Almost Back

Although the electric came back on very shortly after my last post ( Sunday 21 September) I have been avoiding the computer for the past two weeks. I just found so many other "non-electronic" things to keep me busy during the week-long blackout that I am finding it hard to settle back in to blogging again. Yes, I miss everyone and I have browsed around a little and left a few comments. But I have felt really disconnected ( pardon the pun) from blogging, e-mailing and even my beloved eBay!
I apologize for the extended absence and I really have no excuse for it but my own selfishness. It is hard to let several hours drift away here at the computer while waiting on this slow dial-up connection to finish the tasks I've requested. I am instead spending my time mostly outside, reading, sewing, cleaning up the yard ( yes, there is still some lingering damage to be repaired), or just enjoying the time with my Joe and our pets. Sort of a throw-back to 100 years ago...a time I am more suited to anyway. Time at the gym drags me back to the 21st Century for several hours a day, but I am not finding much pleasure in gymnastics these days either. A "Mid-Life Crisis" perhaps? I am not quite sure, but whatever it is the flip of the electrical switch did not cure it.
Again on a selfish note, I have been plagued once more by the pain in my left shoulder, neck and collar bone, which could account for the lack of enthusiasm for coaching gymnastics. It's gone from mildly annoying to life-disrupting this past week. It keeps me up at night as I struggled to find a comfortable sleeping position. Most days I have headaches the run up the left side of my face and make me squint in my left eye. The amazing American medical insurance system (or lack there of) prevents me from going to the doctor or chiropractor. I am also a bit afraid the diagnosis would end my career as a coach. I still swim three mornings a week and that seems to do no harm. I've managed to lose 3 pounds, but for nearly 7 weeks of swimming that isn't much of an accomplishment. I tend to use food for comfort these days and that has always spelled trouble for me.
So, my dear friends, I will still read your blogs and comment as often as I can. I love to see all your stitching, crafts, family photos, pets and wonderful stories. I may be an "absent poster", but I am still an avid reader.
I send big and joyous BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to Edgar and Larisa. Edgar, you are such a dear sweet man and I could not let this day pass without a happy birthday wish to you. Your kindness and generousity have overwhelmed me. I am so glad I met you.
Larisa, who may or may not be able to read my blog, Happy Birthday wishes to you my wonderful friend for so many years. I did not forget you; I'm just a few days late. I have shared with you things I could never tell anyone else. Thank you for opening up your life to me. I treasure your friendship!
Hope to post again soon at "full strength" and add some photos too.