Where Have I Been?

Good Question!

I have never taken a break this long in my 5 1/2 years of blog life!

Of course we had a few holidays, but here we are a month out from my last post … goodness gracious a whole month!! I certainly didn’t intend for this break. It was a forced time out!

I got through the holidays enjoying the festivities with family and friends! Traveled a bit and cherished all the moments.

New Year’s Eve, my husband got socked with a cold/virus. It came on quick but he felt like it was just some drainage. New Year’s evening, I started with a little dry cough! I’d been hot and in the kitchen, so kind of attributed it to that. The next day I got sacked with an onslaught of symptoms, leaving me feeling like a zombie. I’ll spare you the details.

Gee Whiz … I was out of it! Staring at walls, as I say it … all day long!

I’ve started to write this post numerous times in my mind, but focus was scarce! Basically, nonexistent. I stared at things and slept. My husband, who was better in three days, put food in front of me several times a day. I didn’t even have the energy to pursue food.

A secondary issue erupted, necessitating a doctor visit. He tested me for Covid because of protocol. He thought I had the virus that was going around, even intruding his family. To my shock and his, the next day the results came back positive for Covid AND Influenza A!!

Not to my surprise, the Doctor said it’s rare he sees that!! I just can’t do normal it seems! Extra follows me everywhere! My sweet Dr. has even called me at home to check on me! He said, “Mrs. Stone, this is not something you’ll get over in a few days … this will take weeks, maybe even a month! You’ve got to rest and drink lots of fluid!!”

So, here I sit, knowing we’ve crossed into a new year, but helpless to do anything about it! I’ve already bypassed goals and aspirations for this month. I’m hopeful for a better month ahead as I see daily improvement and look forward to regaining my normal energy.

As the internal languishing fog slowly lifts, I’m hopeful a few weeks will restore my health and welcome a year of productivity.

In the meantime, I’ve been able to focus a bit and watch people chase around a tennis ball at the Australian Open, in between my naps! Occasionally, I know the score and who won.

Some may know, two of my children played tennis: one through college. For over ten years, I sat court side for countless hours. The ping of the racket and ball became a melodious backdrop to whatever I was doing in the gallery. It is a comforting, soothing sound to me: a rhythm of life. I told you I was extra😉

If anybody else has started this New Year with a bomb instead of a bang, I’m with you! I understand, this is not how you wanted to begin the new year. Me either! Drink lots of fluids and rest, rest, rest! Shortly, your body will catch up with the calendar. In the meantime, give yourself a New Year’s gift and listen to your body.

For those who have run into this year accomplishing your list … Kudos to you!! I applaud your efforts … keep it up!! I hope to join you!!

Here’s wishing all of you happiness and health in 2024!! The year ahead holds a world of promise!!

2024 has begun,