Necessary Mutilation

Weight: 197.9 lbs.

When I weighed myself this morning, I thought at first that it said 199.9, and was very upset for a split second. But, then I realized that I have crept into finally new territory, although just by a smudge. But, given that we ate out the last two nights in a row, any loss (and not a gain!) is awesome. I ordered a stir fry with chicken, broccoli, peppers, onions, carrots and snow pea pods…and noodles, at dinner last night. It was delish and I do admit to having slurped up some of the noodles. It was covered in what was described as a black bean and garlic sauce, and was light and tasty. I ate heartily and then suddenly was stuffed, and ditched the remainder. I doubt that this was the most dietetic of choices, but given the options, probably the best of what I could have chosed. Tom had chicken parm and then an ice cream sundae for dessert. One of these days I’d like to see him get on board a little more himself.

So, what’s with today’s title, you ask? Well, yesterday Tom and I went to a garage sale that had this awesome canoe hanging from the garage rafters, and Tom immediately said “we’ll take it!” to the owner. It was (just?) $200 and in nearly new shape and what appeared to be of quality material. However, I was shocked at Tom’s enthusiasm and ready expenditure of our money (from the man who complains if I spend five bucks on garage sale stuff!). Plus, I fretted aloud about where we would possibly store such a monstrosity, let alone whether we would be able to transport or even USE it. Unfortunately, I talked him right out of it, and we left with the lady’s phone number should be change our minds. Which we did, after much talk and including a consultaton with a canoe expert who told me that this sounded like a great deal and that we could easily learn to carry and use the thing. But, by then I had to wait for Tom to run his afternoon bus shift, and when he returned and I called the woman back, it had been sold. And now, I am strangely sad, as I had visions of us metamorphasizing into outdoorsmen, and paddling away in parts unknown.

Oh well, it is probably truly for the best, as what probably would have happened in actuality is that we would have stared at it taking prime real estate in our garage for a year or two while we had to park outdoors, and then finally sold it in frustration after resenting its presence all the while.

 This thought makes me feel better about missing this opportunity, anyway!

Today we have quite a busy day scheduled that takes us in another direction altogether. Our friends Rose and Nancy are due over to our house for the first time, at noon. We will catch up and blab and lunch together, and then after they leave at 4:00 or so, we are running off to pick up Barb and Rick (I hope!) and drive with them to Lewiston for a chinese auction event at my cousin’s church. Which is my church too I suppose, were I so inclined. In any event, I do support it in this manner anyway, and I am glad for the chance to see my cousins and catch up with them too as it has been ages. They are having pulled pork and other auction type foods there, and I’m not quite sure yet what I will do for grub as it would not be smart to go there hungry and discover nothing user friendly that I can have. Especially if everyone else is imbiding. And my cousin is the cook. Eeepp. Danger, danger, Mr. Robinson!

Lastly today. Tom plans to check in once more with out of town family to see what the latest is on his mom. She is a resilient and amazingly strong woman, and so far has beat the odds many times. Last we heard she remains stable, although with such a competitor as bacterial meningitis, at 89 years old, she is likely up for one huge battle this time. So, we continue to take it day by day and are taking our cue from others, and living “normally” in the mean time. She is said not to recognize anyone such that there is no point for visiting, but Tom at least should go to Iowa should she rally, as this is when she will likely need more care and support. We are awaiting further word and “instructions” from Tom’s brother and sister-in-law who are in the forefront and in the best position to advise and instruct. And we appreciate their candor, hard work in “mom’s” behalf, and efforts to keep so many of us scattered about, informed and aware. And to make us feel rather guilty and footloose, as we go about everyday ya ya including canoe envy, while they are keeping a vigil up close and personal, with all the pain,work and responsibility that this entails.

So for now, our thoughts and prayers are as much for Ed and Paulette as for mom. Thank you for all you do!!