The spirit is willing

Locust tree against the sky

But the flesh?  Not so much.  It all started on Monday…

Smoke in the meadow

Monday afternoon, to be sort of precise.  It began with a sore throat and a headache.

Milkweed opening

By Tuesday things had progressed to a sore throat, headache, and congestion.  The cough moved in by Wednesday along with a slight fever and body aches.

I was miserable yesterday, but I managed to step outside a few times.  Sunshine and the resulting vitamin D are in short supply around here once winter arrives.  I didn’t want to completely miss the opportunity to bask in the warmth of the sun.

Someone painted clouds on the sky

I wasn’t feeling all that much better today.  No matter.  I wanted to go for a walk.  It is a glorious day in the Bogs.  Even with the wind it feels fairly warm.  I walked down the sledding hill to the rowboat sitting upside down near the pond, and had a seat.  I watched the kingfisher at the back of pond.  He chattered.  He swooped from one side of the pond to the other.  He took a few dives.  I don’t know if he caught anything.  I hope so.  Every body’s got to eat, and he seems to expend a lot of energy trying to catch his food.

I got up and took a very slow walk.  I visited the cattails at the back of the pond.  I was moving so slowly, trying to keep an eye on the kingfisher, that I got quite close to the ducks before any of us noticed.

Male mallard, slightly put out because I surprised him and his mate.

I went back into the woods and stared at the reflections in the creek.

November reflections

I wasn’t feeling much better physically, but I didn’t notice the illness or the weakness quite so much when I was focused on finding the beauty of this day.

Climbing back up the hill from the creek, I suddenly felt tired.  On the ground was a stick that was just the right size, shape, and heft for a walking stick.  I was grateful for it as I made my way through the boggy woods.

Barn stones on what is normally the shore of the creek.

I sound old, don’t I?  It’s the flu.  It’s making me feel ancient.

A leaf captures the sunlight

I’ll probably be back to my old self in a few days.  I need to rest some more.  I’ve been doing a lot of that.  Naps.  A long and deep sleep last night in spite of the congestion or because of the lack of a good night’s sleep the night before. I’m drinking plenty of fluids and eating good-for-me foods.

Today's view of the pond from the meadow.

As soon as I finish this post I’m going to get back into my penguin pajamas and warm, comfy, soft socks, put my feet up, sip on a hot cuppa tea (with lemon and local honey), and relax for a while.  Probably for the rest of the day.  The walk was good.  I’m glad I went out and had the opportunity to enjoy some of this lovely day.  But now it’s time to rest again.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me on a sick day.  I appreciate the company.   Feel free to head back out and explore the woods while I take a nap.  It’s really beautiful back there today. I think you’ll enjoy it.   There’s a red-tailed hawk hanging around in the woods by the creek.  Like the kingfisher, he didn’t want to pose for a photograph.  But I’m sure he’ll let you get a few glimpses of him before he heads skyward.

---