Autumn Arrives

Fall arrived quickly this year. It might just seem that way to me because my summer was a blur. The leaves have started turning but are less dramatic than in years past and the last of my fall raspberries are ripening on the vine. I always miss my berries in the winter and look forward to their return in the summer.

Last week, I made an unplanned trip to the Washington DC area. My daughter, Elizabeth, was hospitalized for a couple of days with a ruptured disc and for pain management. I tried to be Momma the "Rescue Ranger" but didn't have the strength to do much more than drive her home from the hospital and to drug stores and grocery stores. She is managing to continue her classes at George Washington University, after an epidural, but still requires quite a bit of pain medication.

While I was in DC, my son Patrick was taken to the ER in Asheville, by ambulance, for a possible broken ankle. ( I say, what are my children trying to do to me?) By some miracle, although at the time it looked like a probable fracture, it is only a severe sprain. It was quite swollen so he had to be on crutches for a few days. He's still uncomfortable and that is limiting what he can and needs to do to get ready for the new baby in Nov. I know that must frustrating.

It's now a little over 3 weeks since I completed chemotherapy. I have to admit that I'm being impatient. I really thought that I'd feel "fantastic" by now. Hasn't happened yet. Any day now, I'm sure. I've been lax on my exercising lately and I know that exercise is important in regaining strength. The cooler temperatures in the morning have sure been an easy excuse to put off my walks.

My consultation with the plastic surgeon has had to rescheduled a couple of times. I will see him on Nov. 2nd and expect surgery to be shortly thereafter. But, it is very important that I'm feeling well by Nov. 22nd when my new grandson is due to arrive.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all the fund raising will hopefully help to find The Cure. I missed the Paint it Pink rally at Pack Square in Asheville while I was in DC, but I did purchase items and have officially participated in "the wearing of the pink".

I am still scheduled for a rest and relaxation trip to the Kripalu Center in MA, Oct 24-27th. I had imagined myself doing lots of hiking, yoga and exercise. Silly me. My goals are now more realistic: rest, read, jacuzzi, massage, facial, healthy food and did I say rest?