Heat Stroke

It hits fast. Hard. And I know it will be an unforgettable experience.

By the time I realized I was feeling more than just hot and crappy, it was too late. I was in trouble. Big trouble.

Having said that, I know I'm beyond words fortunate. I'm still standing. Shaky, but still here.

So, a short lesson. Don't do what I did. Don't think that drinking water, even lots of water, covers your butt. It doesn't. Forget weeding. Forget mowing. Forget brush-clearing near the barn. Forget it all. It doesn't matter--not when weighed against your life. Just forget it.

And if you feel crappy, hot and miserable, don't just call those around you to make sure they're all okay. Yes, it's important to keep an eye on friends, family and neighbors but be smarter than I was. Keep an eye on you.

Believe me, heat cramps and the rest of it are things you'd rather not have in your memories.

So I'm still taking it slow and easy here. Thursday night put an end to my go-go-go plans for the week. Just hanging in front of a fan, resting, drinking lots of fluids, staying cool and napping. Reading when my eyes and head don't hurt too much. Beginning to eat soft foods. Lots of ice cream and pudding.

Other than that? Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Other than this, telling you what happened here this week at Villa Leone. Why share this info? So it doesn't happen at your house! Be smart in this blistering heat wave, please!

Slow Down!

You know, the universe is a funny place sometimes. Just when you think you're up to getting up and running, something or someone puts the brakes on your mad dash. At least, that's what's happening to me.

Ahh! Color me frustrated.

Apparently I've been "doing too much." Me? I just figured I was trying to find our old life. According to two doctors in two weeks, I should be finding things a bit more slowly. I'm not going to get discouraged (much) and since both women are very wise I'm going to take their advice. They have my best interests at heart, so I should be smart enough to listen, right?

This weekend I plan to sit back, relax by the fireplace and pamper myself a bit. I may do my nails. I'll dust off a crossword puzzle book, sharpen my pencil and get to it. I'll read. And, since hefting my netbook can hardly be considered over-exertion, I'll open the new book file and lose myself in the new story.

You know, this slowing down doesn't sound all bad, does it? I might just get used to this lifestyle change...for a day or so! I'm not sure I was made for the slower lifestyle, but I'm going to give it a go for the weekend. We'll see what happens.

So, what about you? Do you have any weekend plans?