A bunch of ducks

It was an absolutely wonderful day last Wednesday. 

An unusually warm winter sun, washes over my face, recharging my body with the energy that has been drained over cold winter days. 

I got in my chair, and I got wheeled outside, for the first time since last year, before the weather turned cold. It got near 70 degrees, and it was an absolutely beautiful day.

 The first thing I noticed when I got outside, was the deep blue sky. It was so clear. 

There was a slight breeze. I drank in as much of the warm fresh air, as my body would allow. Somewhere in the distance, there was a pop, pop, pop. Someone was probably taking target practice. After all, we live in the woods, it's not unusual. As I look around, I see projects I started, but had never finished, be quiet Jonell! 

I also see many things that got my attention, because they needed to be fixed,  I would fix them if things were different. But things aren't different. 

My being outside has attracted the attention of our outdoor cat Gemma, she jumps onto my lap, which happens to be covered by a blanket. There she sniffs around a bit. 

She loses interest, jumps down, and wanders off to find something more interesting. If she was older, I'd swear Gamma was the inspiration for Phoebe's song, "SMELLY CAT ". Phoebe is the bizarre FRIEND'S star who wrote her own songs. 

Off to my right, Jonell points outs a squirrel, scurrying on the ground, near a tall oak. It still had some dead leaves yet clinging to the branches, which had managed to survive the winds of winter, but will no doubt soon be displaced by the new young foliage of Spring. 

Off in the distance, a side-by-side makes its way past our driveway, and its two occupants, who I didn't recognize, they smiled and waved to us. We gave a friendly wave in return. A group of our church friends is paying us a visit soon. 

They asked for us to come up with a list of a few things they can do for us. It's the thing that attracted me the most, when we first became members there, the fellowship and outreach. 

They are truly special people. I make a mental note of some things they can do. Only a few though. Their visit is the greatest gift. 

A bunch of ducks, or whatever you call a group of ducks, waddle past in front of me, quacking loudly. They are followed by some chickens that peck at the ground in earnest.

Bugs, seeds, whatever catches their eye. Flies and mosquitoes are landing on me, like they know there is nothing I can do about it, well I can't. Heaven snaps a picture of Jonell, Lydia, and me, to mark this memory. But I don't need a picture for that.

I believe this day, shall remain etched in my heart forever. The next thing I know, Jonell said it was time to go inside. Heaven leaves at 4:00 and she needs help getting me inside. The ramp and the front door threshold are more than she and Lydia can manage by themselves, with my bulky chair and my body weight. Heaven, Jonell, and Lydia struggle to get my chair up the ramp and inside. 

Although my day has essentially come to an end, I am thankful for getting to go outside. I remained in my chair in what is our living room, for as long as my tailbone could take it. I like being in my chair. It makes me feel closer to my family. It makes me feel more like a part of what's going on. Even though my bed is only 10 feet away. Maybe it's because it now sits where my recliner once sat, where I was when this whole thing started. 

Today I feel more alive, than I have since my ordeal began. 

Yes, it was a great day! 

Whenever I need to leave it all behind

Or feel the need to get away-ay-ay

I find a quiet place, far from the human race

Out in the country

          Sung by Three Dog Night .