December 15, 2009
The bitter weather continues, so the evergreens still hold clumps of snow, and ice glitters on the tops of the bare branches of the deciduous trees. Charles spent hours clearing paths for us to use through the pasture and forest. In some places the snow was piled quite high by the winds, and without his efforts, Alphie and I would not have been able to go out walking at all. Now these have become highways for many creatures other than ourselves. The human boot is the largest print, Alphie’s paws are perhaps the next largest, and deer, rabbits, cat’s paws, squirrels, and other tinier feet have left their mark. I have put out a great deal of food for the birds and creatures because of the snow cover and the wicked temperatures. We are truly “in midst of coldest winter” even if the solstice doesn’t arrive for several more days.
Yesterday, I received a blood transfusion, and today I returned to that other person from the past who used to do things all day long. It was the very best kind of day, filled with baking, cooking, planning, greeting John-paul as he arrived for a long Christmas visit, and taking Alphie through Sanctuary without wondering if either my lungs or my legs would give up the walk before it was completed. The last time I received blood, I felt it might have come from a chocoholic because I developed cravings shortly thereafter, but this time, I have not had any sensing of the person from whom this splendid gift was given. My dreams were not of landscapes never before imagined, nor did I have unusual thoughts, though the blood has surely traveled a different pathway than my own, and might have stories to tell. There was just the grand energy upon awakening this morning, and it was such a change that Charles inquired, “Should I be afraid?” Hmm.