March 17, 2007
We have just returned from a lovely interlude in Sarasota, Florida where the developments have gone out in ever widening circles from the coastal city and into the swamplands. We stayed at a gated golfing community in a lovely condo as guests of friends who are staying there for the month of March. Waterways (which were really drainage ditches taking the water out of the wetlands) were running through the development with golf courses planned next to them; there were screens on the windows and doors and the insects meant that even in this very sanitized community, there was a lively presence of bird life. Our favorite sights were the sand hill cranes that elected to remain in Florida instead of joining the thousands now congregating on the Platte River here in Nebraska. They strolled along right next to us on the sidewalks, using their very long beaks to dig trenches in the grass as they sought out the grubs there. It was a fine experience to stay a little distance inland from the Gulf waters because there one could sense the land – if the humans would leave the space for even a short time, I am certain the swamp flora and fauna would come forth again and reclaim their spaces.
Sarasota proper was a delight to visit with expanses of beautiful water and incredibly fine white sand beaches to walk upon. We spent time at the John and Mabel Ringling estate that featured a large museum of art and buildings displaying circus memorabilia in addition to the original home. The house faced out over the bay, and its finest feature was the terrace between the structure and the water; the interior and its contents were marvels of lavish bad taste, but the place was definitely a “must see” because John Ringling was so central to the development of the community. Now this Florida city is a center of culture and fine arts with first class theatre, opera and concerts of all kinds.
Here at Sanctuary we find upon our return that in this short time there has been a greening of the land. Spring is approaching through weather that resembles a wildly swinging compass needle. . . there will be a day or two of 70 degree temperatures, then cold weather with a bit of snow, then back again to summer like weather. A nice, lengthy and gentle spring is a rare gift and so far, it hasn’t settled into anything of the sort.
I begin the next round of Chemo on Monday if the schedule is as it has been laid out, and we will visit with the oncologist to see how to go forward. Once again, I am just at the point where I feel really well, and it is very difficult to imagine that I have an illness that requires such draconian measures. The fantasy is that this is all a terrible mistake and I will walk away, and just keep walking because I will stay well and life will go on just as it did before December 16, 2006.
(Next entry: March 21, 2007)