Spring Update

Wow, has it really been since February that I made my last post? Heaven knows that there has been enough stuff going on to write about, but I guess I just didn't want that info floating out in cyberspace for the world to see.

The school year is finally coming to an end. It has been a busy, hectic and rewarding school year, one filled with festivals and musical performances. I'm not quite sure what we'll do this summer. I would love to do the whole camping thing, but it may not be possible this year due to finances. At least gas is $2 a gallon cheaper this year (so far anyway).

I'm going to work to update and post more on here as often as possible this summer.

We'll see.....

What February Brings

Well winter just doesn't want to let go this year. We had a nice thaw a week or so ago, the snow melted, the ice dams retreated, and I even pulled out my spring jacket. It IS Michigan, so I know that we can have snow anytime of the year. I'm not sure I'm prepared for 3 - 8 inches over the next 24 - 36 hours though.

Health has been another issue for me over the past months. Having gone to the doctor for high blood pressure she told me that my sugar/glucose level was too high. I've always tended to be on the high side of the chart, but the doc decided to run the tests again. The results were still higher than normal. Diagnosis: Type II, Adult Onset Diabetes.

The positive aspects (you have to look on the positive side, otherwise you should just fold up and blow away with the winds we're having): if I drop 30 pounds of weight, it is just possible that I can control this thing with diet alone. Additionally the weight loss could really help reduce the amount of blood pressure medication that I'm taking. Definitely not the worse case scenario!

I've begun monitoring my glucose levels, twice a day. I'm seeing an ophthamologist to be sure that I've not had any eye problems, and I'm waiting to hear from a dietician and sign up for diabetic classes. It will be a lot of work, but hey I only get one chance at this, especially since those "worse case scenarios" aren't gone, they're just on the sidelines for right now.

Wish me luck!

A Sunrise Kyrie

There are few things more beautiful than and sunrise or sunset. This sunrise has a chant that goes with it. Enjoy!

Winter Snow

I heard this past weekend that the Detroit area has received a bit over 42" of snow so far this season. The average for the entire winter season is 44", so we're close and still in the middle of January.

On a positive note, the water levels of the Great Lakes have been rising the past couple of years and this year's snowfall is bound to help keep them rising. When I think of the snow in this aspect it doesn't seem quite so bad.

Another indicator of snowfall is the amount of gas I put in the snow blower. I make a new gallon in the late fall; most years I have plenty left over to use in the string trimmer. This January the gas can is now empty, with the last drop in the snow blower. I think I'm going to have to mix up a new batch before the spring thaw!

Musical Youth International (MYI) Update

I'm not sure if I've mentioned on this blog that a group was started on Facebook for the alums of MYI. When I found the group there were three of us, but now I'm thrilled to say that we're up to 25 people. Everyone is beginning to go through pictures and stories and are sharing them online. Hopefully by putting the word out there into cyberspace more alums will find it and hopefully join and contribute as well.