2/15 and 2/22/2015

Weekly Update 2/15 and 2/22/2015

This a two part weekly update.

I had an unexpected and quick trip to Rochester. I received a call from Brian that Ishy had been taken to the hospital with a minor stroke. I was far away, and needed to go to try to help if I could. I cleared my calendar, and made a flight plan. Monday morning, I boarded a Jet Blue flight to Rochester, landing in a snowstorm at rush hour. Thanks to cousin Jim for the ride to Ishy's house. All week while I was there, it was snowy, and COLD, and was a terrific reminder of why I don't live there now.

Ishy is fine. If you have to have a stroke, hers is the best one to have. By the time I got to Rochester, she had been released from the hospital and was home. She has a slight loss of motor coordination in her right arm and hand, but with work, she should have full use soon. So, I really wasn't needed at all; in fact, I was probably a hindrance because I just kept telling her what I would do, which is no help at all. It was good to see her, and I'm glad I went, if for no other reason than to reassure myself that she is fine. 

sitting at Ishy's kitchen table, boring each other

the snow pile at the end of Ishy's driveway

 

But the travel! OMG. I know I’ve sworn this before, but this time I think I may stick to my promises and NEVER FLY AGAIN. Between the incompetent airline staff and the inconsiderate homeland security people (with signs throughout all airports “your security is important to us” which should be changed to “your inconvenience is of no concern to us”). On the plus side, coming home was probably the only direct flight there will ever be between ROC and SAV, as we were not allowed to land in Atlanta due to high winds. Our plane was diverted to Savannah, and after a few brief panicky moments when I thought they wouldn't let me off the plane, but would make me return to Atlanta when they were finally able to resume the trip, I was HOME. But the entire experience was a nightmare.

Back in Savannah, things returned to normal very quickly. I had a lecture to go to on Wednesday, a luncheon on Thursday, DH on Friday, BC on Saturday. My routine.

Wednesday was also Georgia Day, the celebration of James Oglethorpe landing in Savannah in 1733. Each year, Second graders at all the schools in the area dress in colonial costumes and march down Bull Street from Forsyth Park to City Hall. I love to watch the enthusiasm of the kids as the walk, march, skip, jump, run and frolic in the parade. Such energy!

 

And while I was at Forsyth Park, I needed to take a photo of the lovely trees that are just beginning to bloom. It sure beats the piles of snow on every street corner in Rochester!

huge blooms and Spanish Moss  -  ah, the South

 

On Thursday evening, I invited Anne and Donna over to watch The Theory of Everything on pay-per-view. I think Stephen Hawking is amazing, and I wanted to see this movie. As far as I could tell, the movie was true to the reality of his life and first marriage. It was a good movie. I still haven't seen American Sniper, and I'm not sure I want to.

So, everything has returned to normal here. It's very good to be away from the snow and cold, and also good to know that Ishy has support and will continue to get better all the time. Getting old is not easy, and we're all finding this out.