Rest

Several weeks ago I tried to write. My plan was to get my life in order and re-establish a routine. My life is not in order, and my plan is still in the pre-planning stage; that stage where I know there needs to be a plan but nothing stays in my mind long enough to figure it out.

Back in 2020 when I started this blog, the purpose was to provide myself with a daily distraction during the pandemic lockdown. Partly because I was lonely, and also as a way to not lose my mind. The writing gave me a focus. Each day I would go out walking and take some photos to choose from for the next day’s writing where I would reflect on the whatever the photo brought to mind. Times have changed and I have lost focus again.

I live in a small community within a larger city. There are 390 homes in here, and every occupant must be over the age of 45. I predict that the median age is about 88. Every month there are a few who pass on, and a few more who move away to their nursing home. I wonder if this will be my final home before the nursing home, although I hope that won’t be for another 30 years! I bought this lovely home from a couple who are now in retirement home where they no longer have to worry about yard work, cooking, dishes, etc.

We have mule deer. They like my back yard because I choose not to chase them away unless I am trying to grow flowers….then I watch out for the deer and make loud noises when I see them. During the cold winter months I have no edible flowers in my gardens and the deer are allowed to rest in the peace and quiet. The only vegetation this time of year is patchy grass, and evergreens, besides a few herbs which the deer won’t eat.

Yesterday there were 4 of them — the doe, one female yearling with a broken leg, one male yearling or young adult with a deformed antler, and one buck. The photo above is of the one with the broken leg. She rests for many hours while the others explore, and eat what they can find. The injured deer is resilient. She hasn’t given up and although the injury looks awful to us, and she rests more than the others, she keeps on surviving.

Four years ago I was excited to write every day, or at least a lot more often than once a month! Maybe that enthusiasm will come back when I have more to say and fewer distractions. Or maybe I’ll just rest a while longer.