Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Terrific Tuesday

Hello my friends, now I hope you all had a great day.........mine was so busy but productive and I feel great getting so many things accomplished. It was a beautiful day here, sunny and hot, my kind of day.

I was up early (for me) just to get ready for the day. I had to prepare for my course this afternoon.

First I went to Curves, not so early today, I arrived at 11:45 (now that's more like it) and like it I did. I did the machines twice today and as yesterday the stretching machine was my favorite. When I finished I made a quick trip to the washroom to change my clothes and touch up my make up before my class.

The class was wonderful, it was so good to see everyone and they were all so happy. I think the weather had a lot to do with their moods. All of them had completed their assignments from last week and no one complained. I could feel they were really enjoying each other's company as they compared their past week with each other. Today we concentrated on meditation. We dimmed the lights and put on a CD. The voice on the CD was soothing and before we knew it we were all deep breathing and it was so relaxing. Even my favorite patient enjoyed it. We had wrapped one for each of them to take home and they were really pleased with the gift. Now we only have one week left of the course with this group and we could tell they were almost sorry that we were preparing to end the past five weeks next week. After class my favorite patient and I went across the street to the Tea House for a cup of coffee. It was so nice out that we took our coffee outside to drink and sat on the bench to chat. You know he is a real trooper and has a wonderful sense of humor. We spoke about his wife today and he regrets that he hasn't been able to help her understand what is happening to him. He wants her to talk to him, share his death as she shared his life but she refuses to. This makes me sad, as I know it would bring him so much contentment and acceptance if she would become a part of what is happening. We would all help her as well if only she would allow it. I know I have done my best so have to be content with it but oh I wish there were some way I could reach this woman. Oh well he has my phone number to give her if she ever wants to talk or needs anything. He is also going to keep in touch to let me know how he is doing. Such a wonderful courageous man, I'm not sure I could be as strong as he is. Anyway next week we are all taking pot luck and will play a few health informing games. I know they will enjoy it.

After coffee I went for groceries. First Tuesday of each month is 10% off for seniors and being the cheapskate that I am I always get my big grocery order at this time. Then it was off to the Home Hardware to get the cages for my tomato plants. From there I filled the car with gas, went to the drugstore, the dry cleaners and post office. By then it was nearly 4:30 and I still had many things left on my list to do so I headed home to at least attempt to finish the list.

I put the groceries away, put a load of laundry in the machine, emptied the dishwasher before I headed outside to work on my flowers. I gave them all a good watering and fed them with Miracle Grow, and as I looked at them I thought I may need a miracle for them to grow. I'm not sure I've used enough top soil, only time will tell I guess.

It was time to start supper so I lit the BBQ and had my first T-Bone steak of the season. I made a tossed salad, garlic bread and of course my glass of white wine and it was the best supper ever!

After supper I cleaned the kitchen, folded and put away the laundry and ironed a few tops, and am happy to say I had crossed off everything on my list of things to do.

All the while the hockey game was on so of course I had to keep my eye on that as I puttered around tidying the house.

In today's mail the book most of you have spoken of, "Gifts from the Sea" arrived. A small book with such powerful words. I sat down to glance at it and of course I didn't get up until I finished it. What insight Anne Morrow Lindberg had for the times she lived in. It is a beautiful little book, and I am going to add it to my list of favorites. It's a book I am also going to recommend to every woman, especially middle aged married woman. So many lessons to learn from such a tiny book, thank you for recommending it my friends.

I was sore from exercising and dirty from gardening so I had a lovely lavender bubble bath tonight, lit some candles and listened to my meditative CD. I stayed in the bath until my fingers and toes were wrinkled like prunes. I felt so calm and relaxed when I finally got out of the tub I was ready for bed. It was almost 10 o'clock anyway so I picked up my laptop and laid down planning on reading my favorite blogs and comments.........As I waited for it to start up I fell asleep, this took all of about 15 seconds. I awoke at 11:30 and am now wide awake. Diana says naps are good for us and the picture she showed of the lady after her nap was beautiful, trust me, I sure didn't look like her.

So now I am drinking chocolate milk and listening to the radio. It's okay as the only plans I have for tomorrow is to go to Curves, so I can sleep in, and just lazily make my way over when I wake up.

I am off to read my favorite blogs and comments, I wish you all a Wonderful Wednesday............Good Night my friends and God Bless

Until tomorrow.........:-) Hugs

18 comments:

Wanda..... said...

Good morning Bernie...Sitting here with my coffee and following you through your day really woke me up! I did similar things stocked up on groceries, did a load of laundry, watered plants, and enjoyed iced tea with Alivia!

Maybe in the future you can be of help to your favorite patient's wife...a sad thing to think about though.

It takes a bit for plants to start doing their thing Bernie, but growing they will when they settle in and get comfy...especially tomato plants...who love water...schotavidon't let the planters completely dry out or the soil shrinks from the side...letting water pass through too easily without being absorbed properly.

There is a lot of wisdom in that small book..."Gifts From the Sea"...and it's very comforting...
I have a grouping of small shells to remind me of that same feeling.

Smile and take care Bernie.

Eileen said...

What a nice, productive day you had.
I loved the story about your favorite patient, but I'm so sad that his wife won't join in his final journey, this will be the last thing they ever do together, and as sad as it will be, it could be beautiful. Not that I don't understand her sentiments, if you don't go into denial, if you accept what's happening, it all becomes too real, and maybe she just can't wrap her mind and her heart around it yet (or ever). But I think this will be a lifelong regret for her, we'll have to pray.
I'm glad your favorite patient has someone like you to share all this with.

