Odds and Ends- Mostly Odds

I’ve discovered that I seem to be less inclined to write when I’m in pain or depressed. Of course, being in pain is depressing, so maybe that’s one and the same.

I tested my theory by going back over my list of the last 18 months of blog posts.

It was easy enough to see from the dates (and gaps between dates at times) that my mood does tend to dictate my productivity. This is not a particularly good thing in a blog writer. At least I’m not a daily columnist with a big newspaper, eh? I don’t know how they do it.

On the other hand; although medical issues and the occasional accident (like my recent face-plant 🥴) are pretty much a constant in my life in one way or another, I was pleased to realize I actually haven’t spent too much time writing about them. Just the highlights, if you please!

This, unfortunately, has had the side-affect of my publishing posts somewhat inconsistently during medically-challenging times. It’s simply harder to think of fun and interesting subjects to write about when you are down.

Part of the problem also stems from me not wanting to dwell on ailments, injuries or other impediments in my writing. I can’t and won’t totally ignore health issues, but I feel that too much attention to that area of my life would be terribly boring to my followers, and probably not helpful to my own well-being and mental health.

I like to keep my stories light-hearted, entertaining or at least thought provoking. Some days, I simply don’t have much to say, and I’ve never been one to write just to fill space.

For the past few weeks (yep, since my face-plant), my right knee has been progressively more painful, tending to swell alarmingly at the mere hint of “over-doing”. [Who … me?] Boring, but sadly uppermost in my mind.

So, of course, I attended another 3-day Scent Work trial this past weekend and am now flat on my back, swallowing Ibuprofen and alternating heat and ice on a painfully swollen knee.

Hey, I’d paid my entry fees a month ago, I was looking forward to spending two nights in my RV on the edge of a beautiful working farm … and it was the last local AKC Scent Work trial scheduled this summer – I had to go!

Baxter and Rhonda had an absolute blast! The farm at night was wonderfully quiet, with only birdsong and the rustle of a breeze through the trees behind my RV breaking the peaceful silence. In spite of my knee, I slept like a happy baby.

Admittedly, it would have been a lot more fun if I hadn’t spent most of the three days thinking, “My knee hurts! My knee hurts! My knee hurts!” 🤷‍♀️

On the bright side, it’s a gorgeous summer day in Alaska today. Birds are chirping enthusiastically outside my window, birch leaves are dancing on the light breeze and large, fluffy white clouds are wallowing slowly across an otherwise sparkling blue sky.

It rained last night, so everything looks and smells wonderfully fresh and bright. Wildflowers are blooming in delightful abundance, helping to scent the air with wild rose and Alaskan geranium, among many other woodsy fragrances.

A young bull moose, probably well under two years old, wandered into the side yard a short time ago, spending some time happily browsing on dandelions. He’s been a frequent visitor lately, easily recognizable by his single small, velveted antler. Jerry has nick-named him “Bull-Winkle”.

No need to walk far when such natural beauty surrounds you. This week will be dedicated to resting, relaxing and healing.

Then I’ll start planning my next camping trip. 😉