First of all, thank goodness to hear from you again!
I think you've gotten used to my lack of understanding (of texts and forms in everyday English), so I'll tell you that I didn't understand, I think I misunderstood what happened to you. Something about eyes? I was relying on the fact that you said you got through it fine and everything would be fine. I hope it's fine and I don't want you to tire yourself out, so I'd just like a very brief response from you!
Now you mention Covid and that intrigues me and makes me curious. Here in Romania, we've kind of forgotten about Covid for about a year now, I think. Of course, after a first Covid that was very bad for us, Magda and I, I think we had another one last month that was more like a brief cold. We forgot to strictly protect ourselves anymore, we just do common sense. We've also had our fourth vaccine, much to the displeasure of many unbelievers, and I think it's helped us from worse. Anyway, the aftermath of the first Covid was significant and bad, I think that's when the problems I have with my heart started...
Sunflower, of course, @dswigle! Much anticipated by our family too. Here it will bloom on the same date as yours, I'm sure none of us will miss the moment.... and Hive, of course.
While you were asleep, ah no, that's a movie title, I think. While you were recovering from surgery, we took a short trip. Guess where? I'm sure you did!
It's so fresh in my memory that I'll bore our colleagues here for a long time with my sea stories. I thought I'd call it a series, haha... Anyway, I have my annoyances with Hive too, so if Hive gets annoyed with me because of boredom... it'll be even!
Good health, Denise! Less work and more sleep, rest, and relaxation. Let's enjoy this summer to the fullest...
The link, where is the link? I found it and I hurry(?) to send it to you.
Hi, Dan! @bluemoon It was a little hard for even me to understand, so I truly get it. I actually had a little surgery, but, I am doing fine. There was healing and recovery, but no Hive. :)
My daughter read me posts every day, so it was nice to keep up with everyone, but, no real comments, so... the absence.
I would guess the same can be said here, with Covid. It is all but forgotten, however, the US sustained the largest impact with 107 million cases and over a million deaths. Nobody else came close. Could be the way we handled it? I won't even venture to guess. But, it was pretty terrible. I have gone on three cruises in the last year and although Covid is not present in daily living, there are still things in place to ensure we never get to that place again. I worked, shopped for the family, and carried on life as best I could. I went to the dentist, doctor and did daily video chats with older family members who were far away. It was important to keep up with them so they didn't get lost in our busy times. It was a trying time, but, very glad we can move forward. We must move forward or we will be stuck in it forever.
It is possible your heart problem could be related, but my thoughts are that nobody will say one way or another. Too many lawsuits going on with the Covid shots and their side effects. I have made a line in the sand and have stepped over it. I still protect myself in a different way, but, nothing you would notice. It is not insane like it was, but, still, there is a small presence of care taken.
Did you go to Balchik? The Black Sea? How nice! I lost sense of time as I remember you and Magda were going to go this month. I am so glad you made it. I don't get bored with your posts or stories! If you think that, you are sadly mistaken. It is fun to live life vicariously through you. You have different experiences than I do, and that makes it interesting to me. So never think differently. As you can see from my posts, the good comes to one and it leaves eventually. It has nothing to do with being in favor, but, giving everyone a little. Keep on posting, Dan. You may not always get rewarded what it deserves, but, you have brought joy to many, including myself.
Summer fun is just beginning according to the calender! I hope you found everything open this time. I can hardly wait to go check out your post.
Hi, Dan! Thanks for dropping by and leaving your words!
#MarketFriday loves you!
Well, Denise, @dswigle, you didn't listen to my request not to write such a long reply. I don't want you to make an effort and strain your eyes.
I know you don't get bored with my posts, you have told me so many times and I can't forget that.
We managed to go to Balchik. It was good. It was over quickly. I still don't know what's next until the end of summer. It's a hard year for our family and I don't have high expectations for the near future... but I remain optimistic for a pleasant surprise.
I hope, Denise, that you have a pleasant summer and it would be nice to start it off with a better week!
I have been worried that it is your son and his family. I really hope not, but you are too worried about it to be something small.
I didn't spend a lot of time on it, it was up and I added on to it and added on to it. :) Eventually, I decided I better send it off.
Thank you, always, Dan.
Well, Denise, unfortunately, you guessed it! It's mainly about my son and his family. I'm only telling you, although anyone can see... but who cares about our talk?
Ilinca's parents were never married and after three years they separated. Our son came back to live with us again. Ilinca, of course, stayed with her mother. They live close to us and so we can easily reach Ilinca and take care of her. This spring Ilinca's mother discovered throat cancer. She had two operations and then radiology and chemotherapy in April and May. Very hard. Now she is better, going to work (a very stressful one, she is the marketing director at a big multinational, the Romanian branch of a famous beer brand) but there are still emotions until we see a full recovery and healing!
There have been other problems but they seem small compared to what Ilinca's mother went through...
So you've noticed well what is the root cause of my stress right now.
Thank you for your attention and care!
Hi, Dan. @bluemoon I did not forget about this, as a matter of fact, I read it almost immediately and was truly devastated for your family. For Ilinca, even though her mom is not taken by cancer, it has changed her in a way you or I cannot understand. Even your son, this has to have affected him. they were a family once upon a time. I know something very profound was happening in the background with you, I just didn't know. She is a very accomplished woman and obviously is doing her best, well enough to go back to work. All that she has endured, all the worry, all this for her and your family. I hope she has a mom and dad too, one that surrounds her at this time.
I could see it in Ilcinca's face, that day at the restaurant. Nothing obvious, just not here lighthearted little girl charm.
The stress! I would have stress too, my friend. Things that are out of your control. I know how your heart is sad right now. This is more than a family can bear, especially one that loves as much as you and Magda.
I hope that you see the healing and recovery that should come with time. You and your family and especially Ilinca's mom are in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Thanks, @dswigle! I know you are praying for good to return and I thank you.
The life Magda and I had prepared for when we retired was totally changed, both spiritually and materially. We kept putting things off for ourselves, thinking that when we didn't have to work anymore it would be better. Life decides otherwise. We hope it will be good for Ilinca's mother and, implicitly, for Ilinca. Obviously, Ilinca doesn't understand what is happening but she is, as you say, deeply scarred.
I wouldn't want to tell that story. Telling you helped me and thank you again!
I'm not sure I would call her deeply scarred and perhaps confused as to what was happening all around her. That would be confusing to a child so young. At the time it was going on, the treatments and such, I am sure it was not easy explaining to her, something that she would be able to understand.
Life never really goes the way we plan, at least not anyone I know. The unknown can never be fully planned for, because, it is unknown. I am sorry that things were put off for a better time. What I can say is that we never know how our future will work out and perhaps God or the Universe will see fit to make some of it better. Where there is life, there is hope. Be well and take care of your beautiful little family. XO