Bernie

 Greetings from Pennsylvania!  I came up to visit my mom for a few days so that I could accompany her to a few appointments, relax and go to a Bernie Sanders rally tonight. While I'm in PA, Scott stayed behind to help move Robby home from college.  After a 9 am virtual final, Robby is officially done with his freshman year in college!

Today I am going to hang out with my Mom before heading to the Bernie rally with her. My mom loves Bernie and was ecstatic when she learned that he was bringing his rally to Harrisburg. She rarely asks for anything, so when she asked if we would take her to the rally, there was no way I could say no. My thoughts on Bernie are complicated and complex, but fulfilling my Mom's request was simple.

Tomorrow I'll head back home and help Robby unpack and organize his college gear. It will be so nice to have him home for the summer!

Better

 I'm still struggling, but the sunshine definitely helps to keep my moods lighter. Scott and I have been having a lot of fun working in the yard, removing old vines and uncovering flowers and plants that have been struggling to bloom. We've planted a vegetable garden in flower pots and blueberry bushes next to the house. From the way that the plants are responding, we should have a bumper crop!

The temperatures are turning and the trees are finally starting to green. I am shocked at how long it has taken this area of West Virginia to emerge from winter. It feels like we are about four weeks behind the blooms around us.  Regardless of the timing, I'm delighted to finally see green and flowers again.  

Today we are heading back to Shepherd to pick up more of Robby's dorm room belongings. I am looking forward to having him home for summer, but I'm not eager for the move and the sudden reintroduction of so much 'stuff' into the house. I'm hoping to spend some time this afternoon carving out a nice space in the basement for all of his dorm supplies.  

 

I'm Back!

 My apologies for not writing at all last week. To say that I was in a bad headspace would be an understatement. It was a rough week with several bright spots that I am trying to focus upon. Thankfully the cloud is beginning to lift and I am feeling more like myself.

The constant barrage of bad news has been overwhelming. Last week I learned that funding for the National Limb Loss Resource Center, the primary source of unbiased information for patients after an amputation. Why is unbiased important? Because every single manufacturer wants nothing more than to have first crack at the newbies.  The resource center stood to provide information and support without marketing. Apparently eliminating this resource is a necessary step towards making us great.

I mentioned bright spots last week. The best was Timmy's 11th birthday. Robby's classes were cancelled and he was able to surprise Timmy by coming home for the night to celebrate. Talk about exciting!

My little bike rider loves his new bike, but he is enthralled by his drone. He spends 18 minutes out of every waking hour flying this tool, not a toy, through the house and yard. He has surveyed our gutters, taken beautiful aerial photos and challenging himself by building obstacle courses. 

Have a great week. I'm going to soak up the sun and try to stay happy.