June 19: recouping in San Francisco

Dear Friends and Relatives,

As those of you who know me know, I do not give in easily, but today was one of those days I had to do so.  I woke up at 8:00, my left rib cage smarting at every turn, my right leg stiff, and my sinuses stopped up, on top of that, a very scratchy throat.  I ate a breakfast of banana bread (handmade by Maureen) and coffee half-heartedly, while Maureen went to the neighborhood pharmacy and got me some allergy medicine and a nasal saline solution.  I took both when she returned, but because I was so weak, I slept on and off on the couch, and intermittently assisted Maureen in the preparation of the meal we prepared for Lizz and Brian Klammer tonight.  By mid-afternoon, I had taken two naps, tried to do some reading, and continued assisting Maureen, but it was like having a limp rag around the house.  I didn't even feel like going out, although the day was gorgeous.  

Finally, at about 6:00 p.m., everything was ready, and Lizz and Brian arrived.  I had managed to wash and dress, and started feeling more like myself with each passing minute.  We had prepared gazpacho as a starter, followed by roast chicken, asparagus with panko crumbs, potato salad, and a great Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon (brought by Brian, along with a stunning bouquet of coral-colored roses).  For dessert, Maureen had made a scrumptious strawberry ice cream.  We played "Stadt, Land, Fluss" after dinner, and then Maureen's son Randy came over to say hello and chat a bit before everyone left and Maureen and I cleaned up the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher, strained the chicken broth, and brought the place back to normalcy.  I don't feel brilliant at this point, but I have more strength, my leg hurts much less and is much more steady, my rib cage is not quite as sensitive, and my sinuses are not running riot.  Perhaps I have turned a corner.  I hope so, as we want to see the whales spouting tomorrow from Golden Gate Bridge.  Let's hope it happens.  As ever, Sylvia