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| Cherry blossoms are amazing |
On my walk home through Cornwall Park on Wednesday, I saw that the cherry blossoms are now at their peak. Such a breathtaking sight, it caught my eye and I ended up taking quite a few pictures. I think this is the best one.
We have had so many days in a row of sunshine, plenty of it, that I can no longer pretend that we are not moving into a wonderful period of the year: my favorite part of springtime. The birds are all singing, feeling the fragrant and abundant time of the year, when nests are created (or returned to) in order to attract their species to procreate. A week ago I wondered where the song sparrows had decided to nest, since I hadn't heard their birdsong. And that all changed this week; they are everywhere and loudly singing in the trees around here. They join the chickadees, robins, bluejays, and yesterday morning I heard barred owls calling! It's a plethora of feathered friends, and they lifted my spirits as I listened to them as I walked.
Today, I think I'd like to contemplate all that is going on in the world, and see where, if anywhere, I might be able to make a positive difference. All over the globe yesterday, April 5th, people gathered to protest what is happening not only in our country, but all over the world. Not just the awful tariffs that Trump has imposed, but the number of important offices that have protected us in many ways. I am mostly worried about the destruction of the Social Security Administration, which has never missed a payment in ninety years, and now is on the chopping block to be destroyed, because it is seen by some as a giveaway. But the truth is that we have all paid into the system during our working lives, and now they think they can take away our benefits by calling it a "Ponzi Scheme."
There are many other programs that have been eliminated or are being destroyed, just because they can. Although I cannot fathom where this will end, I know that we will all be impacted, and not in a good way. What I have trouble understanding is WHY? I am pretty sure that the current administration will eventually pay the price at the ballot box, unless they suspend elections. That is not just hyperbole, I have read that they are considering it. Hopefully somehow we will return to a semblance of normal, eventually, but I am not holding my breath.
At the same time that our country is falling apart, it seems that my body is joining in the cacophony. Ever since I had that fall in February, I keep getting messages from my right leg and hip that long walks may be behind me forever. We'll see, because yesterday I was able to walk five miles but not without pain. I did complete my volunteer work on Thursday, even though I was slow and not feeling my best. It was nice to be back with my friends, though, working together as a team to get the place set up and then put back together at the end. I have to admit that I kept watching the clock and hoping I would be able to make it before my need to sit down and rest gained traction. I did make it, and once I got home and settled into my comfy recliner, I felt quite happy to know I am better.
This Tuesday is the dreaded every-other-month eye jab. My eyes continue to deteriorate, but I can still see well enough to write on my laptop and pray that will continue for awhile yet. I have magnifying glasses and other aids to help me see better. I have purchased another headlamp to help me see things that I cannot see without a bright light. It sure does help, as I sort my vitamins or fix myself something to eat. Or sit down to read a novel on my Kindle, set at the low vision option. I'm reading a new Liz Moore novel, The God of the Woods, which is really a fascinating thriller. Once I am unable to read on the Kindle, I'll start listening to audio books so I can continue to "read." And since I've just discovered the wonders of Liz Moore's writing, I've got lots to catch up on.
There is so much to continue to be grateful for, and I realize that all of us are in the same boat: feeling unsettled about what is happening in our country, and not knowing what to do other than to join a protest march. I am so glad I live here in Whatcom County, in the upper left quadrant of the State of Washington, which is also in the upper corner of the entire country, just a few miles from the Canadian border. And as I started this post with, the days are growing longer, the skies are filled with blue and fluffy white clouds. We are at the beginning of a really wonderful time of the year, and I am hoping against hope that the political situation will mellow along with the weather. I can hope so, anyway, and why not?
Well, it's time for me to get out of bed and get ready for my trip to Fairhaven with John for our usual Sunday morning breakfast. I hope you will find some happy moments in the week ahead, and that you will surround yourself with lots of love and positivity. Why not? That's what I am going to do. Until we meet again next week, dear friends, I wish you all good things. Be well.
11 comments:
Good Morning, DJan! It does sound like you're getting better from your fall... albeit slowly, but still a good thing. It does take time to heal... and more time as we age. But you can still walk - and many cannot at our age, so something to be grateful for. As for the eye jab - yucK! You are so brave. Praying that the pain is worth it and your eyesight will - if not get better, not get worse.
As for what's happening in our country and around the world, I hope and pray that people will begin to realize that hurting people is never the answer. And it seems to me that everything that's happening is hurting people.
But spring is here... and it's my favorite time of the year too! Our yard is finally green again!
There was lots of bird song here until this last week, when they seemed to go quiet. I think they are busy nesting, egg laying, and raising young. My Cornell Labs bird song identifier app, Merlin, picks up sounds I can't hear and birds I don't see. It's a fun thing.
Yesterday we protested for about an hour and a half at the plaza in Des Moines, which is near a very large Wesley Homes Senior Livging complex. There were lots of us old people, but we found a few youngers too. The reception of honking and waving and thumbs up was joyous and lifted our spirits.
Then my sister commented on my FB post, asking what we were protesting about and proceeced to tell me all the good things the Trump administration was doing. I was abrupt in my reply. I am trying my best to hang on to this relationship. It was a killjoy though.
Now this morning I see that the rain has already returned. Maybe there will be breaks-looks like there is one now- and I can get outside a bit. Walking is hard, but I need it. We old people keep blodding along.
I was so glad to see the protests all over the country! They plan to continue them here in Fargo-Moorhead for an hour every Friday for the next three months changing where they will meet every month. I may not physically be able to join but it lifted my spirits so much! (ND is Trump country.)
You will adjust to the shifts you are going through. Not easy, but worth it. I haven't been able to read much for years because the macular puckers make the lines bend and jump and curve...sometimes worse than others. I am thinking of trying audio books again. The one you are reading sounds really good. Maybe large print might help me, too...it does when I enlarge the print on my tablet. Anyways, love all the blossoms! Have a wonderful day!! :)
Heart felt hugs. I am glad that you are still finding some beauty and some joy. Enjoy your breakfast with John.
I can’t help but think that it ,ay be time for others to volunteer on your behalf rather then you on theirs, but I know you want to keep on plugging along.
I wish I had known about the protest here in our town before so that I could have joined in. I too am very concerned about what this administration is doing and none of it seems to have anyone's well being in mind it seems to be only about destruction.
I don't understand the need to protest, as far as I know Social Security will keep on keeping on. We need to be a United country not divided as it is now.
The frustrating part of the political situation is that there is nothing predictable. We have no idea what might happen.
I love how nature fills you walks. The cherry blossoms are gorgeous and I can almost hear the birds as I read this post. I pray you will be able to enjoy life for many years to come, Jan. You inspire me, as always.
I rejoiced in your protests, little as I understand what's happening. And good luck tomorrow!
This post is a beautiful balance of hope and heartache, where the quiet wonder of cherry blossoms and birdsong lives alongside the deeper, harder truths of pain—personal and political. Your observations are poignant, and the way you share both your resilience and your weariness feels deeply human. Even as your body gives you challenges, your spirit keeps turning toward what is possible: books, walks, friendships, and the small, meaningful ways of showing up.
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