My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
Light rain and drizzle started yesterday and we awoke to more of the same. About 8:300 this morning it began to be a mix of light snow and rain. I’m okay with the snow but not the cold. At 35 degrees this is not bad.
I had to make a trip to Red Feather Lakes to help a friend. We were not sure what the weather would be like up there as it is 2,000 feet higher but it was not bad. They had maybe 2 inches of snow. After we unloaded the car we took a walk along the dam at Apache Lake in the snowfall. We found this dedicated fisherman, in waders and knee deep in the water, oblivious to the snow. I have a feeling he was rather content because he was dressed for the weather and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
It is 36 degrees now. No frost this morning since we’re above freezing but everything is wet. Now at a favorite coffeehouse, Bindles. Decided I needed a pumpkin cream cheese muffin to go along with my cup of coffee. A good decision. Life is good!
Our leaves this year did not have the color as in the past due to our dry conditions. The leaves turned brown before the colder weather could bring on the reds and yellows. Still a pretty time of the year to me. Have a great day!
Not many coffee shops have a circular gas fire pit outside their door. If you get there early enough you can sit on the patio and watch the sun rise while sipping on a coffee. Today has not been that kind of day as it’s been cloudy with light rain most of the day. They are predicting the rain to change to a mix of snow and rain after midnight and into the morning. Probably not going to sit by the fire pit in the morning if that’s the case.
“There is in all visible things… a hidden wholeness.”
In 2013 we discovered I have a leaky aortic valve in my heart, known as Aortic Regurgitation. An EKG and treadmill test were done at that time and a status of moderate leakage was the diagnosis. I was told this is not uncommon but we need to watch it closely. This past May during my physical my family physician and I agreed it was time to have a cardiologist run some tests and get their evaluation. After several tests it has been determined the leakage has continued to deteriorate and the left chamber of my heart has begun to enlarge. I now have a better understanding for my lack of energy and motivation over the past 4-5 years. So, the cardiologists, surgeons and my family doctor consider me to be a good candidate for Aortic Valve Replacement surgery.
Needless to say this was not in any plans I had. I have consulted family and friends. I have also talked with others who had the surgery. So, on December 5th, 10 weeks from today, I will undergo surgery to have the valve replaced. I will be in ICU for 1 to 2 days and in the hospital for 5 days, unless I’m a problem patient and get booted out. Technology has advanced to the point where the success for these surgeries is much more promising both during surgery and the quality of life after surgery. I’m banking on that!
Not sure what my recovery will be like. Have been told to expect at least 2 months before I begin to get my energy level back up. I will be under some restrictions for a while, including no dancing girls in the hospital. Bummer! Have a few things I’m in the process of doing such as end of live directives and making sure my will is done. Looks like I will have plenty of support and help from family and friends during my recovery. I’m not sure what my blogging time will be like and how much photography I’ll be doing. I consider you family and an important part of my life so I will try to keep you informed!
The fall season can be a tough time for my friend Kay due to the the loss of family members during this time of the year. She and her husband, Wayne, started a tradition of going up to Estes Park and staying for a couple days as a retreat. One thing they would do is eat at a favorite restaurant called Sweet Basilico. Wayne died five years ago so each year at this time of the year she asks someone to venture up there for the day, visit the park and eat with her at Sweet Basilico. So, I was the lucky one to be asked to make the road trip to Estes Park this past Saturday. Lots of traffic as people wanted to see the aspens in full color and watch the elk gather in Horseshoe Meadow. But, there was lots of laughter, good food and wonderful scenes for us to share. This is the sunset we had when we got back into town. Have a super week!
