Snow quake
As the northeastern step child that lies between New York and D.C. (also known as the “Philadelphia and NJ region”) awaits its first real snow possibility of the season, I’m sitting confidently staring out at the back porch where the box of snow blower has remained since I ordered it. My mom, who is on extended stay with us due to COVID, does not seem understand the urgency and panic that a declared snow emergency has on those not accustomed to a mere 6 inches of snow on a semi-weekly basis.
Growing up in Northern Michigan, a forecast of 2 to 4 inches of snow meant it was a Tuesday or something. Six inches might get you a delay of start. Here, it is a mass thunder-dome event where frazzled people rush to already depleted grocery shelves in the event that French toast might be their last meals on earth.
If you recall from an earlier post, I bought the snow blower in prep for winter with the idea that alone would necessitate that it could remain on the porch — pristine. Of course, looking at the radar of the wall of fierce looking snow clouds ahead, I’ve either upset the gods of Snow Joe’s by leaving it in the box, or was simply entirely off in my logic about weather patterns and commerce. It must be the former, I think.
Regardless the weather, my walks tomorrow will be inside. The back and forth from kitchen through living room may wear the carpet unevenly. But it was deemed “too uneven” for me to be out on the sidewalk. Personally, I felt it was just too cold. But, mom and Joey seemed to be in cahoots on this one.
Night time, for the most part, has not been the kindest to me. Mentally exhausted from the pain, I find my patience with night pain to be lacking. After speaking with my nurse case manager today, she confirmed that its going to take some time. So, like last few nights, I’m going to adjust my approach with the new information I’ve gleaned.
I’ve backed up my med schedule to better cover for periods of longer rest. Keep water nearby — dry mouth is a horrible side effect of the medications. Get the industrial ice pack that will last me most of the night, or the heating pad, depending on what my body has been asking for that day. If I can’t get back to sleep, I get up. This morning I was able to come downstairs and get some better rest on the recliner.
There are other things, and they seem obvious now, but this is new to me and all the doctors and nurses provide guidelines and follow with — everyone is different. Indeed, they are.
Song of the day: Sweet Baby James, Jame Taylor
