Turning Green

 

Another week squeaks past us, quickly and without apology. The sand in the hour glass is spilling out quickly it seems. Could there be a leak in the glass? Somebody grab the duct tape!

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Terry was in the beginning stages of his four day weekend once again. I sat at my desk, pounding away on the keys to get some files done. There was an odd feeling in my gut all day, but I ignored it. I figured I had eaten something that was barking back at me or that wasn't sitting right for some reason. 

Mallory had called to see if she could come over for a while. She wanted to spend some time here and "lose it" emotionally. She informed me she wasn't doing well, but would go through it all once she arrived. I knew immediately it had something to do with the new man she had been seeing. 

Mallory arrived and was upset. Long hugs between me and her, Terry and her, fell upon us as she spilled the story of how her newest fella wasn't wanting to remain in the situation. My heart broke for her. I couldn't hug her tight enough to fill that space in her heart. Feeling someone else in pain is horrible when there is nothing you can do to take away that sorrow. 

We spent the afternoon watching movies and bitching about men. No offense, sweet man. It's a girl thing. It's just a simple matter of venting to make ourselves feel better. Pity parties are sometimes the best medicine for that kind of pain. 

Mallory drank a couple of drinks and stayed until evening to get them out of her system before heading home. I hated leaving her in that mood, but I truly couldn't think of anything else to do to help her. Terry had gone to a movie, leaving us to our girl time. He remained for quite a while to engage with his daughter and talk to her about her latest situation, but felt we needed some space as the day progressed. 

Mallory and I spent our day together, laughing at things in movies and allowing her time to grieve the loss of her latest love tale. It's so difficult and seems to make us all feel like we're not worthy of love. She and I chatted for hours, but she felt it was time to leave in the evening hours. We said our goodbyes and Terry and I moved on with our night. 

I made some zuppa Toscana soup, with Italian sausage, kale, crushed red pepper, potatoes, and carrot shreds. All of that is cooked in an onion and garlic bath. Add chicken stock and heavy cream and the feedbag is on! So good. That is until the soup wants revenge. 

(Zuppa Toscana soup by Vicki Macrae)

About midnight, I woke with a strong urge to vomit. I got sick at least three times during the night. Fighting off what felt like a fever or possibly just getting too hot under the covers, I was sweating hard. All that sweat up against the flow of the air conditioner made me chilly. I snuggled deep into the sheet, blanket, and the bedspread. Up and down all night, very little sleep was had. 

I thought about it being the soup, but the chills and the churning of the stomach continued through the following day. It seemed far too late in the season to have a flu though. Or at least a typical flu, but who knows?

Friday, June 7, 2024

I was in bed all day Friday. Watching programs on my phone was my one and only focus, that and dozing on and off. It was a miserable day. My husband ran about the house, taking dogs out for their walks, feeding them, coming in to sit with me. Another day of being sick and no end in sight from this brutal illness. It apparently wasn't the Toscana soup after all, as Terry wasn't ill and this came with symptoms outside of food poisoning. 

The urge to get sick began to slack on Friday night. Or so I thought. I could not stand the thought of food, so Terry brought me some Zero Sugar Powerade drink with electrolytes. I sipped on that a bit. 

I drank water with it, as it sounded good. Well, it was great and felt great, but when I drank it like it was the last cup of water on the planet, I got sick several times again. It was never ending. I didn't realize a human being could regurgitate drink and food that much in a three day period. My gut ached. My sides ached. Everything on me hurt at this point. 

Saturday, June 8, 2024

I woke up feeling a bit better. Once again, I sipped water and Powerade and prayed for the best. My stomach was growling now, asking for food. We had some oatmeal and I felt that would most likely be the best option at this point. I made myself a tiny bowl of it and washed it down with water. 

Two hours later and a wave of heartburn hit. My chest and throat was on fire. This of course, caused more vomiting. It never seems to stop! I sat on the couch in the living room, hoping the sitting upright might help. It did for a while, but then struck me again later. Terry told me if I was not better by Sunday, he was taking me to the doctor. I agreed with this plan. I was getting concerned. 

I made it through my first night without being sick. Saturday night went well. I had a small bowl of chicken rotini soup, a small glass of milk, and plenty of water. I was finally able to take my pills with a bit of hope that they would not be wasted should I get sick once more. The pills, of course, are for diabetes. Yes, I know milk isn't the best idea when ill, but I couldn't help it. I wanted something cold and "soft" on my stomach at this point. 

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Crossing my fingers! I had some more chicken rotini soup this morning, took my pills and have been on the Internet for a while now. No heartburn. Nothing causing me to want to head to the doctor. My stomach is not 100% right yet, but it's doing better. The chills are gone. Now it's just a matter of eating foods that are mild and getting back to normal, as we all have to do when ill. 

I woke this morning and the first thing I always do is check my phone. There was a message from my oldest daughter, Dawn. She informed me that Jess, my granddaughter, went into her doctor. The baby has dropped and is ready to come at any time! Novalee can be born from now until her actual due date of June 27. I cannot wait to meet this new girl! New life and new beginnings is always such a special thing. 

As far as the household, we are all relaxing today. I'm still getting over this creeping crud and Terry is relaxing before his days back at work. I too have work tomorrow and feel able to concentrate at least. Terry's work week consists of three days, as I have stated before. The man does stay busy during those three days, but at least he loves what he does. That helps with any employment we get into. 

Our babies are all happy and healthy. Relaxing with mom and pops and enjoying their best life in the air conditioner, as weather has been in the upper 70s this week. Might not seem too warm or warm enough for an AC, but when you're a husky, it is needed. 

Togo snagged the pillows by dad. Kit is laying by dad's foot. They're all over the idea of being cuddled up by their dad!

Our beautiful Kit Kat. Those eyes get me every time. Then, there's this big lug:

Togo's eyes get me too. This is why we own the big baby. When he came around the corner to see us from his pen at the shelter, I gasped when these eyes came into view. Then his hugs and excitement to see us sealed the deal. 

Add my little Jasper (chihuahua), and this is our household for now. When one of us is ill, the others rally around and snuggle. I love this. I love my life.

 While I'm away from my daughters and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, my little family right here, right now is comforting. There are so many blessings we are given every day. I even include my health as a blessing. Everyone gets a flu or illness at one time or another, but our body gives us the wonderful blessing of healing itself. 

Take care of yourselves this week! Sorry the post is so boring, but we'll see what happens next weekend! Thank you all for reading. Hugs to everyone. 

(Wallow deer at Wildlife Safari, taken by Vicki Macrae 2023)

Relax and enjoy the day!