Smoke Signals and other news
Graduations are all around us. There are the cute little kindergartners ready to take on first grade, the eighth graders moving on to high school, high school graduates moving onto college or careers. And we must not forget the college graduates ready for Grad School or careers of their dreams. New beginnings all around.
Although the blackberries bloomed during the cool spell in April, this is the typical week for Blackberry Winter and the cool is right on time. We have once again pulled out the jackets for watching ball games or if we didn’t bring one, wishing we had.
On Tuesday, I made a trip to the eye doctor only to be surprised with the news I once again need glasses. Other than for reading, I haven’t had glasses in many years. Somehow, with all life has offered I hadn’t been in three years. The last trip was the year Doug passed away and the following year the knee replacement surgery that didn’t go well for me. Somehow that appointment just didn’t happen nor did my annual visits to my Primary Care Physician. I did see other specialist during that period including cardiologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, and dentist. Life used to be simpler only seeing a doctor if you were truly sick or badly injured. Even after all these visits, I still don’t know why I am feeling less than well. My research indicates it is not simple aging, but what is it? I find myself simply not able to attend things I normally would. Seeing yet another new doctor at the end of the month. I hope he has answers.
Though I have fed hummingbirds for years as a tribute to my dad who kept many feeders going and have fed other feathered friends during winter months, this is the first year I have kept feeders out for birds other than hummingbirds during Spring months. I am not particularly adept at identifying a wide array of birds. I know the basic ones, but I have seen some beautiful ones feeding happily. They certainly are enjoying and emptying the feeder quickly. When one of my Mother’s Day gifts arrived, it made my feathered friends even happier as it was a supply of both hummingbird food and wild bird feed.
I recently discontinued a MyDish account. I first started it for Doug when really all he could do was watch tv. I truly don’t watch television that much and the cost just wasn’t justified. They certainly tried all they could to get me to continue, even drastically reducing the price. Why didn’t they just reduce it before? Anyway, it’s off and although I miss a few shows, I manage.
Our neighbors could use a bit of extra help. Hearts and Hands in Byhalia is struggling to have enough food to share with those who don’t have enough to eat. Byhalia Nutrition has set up a donation box where you can drop off nonperishable foods that will be shared with those in need.
I would love to report your news. Share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com, message me on Facebook, or text or call 901 246-8843.