Today is the last day of the month of January, 2022, and I say adios as we get one month closer to spring. Yippee! In reality, January has gone by rather quickly and I have made the most of this first month of a new year, a cold one, with too little hours of sunshine.
A big reason I can look back on the month with some joy is that I got to spend time with my grandchildren. In fact, I spent almost two weeks of it with little granddaughter Madelynn. The first few days I babysat her because her daycare closed due to a positive CoVid child. Then the following week I had lots of time with her while her parents went off on a planned ski trip. It was actually one they had scheduled before Madelynn was even a ‘twinkle in her parents’ eyes’ and it fell on the very first day of our country closing down because of CoVid. They had just flown out west and checked in to the hotel when the hotel, the restaurants, the ski resorts all shut down immediately. So, the two flew home and had to wait about two years to try again. And, of course since then Madelynn arrived. It was my great fortune to be the one ready, available, and excited to take care of her.
Also in January, I got back to music rehearsals, enjoyed football play-off games (wow – there have been some close finishes!), and continued reading. I also went to dance on Wednesdays when I was in town.
I am a 65 year old woman, that feels 35. I am blessed to be somewhat fit without trying too hard…BUT! If you read above all I did in the first paragraph you can understand that now I sit here with a sore, and weak lower back. Yes, I overdid it. Many days of lifting a ten month old up and down from the floor, putting her into the carseat, etc. – and then driving a total of 4 trips of 3 1/2 hours each. And, then coming right back to a dance class. My back said “enough!” So, I gingerly walk now and I hope like crazy I don’t feel another gripping tightness hit. I am living on Aleve, and icing in the morning. and wearing a back belt. This will pass… it’s happened to me before. But until then I am reminded how much I take a healthy back and body for granted when it works right.
January was also the one year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection and I wrote a separate Musing about it earlier, but I also read a book this month authored by Rep. Jamie Raskin, the lead manager for the Impeachment hearing – a man I respect more and more. The Insurrection happened one week after the devastating death of his only son Tommy. Tommy was a young man, very smart and very empathetic to the pains of our world – that effect people and animals. He dealt with depression. His heart made him hurt a lot. Rep. Raskin’s book takes the reader through the personal trauma, and the country’s trauma – and his will to push on to make ‘right’ for both Tommy and for all Americans. It’s a hard read but I learned even more about January 6th and the days leading up to it. I always believed that our president and his cronies instilled the anger in the mob, and that they urged those “Trumpers” to do what they did on that day. I hope there will be justice for all in time. At least Trump became a 2 time impeached president. He will go down in history as that. I get some solace knowing this.
I just saw this morning a post saying anyone who still supports Trump are horrible people. It’s easy to say that. But, I try more and more to see both sides. I have family and friends who are Trumpers. I truly believe that the years and years of Fox viewing has brainwashed them. Add in the other ultra-conservative media outlets, the tweets, etc. and it’s a classic case of hearing what you want (even when it’s not true), and being told only what you hear is right and everyone else is wrong. Does that make them horrible? No. Gullible? Maybe. Misled? Yes.
Anyway, February is upon us. The month of Valentine’s Day – and love -it is almost here. So I plan to focus on love, on promoting peace, and being thankful for God’s grace. I have learned to make choices as I have aged (even though I feel 35 – ha!) and I have learned to let destructive things go.
February brings for me more music – and I start back with the community band tomorrow. I have more handbell rehearsals each week and performances. More dance – once my back heals. I have civil court jury duty starting February 14th. Proudly doing my “American thing” – I live in a country for the people, and by the people. I vote – and I serve on a jury when called. Oh – and the Super Bowl happens too. I think it would be nice to see the Bengals win after being in last place just a couple of years ago. A young QB with Burrows – he is a sign of a new generation. I have got Ohio roots, and although I never lived in southern Ohio, I do know that the state lives and breathes football. (Well, except for my family still there. ha.) So, go Bengals!
Turning the page on the calendar brings me closer to springtime, and yard work and garden planting. I love being outside and tending the flowers – and watching them grow. I love sitting out on the screened porch and hearing the birds sing. I love the warm breezes. I love watching the river flow by.
So tah-tah – and adios, and au revoir, and good riddance to January.
I will see you in February!
Marla’s Musings 