In the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend I needed to return a book to the library. For some reason whenever I return one book I always leave with multiple books — it’s just the way I do things. Today I had a list of books I was hoping to find. I knew I would be happy if just one of those books was available for check out. But today was my lucky day as I found three of my hoped-for books on the shelves. Not to be disappointed though, I found two other books that caught my eye. With a smile on my face I breezed through the self check-out and walked out of the library into the afternoon sunshine. I was surprised by the great feeling and happiness that I felt carrying my pile of books — I felt lucky and fortunate to appreciate the joy of reading and books. You can tell a little bit about me by my selection of books. I have photography books, books about the midwest plains, a couple of books about the canoe and boundary waters area of northern Minnesota, and a book about a woman who returns to her roots in Kansas (my native state). So later this weekend you’ll likely find me relaxing on the deck with a cool drink and immersing myself in one or more of my library books.
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Easter surprise
Easter and spring are times of renewal and new beginnings, and so often surprises too. This past week we were greeted one morning with a two-inch snowfall (winter just hasn’t wanted to let go of us yet). However as quickly as it turned cold, it also turned warm today, just in time for Easter. With yellow sunshine, green grass, and the promise of blooming flowers, everyone’s moods were brightened and I’m sure many Easter egg hunts were the merrier because of it.
The return to a liquid landscape
We have turned the corner here in the Twin Cities — back to a liquid landscape. Our snow has melted (mostly) and we’ve even had some rain. It’s been music to our ears to hear the sounds of dripping snow and ice, and to once again see and hear rain falling. However, it does mean that we have quite a bit of standing water as well as flood threats on a substantial number of rivers. With sunshine and blue skies above, I set out on a long walk to the library yesterday. Now that the snow is mostly gone there is evidence remaining of what a harsh and early winter we had. Our lawn is filled with leaves that were unraked before our first snow – that first snow that never melted and was followed by another 80+ inches throughout the winter. Many trees are showing damage because of the excess weight of the snow. I’m sure some will recover, but it appears that others may not. Yet there’s a lightness in the air and the hope of spring. Just like me, there are people finding excuses to be outside and enjoying the warm sunshine. The birds are busy chirping and singing, and many of the migratory birds are coming back into the area. I was especially thrilled to hear the honking of a small flock of Canada geese as they flew over our house. They too know that spring has returned to Minnesota.
A blue thumbs up for KU
This past week brought a new blue plastic brace for my surgically repaired thumb. What first struck me about it was how my thumb looks so large as it’s immobilized out to the side, and then I noticed it was a great shade of Kansas University Jayhawk blue. But as much as I was cheering for my home-state KU Jayhawks, they just couldn’t pull through in today’s NCAA game. However, it was not all for want…my weekend consisted of the following: three full tanks of gasoline, one hotel room in Ames Iowa, and 850 miles on I-35 for a surprise visit to Kansas City to celebrate my Mom & Dad’s 60th wedding anniversary…it was all priceless! We succeeded in showing up at Mom & Dad’s house prior to a big celebratory dinner with my brothers and their families. Everyone was successful in not letting Mom & Dad know of our plans for a quick trip south to join them. It turned out to be a grand surprise, and a great celebration with all my nieces and nephews in attendance too. Congratulations Mom & Dad on a grand celebration of 60 years of marriage!
After thumb surgery
My thumb surgery was this past Friday and seems to be a success, at least what I can tell of it. Obviously there isn’t much to be seen as my wrist, thumb, and 2 fingers are bandaged up and immobilized. There is a hard cast that is supporting my palm and wrist and is keeping my stitched-back-together thumb tendon in one place. Thanks to the surgeon and the pain drugs I’ve been taking, I’m sure I’m on the road to recovery. In the meantime I’m trying to do things with my left hand — a true exercise in patience and creativity. Hopefully I will get the cast removed later this week and start physical therapy on my thumb to get it back and functioning before summer and the Minnesota fishing opener! Until then I’ll be content to curl up with a good book and rely on my wonderful friends for their help and support.
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