I can't get over how much you accomplish each day! I make a list and if I get one or two things crossed off I feel like it's been a good day!
I have to light a fire under myself and get some things done around here!

Have a great day, Bernie!
Thanks for another nice post!

Diana said...

Good Morning Bernie, I am so glad that you like going to Curves. I still remember how I felt after my first week working out there and it was over four years ago. My energy level, well lets just say I didn't know I had energy! And forgive me Bernie for asking but what kind of class do you teach? I tried skimming through your older blogs but I guess I missed it! I am enjoying my time alone very much thank you!

Blessings each day said...

I have added that book to my book list, so thank you for sharing that!

Is it possible for you to share the meditation CD that you used? It's so hard to know what to buy for relaxation that is truly relaxing.

You do such a good job sharing your day that I feel as if I am beside you as you go about with all your accomplishments.

blessings on all you do,

marcy

Marian Dean said...

Hi there.
Nice to read about your day, I wish mine was sometimes as smooth... We have been clearing out one of our sheds today, a nightmare of a job as Husband is such a hoarder. The shed got so as it was nearly falling down, and my argument was if we haven't needed what is inside for the past three years since it got full, then we surely don't need those things now!!! Not so quick husband moans, so we had to sift through all (complete with spiders and such scuttling about) until it was all out on the lawn. Most of it he has retrieved as 'useful' 'sometime' 'maybe'. so it looks like it will all be going back into the new shed for another few years!!!!
So I am now, achy again, mucky,itching, and tired. Snap out of it Granny and stop moaning!!!!
I feel better now.
Love Granny

Teresa said...

Good Morning Bernie,
So glad to hear you got your little "Gift from the Sea". It is such an insprirational book and so ahead of it's time. Sounds like you had a wonderful productive day...it is always nice to have days like that. Hope you are not too sore from working out at Curves! I over did it yesterday, and today I can hardly move!
(((HUGS)))

Bernie said...

Good Morning Wanda, I thought of you yesterday and was wondering if you were spending it with Alivia.
I said a pray for my special patient and his wife last night, that is what we have to do now.
Thanks for helping me with info on tomatoes. I will post a picture soon.(the cages I bought were way to big) but it is giving them support.
Have a great day my friend...:Hugs

Bernie said...

Good morning Eileen, thank you for your kind words and you are absolutely right, they could share this experience and have special memories from it but she is so angry at him right now. She doesn't get it, one can have a good death but needs much support, pray is the right thing to do.
Have a great day......::-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Good Morning Diana, I can't believe how much energy I had yesterday. I am a bit sore today but am looking forward to going to Curves later. Just relaxing this morning. I volunteer and work with 2 RN's (they get paid LOL) in class on Living with Chronic Pain for patient's and their caregivers,I also volunteer on grief counselling, or with newly diagnosed patients of Breast Cancer. I have been doing this for 2 years and feel I am giving something back for all the care and support I received...As Martha Stewart would say, volunteering is a good thing.
Enjoy your free time, have a great day.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Good Morning Marcy, the name of the CD I use and our patients use is called, Time for Healing, relaxation of the mind and body by Catherine Regan, PhD I was able to get it at the clinic, I'm not sure if it's in stores, you could check or even check on Amazon. It is a wonderful CD.
I am relaxing this morning before heading to Curves.
Have a great day......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Granny, I had to chuckle when reading about your husband and you clearing out the shed. I think that has happened in every family. Too funny! I need to get my old shed cleared out and a new one put in, it's on my "big list"
Have a great day my friend.....Hugs

Bernie said...

Good Morning Terri, I love that little book, a great reminder of what is important in life.
I am a tiny bit sore but am looking forward to my trip to Curves in a couple of hours, just relaxing this morning.
Have a great day my friend....Hugs

The Retired One said...

Sounds like you had a glorious day...the lavendar bubble bath sounded so relaxing! Our house only has showers, no tubs...I miss that!

Your flowers will do better when you finally get warmth! You are doing everything you can for them right now!

I love hearing about your days and your positive attitude. You are a breath of fresh air, Bernie!!

Rebecca said...

I was in Chicago and have just now caught up with you. I thought I kept busy taking care of 3 grandchildren under 4 yrs. old - but you ran circles around me, Lady!

I love your enthusiasm for Curves, your compassion for your patients, and your appreciation of your friend's beautiful home.

As for Gift from the Sea, I pick up any used copies I see and always have a few extras on hand to give out to others - just like you are going to be doing! I also re-read it at least once a year around my birthday. I LOVE it.

Renna said...

What a marvelously productive day! I need to start making lists again. i've gotten out of that habit, and I know I do tend to get more done when I hold myself accountable that way.

Thanks for the book recommendation. :-)

Bernie said...

Hi Joan, thanks for the encouragement and your kind words. I enjoy your blog very much and love your photography. All my blog friends have special gifts, like gardening, photography, knitting, cooking and here I am at 62 and I still don't know what my gift is, but I sure am enjoying trying to find it. Hugs my friend.

Bernie said...

Rebecca, what a good idea. I,too will pick up copies of Gifts from the Sea whenever I find them and have them in my gift cupboard to pass on to others.
Thank you for your kind words but I bet you were pretty busy in Chicago......Hugs my friend

Bernie said...

Hi Renna, OMG I would be lost without my list, I keep one going all the time. It really helps me from having to drive into the city as often or even run out to the local store.
Oh yeah, it is a tiny book with powerful words, the author was so ahead of her time.
Hugs my friend.