AWAY

   For most of this month I've been away from blogging. It seems that I was caught up in a world of my own, lost. I couldn't seem to grasp what needs to get done or to prioritize my needs. I'm not sure I know where this has come from but the feeling was beginning to annoy me. I know that having had cancer, I occasionally worry about a reoccurrence. Other times my eyesight is a challenge but why should that make me so listless?
   Perhaps I had a case of empty nest syndrome? Both girls had moved away to another place in January. Or maybe it was the annual April case of the blues because hubby was away working seven days a week late into the evening doing clients' tax returns? Whatever it was I was feeling sorry for myself! Yet not sure why?
   Buddy is so patient. He's up each morning cheerfully awaiting to see what I'll be up to. At 10 a.m. his bath help friend comes and an hour later he stands in my room reporting,
 " I'm ready. How do I look?".
Lately I was very slow to respond to his eagerness to be out and about. He was persistent. And he showed excitement even if it was to see the doctor. That's just what we did yesterday. After a gruelling two and a half hours there, blood work and urine tests completed, we headed over to the mall for a late lunch at the Pickle Barrel. Then since it was windy and cold outside we decided to stroll a bit through the mall. We needed to stretch our limbs.
   At a phone shop we entered and selected a new Samsung mobile because Buddy's recently broke. Ready for more we walked on passing several ladies shops finally stopping in one having to buy a new T-shirt for mom for Mother's Day. Our last stop was Best Buy. Buddy wanted to check out some kind of Xbox 360's with motion sensors that he'd seen in TV commercials. His curiosity challenged me to join in his quest to learn more. The idea of moving one's body without any controller, appearing to use a Jedi Knight sword to fend off daemons, was what drove him to explore the possibility. Seeing boxes of consoles and games he figured he would need help to set it up. I agreed. Then came the decision of when to purchase it. He had the money but I convinced him it was expensive and would make a great birthday wish. His smile and it's his eager approval of suggestions idea that makes it fun to be with him. He was so pleased with himself when he feels right about his decision. On the way back to the car he uttered, "This was my best day."
I chuckled. Simple pleasures. I have to admit that his joys put smiles on my face. My empty nest thing has  to be ruled out. It doesn't really apply does it?
   Looking back a few weeks it seems I was busier with him than I realized. Several visits to the ENT specialist for that ear of his, but many other outings like shopping for groceries. And one day it was for a gift for a baby shower on Sunday. He still insists he should be allowed to attend. He was very helpful in the selection of what Baby and parents would enjoy, books which included CD's like the ones he once had. Who knew he even remembered? Our selections included 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein and 'TheVery hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle. And I just had to buy a little outfit with Peter Rabbit stuff on it. I've always been a Beatrix Potter fan. We also selected the card and wrap together but not on that day.
   On Friday, April 20th we went to see 'The Lorax' in 3D right after a light lunch at Kelsey's. That was followed up with a quick stop at a nearby Wal-Mart. The movie's powerful message motivated us to want to plant a tree to help our planet but they didn't have any in stock. Still we got sidetracked into purchasing a Sony cassette, CD, radio player. Buddy's older tapes had just been rediscovered.
   Then Sunday, April 22, Earth Day, we set out to the nearby Sheridan Nursery to buy that lovely tree. We started with the idea of a weeping pussy willow but it didn't fill his idea of a real tree because the branches drooped down. In the windy, cool outdoors we searched around for the gem that Buddy wanted and found, a 3m (12ft.) acer red maple. When we went to the cash we were pleased with a bonus for coming that day. It was a 20% reduction in price for the tree. Now the tall tree and our van were not a good match. Staff to load this larger item into our van where it spent the next two nights waiting for the high winds to calm down.
   Now it's on the back deck waiting to be planted. So far the weather's not cooperating very  much. Snowy, then very windy and still too cold for us to brave the work. Hopefully it will get put into the ground on Monday, April 30th when daughter will be around by for a visit. We could use an extra hand with the shovelling. In fact we still need a good shovel. Sure hope Canadian Tire has the right one. It's closer than Wal-Mart.
   Now I that my blues appear to  have moved on, I hope they stay away! With a baby shower and a tree planting just ahead so is the last day of tax returns. Buddy will spend Sunday at the office but I'll bring some lovely photos and treats from the shower just for him.

P.S. Let's hope I get back into a better routine. Your work deserves readership and comments. That's why I joined your posts.