Maria was gone for most of the day Friday; she was excited about her “walk-a-round” with naturalist Zach Fisher. The minute she pulled out of the driveway, I felt dizzy. It got worse by the minute. I’ve taken two home tests for Covid and both came out negative.

But I had every symptom of Covid but one. The doctor says if it isn’t better by Monday, they’ll set up an antibody shot.

We might go do that tomorrow if my fever isn’t gone. It was the sickest I have ever been in my life – sometimes, I couldn’t stand up, and my body stopped functioning. I had a good fever.

I’ve had the chills for hours at a stretch. We learn from everything, good and bad.

Maria came home around five and was horrified and angry that I hadn’t called her, but I wasn’t going to ruin that day; she’s been waiting for it for months and loved every minute.

My fever keeps shooting up and down, and today, a beautiful Summer day, we sat out on the lawn. Maria made me a beautiful necklace out of a dogbone, a wood that grows in the woods. She brought a bunch back. I’ve never experienced anything quite like that, I will learn from it.

But we had the most wonderful time, sitting together out in the sun. There is beauty every where I look for it.

Frankly, I’m exhausted from even this blogging. That’s a first. But I couldn’t just leave things hanging. I’ll just put up a few photos I took sitting out on this beautiful day with Maria. The blog is woven deeply into my life, it’s good for me to blog when I can for now.

Maria wove a beautiful and robust necklace for me from the dogbane she brought back. She had the most beautiful time on the nature walk and can’t stop talking about it. I am happy I didn’t call her and ruin the day.

I’m wearing it and don’t plan to ever it off. This kind of rope was used to make fish nets, it is incredibly strong and tough.

You can read about her wonderful walk in the woods on her blog.

Last night was a hell night, and it was humbling and exciting. I’m optimistic that my fever will come down tomorrow and I can resume my everyday life.  I’ve got to check out now; I’m afraid this is exhausting. Sorry.

Maria and Zinnia are lovely caretakers. Once she got here, she took charge and bossed me around. Zinnia had not left my side for a second; she even followed me into the bathroom. She is such a sweet and faithful creature.

I know this will be all right; it may just take a couple of days. I’ll try to keep you posted.