Asheville

I let my body run a temperature on/off yesterday. Oura ring says I'm doing much better this morning. I'm in the convalescent point now -- low energy, but feeling better. 

Rain held off yesterday, but came last night. Once it heads out later this morning, I'm going to go for a walk up the mountain. As much as my body wants -- start to blow off the crud. 

I got most of the Christmas decor down yesterday -- a bit more today and then that's a wrap. I have to wash sheets and clean a little too. I'll do a teahouse visit and maybe a late lunch outside. Add some fun.

I have 3 big Asheville visits coming up and I might add another quick visit in 2 weeks. One (maybe 2) solo visit with my dog -- hubby is away and some extended family is gathering in Asheville. I haven't solo traveled with dog(s) for years. It makes potty breaks a little tricky, but I can figure it out -- I did it several times with 2 dogs -- one should be a piece of cake.

Hubby and I talked about Asheville and how we need to make a deliberate effort to come here and enjoy it together. The storm recovery was about 6 months and then we moved and it's been sporadic ever since. The ONLY way to make it happen is to schedule it. We have to block dates and hold that block. We said once our sweet Monti was no longer with us, we had no excuse not to come. We love it here and we need to spend more time enjoying it.

Waiting until a block of time magically appears between both our schedules is not working. We also want to entertain friends and family in Asheville more. 

I'm feeling all sorts of overwhelm this morning. I think it's just that I don't have the energy that matches my week ahead. Hopefully, once I'm completely over this bug, I'll be back in the swing of things. I'm trying to not give this feeling too much credence because I don't think it's accurate. 

The last few days, doing anything felt like a gargantuan task and that's with most things canceled. This week ahead is another jam-packed week from Monday-Sunday (with several evenings too) and that feels like too much. Nothing I can or will or want to cancel though. It was the timing and the postponing that overcrowded the week. Also, there's a lot of fun in this week and I want to make sure I view it as FUN and not as something to check off a list. 

And, I need to keep on task so FS doesn't have to hold the burden of extra, extra stuff. Dramatic, yep. I want to curl up in my bed and do nothing again today, but I should feel better if I get up and about. 

On that note, I'm going to go finish the Christmas decorations and start sheets. Rain will be out in a couple of hours. Have a good day. Later gators.

Finally Heading to Asheville

Back to "major signs" and a temperature this morning. I ended up testing for COVID and it was negative. It's an older test (found where I put them after the move), but the control line was solid so I expect it was okay. I might test again when I get to Asheville. This bug is behaving strangely and feels like it's something other than a cold. 

I am going to Asheville. It's probably not going to be particularly fun today because my energy is low -- need to focus on putting away Christmas and cleaning. 

Good news is rain is out for tomorrow so I hope for an easy mountain walk and a farmer's market visit. Fingers crossed I feel better. That's why I want to focus on cleanup today to get it out of the way. It's also best to stay clear of the teahouse if I'm germy -- I hope I can get at least one visit though.

I'm bringing food with me so I don't need to eat out. Being a good neighbor keeping my germs to myself until I feel better. 

I'd actually send hubby to Asheville if it weren't for the fact that the painters are coming today and tomorrow. No rest being home so I guess I'll head to Asheville. He'd have no idea how to put away the decorations anyway and maybe I can salvage some Asheville fun tomorrow. 

I'll keep it short today. I want to get on the road. Have a good start to the weekend. Later gators.

Some Updates

Woke up to "minor signs" on my Oura ring -- that's a step better from "major signs."

I'm postponing Asheville until tomorrow. I wasn't up for the whole shebang today. Today is the last day before rain comes in for the weekend -- I'm going to spend time moving outside today. 

Turns out the painters weren't coming to paint yesterday -- only assess. That makes way more sense. They're coming on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully, I miss the entire thing hah.

My virtual gyn appointment with a PA was interesting. She thinks the lab result is an error given how I feel and my other lab levels. She also said it's almost impossible to get such a high lab from my dosing. She wants me to go back to the regular dosing and redraw next week. Now comes the lab charge battle today. Lovely. 

The new craft room rug came yesterday. It's so pretty -- from Anthropology. Had to let that other rug go after Duke decimated it with watery diarrhea twice. It was already stained and I couldn't tell what was what -- it needed another professional cleaning. That would help the ick from the poo, but the rug was still a stained mess. I decided to stop sinking money into it and start fresh. 

