Thursday, February 13, 2014

I didn't go hiking today

Last week's group while I was in Texas
I arrived back home last night after an uneventful flight and long bus ride from Seattle to Bellingham. Everything was just as it should have been, except for one thing: my nose was running, I was stuffy and sneezing, and I realized at some point that I've got the cold I always seem to catch whenever I'm traveling. Whether it was the stress of the past week or all the hugs and handshakes, it doesn't matter: I'm not feeling well.

While in Texas, I received the above picture in a text from Rita, the photographer, meaning there were eleven intrepid hikers last Thursday when the temperature was well below freezing. I got a really nice email from Peggy, telling me that Fred pulled out his smartphone and read my Thursday post for them when they stopped for a very quick lunch break.

Really, I was so looking forward to hiking with them today, but it just didn't seem like the prudent thing to do, with me probably contagious and not actually willing to be on a day-long hike when I'm feeling like this. I did go to the Y this morning and worked up a sweat, which I hope will help me get over this more quickly.

Because everyone expected me to be there, complete with my usual brownies, I sent an email to Al to let him know I am under the weather. He wrote back with a "you too?" and said he "did trail work with his face," Rita fell and broke her wrist, and another hiker is in the hospital with atrial fibrillation. I am assuming his remark means he fell and banged up his face.

Although it was a very healing experience in many ways, last week was really hard. Being with my siblings and our extended family was wonderful, but I guess it's to be expected that my immune system couldn't keep up with the stress. Every morning I was at my brother's home, I would rise before anyone else, open my laptop and visit my blogging universe while I drank a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
My laptop in the Stewart living room
I took that picture to remind myself of the place I liked to sit in the morning when at my brother's home. He and his wife Phyllis are the salt of the earth, and if I had to be anywhere other than in sunny Florida, or my own home town, it can't be beat. But I do hope I won't be going back there any time soon, unless it's for a joyous occasion.
:-}

20 comments:

  1. i hope the next one is a joyous occassion...and take care of yourself...i hope you feel better soon...

    dang, your group got pretty banged up with out you there to watch over them too...smiles. hope they heal as well...

    we have 16-18 inches of snow out and another 3 hours of it coming....woohoo....enjoying it...smiles.

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  2. I'm sorry to hear that you are sick. And it sounds like your hiking friends have taken a toll in mishaps too!
    Take some time to be good to yourself. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Give yourself some extra love.

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  3. Hugs. And revel in your down time. Be kind to yourself. Books, warmth, naps, hot chocolate. Whatever it takes.

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  4. the emotional stress these things put on a person is enough to bring your immune system down. then add to that changing climates, flying (always a sinus irritant) and coming into contact with a bunch of folks. i just hope it is a cold and nothing flu-like. but glad you are home. and obviously missed by your hiking group!

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  5. When flying...tho it's been quite a while since I've flown anywhere, I always ended up with a cough, sore throat and congestion after arriving back home...I think it's not only stress, but the lousy piped in air they have above each and every seat on the airplane...cold air none the less.

    You take care of yourself, rest, be happy and enjoy being home again.

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  6. Yes, I think staying home was the prudent thing to do. As it turns out, you may also have avoided some bad juju with so many hikers having problems today!

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  7. What a lovely home. I am so sorry that you are ill. It does seem to happen when you are traveling for some reason. I hope you feel better soon.

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  8. You just cannot tolerate all those airplane concentrated germs..and the stress of last week doesn't help. Drink lots of fluids and rest and you will rebound in a few days..it is okay to rest:)

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  9. Do take care of you, Jan.
    There has been "something" going around here too. I NEVER get sick. Never. And...I had a headache for a few days...followed by such dizziness that I can't even tell you how bad it was. Bad enough that I threw up (sorry to be so graphic)...but that's pretty dizzy. And, then, pooof! Just like it came, it went. Don't know where it came from, and I don't know where it went.
    I am praying that you are feeling better very soon.
    Sending you hugs and love,
    Jackie

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  10. Keep your head down and get over he cold.

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  11. Welcome back DJan. After all the emotional stress, traveling and weather changes your body probably needed a little break. The last few times I have flown I've caught a cold. Most likely from the crowded plane.

    Kick back with a glass of wine and relax, Dr. Judy's prescription. LOL!

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  12. You did have a double whammy with the sadness and stress of losing a loved one and then being in an airplane full of germs in recirculated air. I sure hope you're feeling better very soon. Have a lovely, soothing Valentine's Day.

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  13. Keep warm, feel loved, have home made chicken soup - hope you are bouncing out on those trails soon DJan - seems like that whole group got outta control without your keeping em in line. Seriously, I hope your friends recover quickly too. The photo of your "Stewart" living room looks cozy enough to me. Very nice. Take care my friend and have a warm, snuggly day.

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  14. A big virtual hug is being sent your way.

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  15. ...thinking of you....are you feeling better?

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  16. You have things to process from the trip as well as the emotional trip in grieving and healing. Take care of yourself, looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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  17. Hi DJan, Just catching up on your posts. Sounds like you've been through a lot lately. Time to rest and recoup... maybe? Your family pics are wonderful. Thanks for sharing them with us. And I agree that *family* means so much...

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  18. Travel by air these days is stressful enough. Add to that a death in the family and no wonder you've got a sore throat! Heal and walk on!

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  19. Stress and being among a large number of people (several of whom are probably harbouring germs) will do that to you for sure. You've have a tough week. You're wise to give yourself a rest from too much strenuous hiking. It sounds like your group just falls apart without you though!

    I hope you're feeling much better before too long. Do things to make yourself feel good and it will soon follow.

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