My apologies go out to all nine of my faithful blog readers who may have wondered where I had gone. I was so steady writing that first week and consistently reported my adventures. Then silence. Well, not really silence. I had gastroenteritis in all of it’s glory. Three days and nights of hideous evacuation. I’m going to spare the details which may surprise a few of you. Suffice it say, “shitting the bed” is not just an expression for doing poorly.

I was shocked at how weak I became. I slept all the time and could barely get up to let Sophie out. The poor dog was really confused. She nosed at me this morning with a passion that could only indicate she feared I was dead. I imagine in her world when Mama doesn’t dart around like a freak and complete her militant three mile walk, the axis changes ever so slightly. She has been steadfast. She has slept by my side and been content with me sitting on the stairs while she is given time to go out and utilize the garden. She is a very faithful companion.

Apparently sometime after 50 years of age, you don’t snap back from illness quite the same. Recently, I had COVID again and I was alarmed to realize, it takes a lot more than a day. Previously, when I started to feel better from an illness, I would just decide I was well and resume all activities. I would return to work, clean, and work out. Fevers be damned. This was different. Being sick and alone left me wondering if I might have to be hospitalized. And I’m not kidding. I got so weak and dehydrated, I could barely manage to get around the house.

Thank goodness for my friends. People messaged and offered to pick up items at the store that I needed. Stella came over and acted as my French health liaison this morning while speaking with a doctor in emergency. She brought me bananas and bread and went to the chemist for some anti diarrheal medication. She has checked on me regularly and made me feel loved. I have started to turn a corner which is made evident in that I am upright typing this.

Tomorrow is a new day. I will take it slowly as it comes.