Seep. Creep. Leap. (Now I Need to Rearrange, Rethink, Retreat). Crandall's Actions are Slim-Picking This Week, but I'm Trying. One Day at a Time.

I think I realized by noon yesterday that I would really have to reach to find a post for this morning. I'm good for 30 minutes and then I want to lay down. Karal is going crazy, as she's used to me being spastic with her. All I could get done was several pages for a grant report and then read half a book. It's not the pain as much as it is absolute exhaustion.

And I have this puss-like, goopy stuff coming out of my eye. I'm not sure where it's coming from.

Okay, that's fake news. I don't have it. My mother does and she's being treated for it, as it is highly contagious. She lives 4.5 hours away. You won't catch it.

This morning, I am thinking of my backyard garden, the fact I just let it go as it wanted this summer, and how much it is in need of dividing, splitting, and reworking. I know it won't happen this year, as I'm not good for anything right now. I do need to de-clog the plants, however. They have leapt. They are abundant. They need division and resorting.

The monarchs have returned and I'm entertained by them and the swallowtails, especially when they get into their boxing matches over a flower (nothing more horrifying and vicious than battling butterflies). The birds have also taken a liking to my backyard this summer, including several cardinals.

And I'm thankful to these, especially today as several daughters, brother-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren say goodbye to the matriarch of their family. Patricia Ann (Santoianni) Minto passed last Saturday and this morning her loved ones are carrying her forward. Sadly, I'm not able to attend as I'm unsure about walking and even more unsure about putting pants on. As whacky as they already think I am, I don't think Crandall in undershorts and an ice bag would ever be forgiven. She lived to almost 91 years-old and, because of Lois, I was introduced in 2011. She was always the strong, funny, smart, vocal, and to-the-point individual that everyone went to for advice, family-talk, and love. I used to love picking her up and bringing her to events with Lois.

Ah, but now Lois and her mother are together again in the heavens. There are so many ways to imagine the conversations they have had, are having right now, and are likely to have this weekend. I find comfort knowing that they are side by side once more.

I am thinking about all the Minto girls and their extended families. I send my love and thoughts, saddened that I can't be there in person. "Um, Why doesn't Crandall have any clothes?"

And I sent Tunga to the store last night to get ingredients and if things go as planned, Il'l be able to make my cake to send over in my absence. Many prayers up for memories, stories, and togetherness.

I will be thinking of everyone all day. 

May a tiny cake bring a couple of smiles.