Believe it or not, I messed up the grow room lights AGAIN. Finally figured out the issue -- the "off" timer was set to "once" not to every day. Good lord. My poor little itty bitty plants. I'm not sure what will take now. Fingers crossed nature can overcome human error. 

I've done exactly ZERO reading since I've been sick. I haven't even selected a book. I'll need to choose before I leave for Asheville. Nothing is interesting me from my 50+ TBR books so I know it's me, not them. 

Some good news is I have a plethora of podcasts for the drive tomorrow. Haven't driven anywhere, haven't cooked ... this week's podcasts are waiting for me.

That'a all from here. I'm trying to rally and feel better by doing something. I think more sitting around will be counter productive now that I'm on the mend. Seems like this was a quick go.

A little confession -- I worried that it was COVID and I'm not actually sure it wasn't. I lost my smell on Tuesday. It came back by evening. I don't have any tests left here (I have some in Asheville and I'll test tomorrow). BUT ... I had no other symptoms other than a head cold. No sore throat, slight temperature the first day. Basically fatigue and congestion. It's probably a cold, but the cold moved faster than I expected. It's unusual to feel that much fatigue from the beginning of a cold and then have symptoms improve so quickly. If it was COVID, I should test positive still. I think the tests are still usable -- I'll know from the control line.

(Eeek -- just googled symptoms of current strain and it's primarily cold symptoms that resolve in a few days. Dang.)

Okay, now this is REALLY all from here. Have a good day. Later gators. 

Trucking Along

I took a 2 hour nap yesterday -- that's a tell tale sign I'm sick. Oura ring said "major biometric indications" this morning. Yep, I feel it. Odd symptom is my right eye is a steady state of tearing. Guess some sinus pressure. 

I'm going to complain a tad -- I'll keep it short though hah! And the usual disclaimer that I know I'm fortunate, etc. This is a temporary moment. Just a little blimp on life's radar. 

I JUST got my foot and back feeling well and now I'm sick. Seriously?!? Why?? 

No run. 

No hike. 

Possibly feeling like crap for Asheville. 

Come on -- not cool. 

Over 2 months of low activity and counting.

Okay, complaining over. See ... short, as promised (as I delete 10 other paragraphs -- hah).

I have a tele-health appointment this morning to discuss my labs. This will be interesting. I also completely ignored my lab bill situation. I won't "click" links so I have to wait for the mailed bill. I really hate our medical system. 

We are supposed to have painters here today to do the 1 year punch list on the house. There's a lot and probably more than they expect. I have a feeling not much will get done today and this will push out. We don't have enough leftover paint to do much -- we told them, but I don't think anyone listened. 

Asheville tomorrow or Friday. I haven't decided if I feel well enough to go tomorrow. I hope so though. 

I did nothing yesterday except watch the new season of The Lincoln Lawyer -- it was good. That was a lot of TV watching in one day though. I didn't even shower. Hoping to do some walking today -- nothing strenuous, but get off my backside (and a shower).

Speaking of which, virtual appointment is early and I have to clean up -- I look gross and greasy. 

Hope you have a good day. Later gators.

Yep, I'm Sick :(

Just spent some time canceling my week -- cold is a real cold and not leaving anytime soon. Fingers crossed I didn't get my grandson sick. 

You know what's nice? Every single friend asked if they could help -- store, cook for me, etc. I love woman who take care of other women. The offers felt genuine and specific. I try to do that too. That was an unexpected kindness this morning. 

I'm disappointed to cancel a few things (a couple of things just got postponed) BUT there's something a little nice about stepping off the treadmill for a few days. I've been stretched a bit thin lately (mostly my own doing) and now I HAVE to be away from everyone. 

Can you hear the silence? 

I'll be bored before you know it, but I'm leaning into the slow-down and quiet today. I'm pushing back a hike too because I don't think I need to stress my body. I get out of energy just climbing the stairs. 

Picked up the pottery yesterday. Not the look I intended, but the glazing got out of hand with a couple of mess-ups and I had to pivot. I'll try something different next go around (I have a lot of the gift card left).

We had the most fun with our grandson yesterday. He is a delight and a joy like no other. This age is the absolute sweetest. 

