If you’ve been following my blog, you may remember my January posts about my weight, writing, and life. You’ll also recall my comments on the weather, family, and planned vacation. At the time, I mentioned that 2024 wasn’t being too kind to me. That’s an understatement. Other than the amazing eclipse, things had not met my expectations.
Our cruise to the Caribbean was awesome, even if the weather didn’t cooperate and we saw more rain than ever. As predicted, I regained 4 lbs, putting me up to 168.
I got back to work following the diet and got down to 167.5, not huge, but since I developed new aches and pains, which impeded my ability to exercise, it could’ve been worse. The weather was cold, damp, and miserable, which didn’t help, and the temperature roller-coastered all over from 17 C one day to -8 and colder. It was the warmest February on record for us, but I didn’t care. It was also the hardest, least productive month ever for me. Why? Because my mother died on the 5th, and I was tossed into depression.
Suddenly, I had all this extra time on my hands and didn’t know what to do with it. I couldn’t focus on writing, reading, or anything productive. I played games on my phone, went where I needed to go with my husband or my sister, and let the world roll over me. Watching the world news depressed me even more. If we were truly civilized, there wouldn’t be all of the cruelty going on in the world today. We’re no better than the barbarians; we just have more efficient weapons.
My sister and I attended to estate matters and placed her ashes inside the niche with my father’s ashes on February 29. I thought the fact that it was a leap year and the date only comes around every four years would make it special, and Mom loved being special. It turned out to be the coldest day of 2024 here. Needless to say, the graveside service was short.
February morphed into March without any noticeable change to the crazy weather pattern. We had a couple of snowstorms, but everything would melt within 48 hours. Unfortunately, the heat was erratic, with more cold days than warm ones.
We didn’t celebrate Easter on 31. Instead, we waited a week since my son who lives in Norway was coming for a flash visit. That’s when my spirits started to rise. Having all three of my children here at the same time was wonderful.
To kickstart my writing again, I dove into the A to Z Challenge Blog again this year and continued working on Listen to the Stones, well aware that I intended to have it finished by now–the best-laid plans of mice, men, and authors.
My aches and pains are receding although they are far from gone. The needle on the scale is heading back in the right direction and I’m back down to 164. It seems I’ve done nothing on that front but spin my wheels. Hopefully, I’m heading in the right direction.
Let’s hope April showers bring May flowers and that the weather improves.
I hope your 2024 is doing better than mine.
Living the Dream 
Despite the first few months of the year not living up to expectations you are courageously moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other, taking one step at a time. You go girl!
My year started on April 1st. Up until then I was busy awaiting twin grandbabies and the return of a daughter from India. The year hasn’t gone to plan but life is like that. Keeps it interesting:)🥂
LikeLike
It certainly is. Enjoy your grandbabies. Mine grew up much too fast.
LikeLike
You grabbed me at the loss of your mom and the weight thing. I was born on my mom’s birthday and two days after celebrating her 95th and my 56th she died. The memory is always there on our January birthday. A bittersweet way to start the year. My sympathy to you! And the weight thing! Don’t you hate it? I roam around about in your category and I’m up 5, down 5, up 10, down 5… you get the drift. I’m always a work in progress. Good luck to both of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s for sure. So sad that you have that memory clouding your birthday. I’m working on reconciling myself to the fact that at 96, she had a long full life, After my father died in 2019, on the anniversary of my mother-in-law’s death, something very hard on my husband, Mom was never the same. She deteriorated physically and mentally. The last year was the worse, so knowing she’s at peace and pain-free helps ease the loss. I read your post today but for some reason I don’t thing my comment stuck. I’m sorry about the loss of your husband and having to deal with the difficulties associated with aging. I have severe osteoarthritis. Some days, getting out of bed is the biggest challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susanne. It’s hard to see our loved ones and our own bodies failing. But we keep on going, don’t we!
LikeLike
That we do. I don’t know why I can’t comment on your blogs. It’s frustrating.
LikeLike
April always has me thinking of my mom as it’s both our birthday month. Even 4 years later she’s always on my mind plus the weight thing as well. Be nice to never have to think… should I eat this!
LikeLike