate what this country has to offer.  I hope genuine patriotism endures.

I'm holding off on changing cardiologists.  I think she is qualified.  But I was left quite frustrated by her lack of interest in anything I had to say, in hearing my concerns or questions.  We've been diligent with our statins - the first time in my life I've had to take any kind of maintenance medication (and yes, I'm conflicted about it).  But so far there've been no noticeable side effects - thankfully.  More tests to come but those are to be expected - information is valuable and a baseline is important.  After our next appointment it might be decision time.

Today's gratitude?  For being born in this country.  The few times I've had the luxury of traveling out of it, I am always beyond happy to be back, I always get a huge sense of relief to be "home". I'm grateful for people who reach out to say hi to someone they haven't seen in a while.  Everyone needs to be acknowledged. I'm grateful for good medical care (and insurance to help with that), doctors have always been scary for me mostly because I grew up with such health challenged parents. I'm grateful for some song lyrics that were shared with me last week that so touched my heart, made me feel cared for. And for the kind offer to spend part of the 4th of July with us.  I'll always wish for more inclusion and care, but never ever want to inconvenience anyone in any way. (And truthfully, it was fine - too hot to go anywhere and I dislike causing people to have to work on a holiday.) I'm also grateful for the chance to try again today, and every day, to be the person that I'm certain our Heavenly Father wants me to be.  It is an ongoing (yes, willing) journey for me.