Heading to the coffee shop.

I had a mess up with the grow room. Apparently, the one timer got toggled and the lights NEVER turned off. Oh no. I don't know that that means for the success of the seeds. Geez. I hope I didn't blow it. 

I'm going to call it this morning. I'm tired enough to consider going back to bed. Hubby is golfing all day so I have the house to myself and can just chill without interruption or fussing. 

Have a good day. Later gators.

Monday Doing Me Dirty

Woke up with a cold this morning. So far it's not bad, but I imagine this will change my week. 

The week is 100% social -- no volunteer on the calendar (just some follow-ups via text/email). I'll see how I feel by this evening and then look to cancel plans.

Dinner out on Tuesday.

Monthly woman's meeting -- it's a celebration of the 1 year anniversary.

Shopping and lunch with my new neighbor to show her another town.

Asheville visit with my sister (I'll still go, just not see her or the babies).

I'm still babysitting today because this was a favor to the kids -- neither can miss work. I'll do my best to keep germs at bay, mask, handwashing, etc. 

Sometimes it's a quiet and quick little cold -- hard to tell yet. Fingers crossed. 

I'm trying to figure out how my testosterone could jump THAT high. It's the dose I've been on for well over a year with no issue. What changed?

My exercise -- foot injury and back issue. Haven't hiked, long walked, run in 2 months. Inactivity can change your uptake of T in the muscles and leave more free floating (hence higher levels). My activity almost went to a standstill. Well, shit. 

And, I'm having an issue with lab charges since we essentially are self-pay. Already a nightmare and $$$. I'm super fortunate -- I can afford the charges and I'm not sick trying to fight the issues. It's horrible what the medical billing side puts patients through. 

Monday is doing me a bit dirty this week. It's usually my favorite day. 

Add that it's also plant watering day -- eeek, such a chore and so little time to squeeze it in with a toddler from 7-5 today. I wanted to water yesterday, but the afternoon program that was expected to be an hour was still going at 2-1/2 hours. I slipped out because hubby and I had plans to hang out last night and I've been tied up so many nights. (I told him I'd by home by 4:30 and it was almost 6.)

The program for black woman's history was amazing -- just too long. Everyone and their mother spoke saying the same thing (mayor, every committee person, etc.) -- took an hour. Then a presentation and an incredible music production -- opera, jazz, gospel, harp, piano, dance. Love every bit of it. I jumped out before the speakers closing the event. The list was long and probably the same "thanks" over and over.

It was special to be in the mix of black women and black joy. It was incredible to watch the community celebrate black women and the arts. I can not tell you the talent on the stage -- the voices were unbelievable. 

Okay, best get going. I can probably water a few plants before my grandson gets here. Have a happy Monday. Later gators.

"Down Came the Rain"

The day is well underway. 

Grandson sleepover -- check.

Breakfast at the diner -- check.

Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider 10,000 times because of the rain -- check.

Returned to parents -- check.

Elmo had a wild morning.

It was a super fun and easy sleepover. Babysitting all day tomorrow since school is closed and parents are working. Set for a craft (painting) morning, lunch out, park time in the afternoon. It should be a good time again.

Getting ready to meet a large group of women from my action group -- lunch and tickets to a Black History event in our town. Learning about the historic black church and first black-owned business in our town. Both are a block from my house and I'm glad to have a chance to learn more about this history. 

I'm "hosting" the lunch -- taking care of the reservations, group response, etc. 

Then home on this full rain day to chill and watch the rest of "How to Get to Heaven from Belfast." 

I finished two, thankfully, short books. "Slaughterhouse Five" was strange and not at all what I expected. I see the point. I get why it was such a breakthrough book. And, I thought it wasn't a good read. (Did I already review this ... can't remember hah!)

Then I read "A Cold Day for Murder" (Dana Stabenow) which came highly recommended. It was SO BORING. I wasn't invested in any character or the mystery of the book. Even the ending did nothing to change that -- how does someone recommend this book?!?

I need another pick today and I need something good to break this streak. 

I got a nice stack of books from my library bookstore shift yesterday. Really good kids books and a few for me too. It's my favorite FUN volunteering. I've never had a bad shift. 

Okay, time to get ready for the lunch. It already feels like a full day. Guess it's good to have something to do on a rainy Sunday. Later gators.