From Where I Sit

By Pat Spilseth, Columnist

I caught  a humdinger of a summer cold! It probably wasn’t smart to attend a large gathering where all the germs are mulling about. My eyes are almost shut with mucus and crusty salt is coating my eyelashes. A red ring has appeared around the eyes…could this be pinkeye? Yup, the internet told me all about my latest problem. My throat is scratchy and sore; my voice is a hoarse whisper. My ears are ringing and I keep drifting off to sleep in my chair as my latest mystery falls to the floor, I can’t stay awake! Trying to write my weekly column, I’m a total coughing mess with lack of focus… I can’t see the blurry screen very well; the letters on my computer keep changing.

TIME OUT…I need a lozenge to suck on for my dry, raspy throat!

I’m a bit miserable, but everything is relative: a college friend just had back surgery and is in uncomfortable pain with her blood pressure soaring. A former neighborhood friend has a brain tumor and is facing three weeks of radiation and chemo.

Anybody can always find another person with a more serious predicament.

How we face our new challenges will either strengthen or break us.

Lately I’ve been reading about journaling, which helped as I went through some difficult times. I hear from others that several folks are writing a gratitude journal. I decided to try that. Each night as I drift off to sleep I remember all the blessings I am grateful for.

TIME OUT…my drippy nose needs a kleenex!

Back to the blurry, mispelled words on my computer. I start my list: I enjoy living on the lake with woods surrounding me. I have great friends. My children have good jobs and their families are pretty healthy and happy. My Dave is a great caregiver when I get sick and a computer helper when I get frustrated with my misbehaving computer!

I enjoy writing a weekly column and love hearing from readers across the country. Several folks are sending the column to others. The column’s reach has mushroomed.

TIME OUT…matter has coated my eyes and I need to wipe it off my lashes. I’m sure I’m losing my long lashes with all the rubbing. I’ll have to order those fake, sultry 1” lashes I see on TV!

This is tough work! I can’t see clearly with my cloudy vision and I’m making spelling mistakes constantly. I think I need a break. Look for me next week please. I’m off to bed!

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To contact Pat, email: pat.spilseth@gmail.com.