October 19, 2026: Pushing Through

Still tired and aching but made beds, packed, did laundry, made tomato soup out of tomatoes that were going soft, baked chocolate chip cookies, made bread, picked hot peppers in the garden, and tried to clean the rust off the wood stove. That last defeated me. I just don’t have the energy.

Russ brought Ruth down and stayed for a cup of soup and some homemade bread. Then we had dinner (pork chops) with broccoli from the garden up north and fresh bread and soup. After cleaning up, we watched The Man Who Knew Too Little and laughed. Third time for me in a week. Still funny. 

Now I’m packed and ready for an early departure tomorrow so we can spend some time in the lounge. How else are we going to justify those high credit card fees?

October 18, 2026: Rest

 Still down with the flu, so Phil went to church alone. I read, watched Escape to the Country, and froze the squash cooked yesterday. Fatigue, aches, chills. In pajamas all day. Napped briefly in my room, which has a pot full of zinnias that cheer me up no matter how bad I’m feeling. 

Managed to play a couple of games of Rummikub with Phil, which brings my brain back to life. I’m so glad he seems to enjoy playing it. Must get a good night’s sleep in the study so I don’t wake Jeremy below with tossing and turning; he has an exam tomorrow. Dear Lord, let me sleep.

October 17, 2026: Flu

 Took a walk this morning, determined to increase my walking speed. The trail behind our house is perfect, just a half-hour walk at a good speed. I still must stop to rest my muscles, so it’s longer. The real benefit is being outdoors in sunshine, wind, and woods. 

Worked on Luke study in the afternoon but had to lie down several times. Chills, headache, body aches, terrible tiredness. Probably the flu. Must get over it before flying out to Gayle’s with Ruth on Tuesday. Managed to process stewed tomatoes and get salsa, applesauce, and tomatoes into freezer, and cooked up a buttercup squash. Watched The Man Who Knew Too Little again in bed—laughter is good medicine.

October 16, 2026: Treasure

Phil gave me a wonderful birthday lunch with friends. So much better than clothes or jewelry or stuff. The warmth of friendship around the table, and Niu’s good food, is a richness that money can’t buy. Ruth drove down from Cloquet just for the lunch—so dear. A sister to treasure.