a tough week for my womenfolk

Gee it's been a tough week for the women in my life.
Monday is 18 years since the biggest loss. She had a big old corny heart and a magpie's delight in all things glitzy, shiny , sparkly and colorful. I so miss having my person, someone to check in on me, offer unwanted advice, delight in my success and plot revenge on all who thwart me. The pranks and laughs and arguments. Rest easy, Mom.
Another family member was unexpectedly checked into the hospital over the weekend. All seems okay after minor surgery but it's worrying.
Also this weekend, a pal's mother is hospitalized with covid and pneumonia and friend's daughter diagnosed with cancer.

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Keep your heads up.
Sending love to all who are ailing.
Tough times are here but we're tougher.

can't shake it

I came down with the flu last week and still can't seem to shake it.
I lost whole days in a fog of Benadryl and Advil and cough syrup, achey and cold one minute, clammy with sweat the next. My drugstore thermometer registered 100.8, then 101.2. Seinfeld episodes played comfortingly on my laptop and I dreamed without remembering and when I was hungry, I closed the refrigerator door on beer and condiments and a nugget of dried-out cheese and bundled up to walk the five blocks to the market, tearfully wishing someone would bring me hot soup and hold me tight enough for the aches to go away.
Now I'm better, although a cold seems to be hanging on like that last drunk party guest that won't leave, talking too loudly and smelling of Jameson's and cigarettes.
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Also, this, from the amazing Kelly just one year ago: