“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” ~ Orson Welles
There have been some signs this week that my world is beginning to extend beyond the farm, my pyjamas and bed, as I edge ahead in my battle against Lyme disease.
We had to get a new radiator installed in the old farm ute, leaving the vehicle at the mechanics for a few days. For the first time in I don’t know how long I drove the new ute on Wednesday, by myself, carefully following my husband into town after years of not driving, so that we could then drive home together. On Friday we reversed the journey, and I drove home to the farm on my own. Oh, the freedom! I even stopped in at the butcher, whose door I conveniently drove past. The first time I have visited him in over two years without someone having to drive me!
If truth be told I then spent all of Saturday in bed or on the couch after an epic bout of insomnia brought on by too much excitement. I kid you not. Driving and being out and about plays havoc with my poor, depleted adrenal glands.
But I’m well rested after being in bed by six pm last night, so today I’m going out for lunch with friends!
It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much of a social life. (Yes, sadly I now count a trip to the mechanic as social – it’s me, out of pyjamas, out in the world, saying hello and looking at everything with fresh and hungry eyes.)
For a few years now I’ve been too ill to manage more than the shortest of outings, and my lyme drugs have made me so unpredictably nauseous that including social and food in the same sentence has not been a winning combination. But today, I am going out to lunch.
Sure, I’m only venturing next door to the neighbours, but still, it’s an Event, and I’m celebrating because it’s one more sign that my life is slowly but surely returning to some kind of normality.
They are lovely neighbours, and Ben and I are looking forward to an afternoon rich with conversation, laughter and some delicious food.
Hooray!
Wishing you all a relaxing Sunday with some time for the things that matter to you. Life is such a beautiful thing. All these ordinary things are so, so precious. Remember that, and revel in the ordinary, my friends. Much love, Nicole xx
As a (US) sister blogger who also has Lyme disease, I want you to know I LOVE your posts. Thanks to Susie Cheel for pointing me to you. I send all love and support for the complete healing I know you deserve!
Hi there Nicole, I am SO pleased to have returned to your blog – which I found and then lost some time ago in the gentle chaos that is often my life! I love your open heart writing and gorgeous images; really inspirational. I too have had chronic dis-ease go undiagnosed for over 25 years and it is so frustrating – particularly when, once correctly diagnosed, the light begins to stream back into our lives again. I wish you lots and lots of light. Debbie x
It’s so nice to have your positive energy infused in your post. I worked infectious disease for a year and believe me Lyme’s Disease is fast becoming a very large part of the practice, here on Long Island. So wonderful that you managed to “get back on the horse and drive again.” It’s quite liberating and empowering. I’m feeling your joy. Hoping you enjoyed your lovely afternoon with your neighbors.
Blessings and Abundance
Bridget Rodgers
“All these ordinary things are so, so precious. Remember that, and revel in the ordinary, my friends.”
I agree SO SO much!!! While I was on antibiotics for lyme in the fall, I looked to you for mental support and courage and how long you have been going through this. Mine was relatively short but I felt so nauseous, isolated, bored, frustrated, despondent and looking to your blog helped immensely, which is saying something. I am definitely reveling in the ordinary now. Every social event is a gem. (and yes, going to the grocery store is a social event…. but so are tango and meditation groups) And going outdoors! Though I need to do that more, because I enjoy it so much when I do. Hugs and blessings. Let your body keep healing, and take it easy sometimes (though I’m sure you’re wanting to dance every moment!). Hugs hugs hugs!!!
Wow. Your journey sure makes me realise what “ordinary” life aspects we take for granted. So hope the lunch went as anticipated. Sleep well too Hugs X
By today, unsure if that is Saturday or Sunday. Still I hope you had/have a lovely lunch. I understand the return to life as it was lived, and it is scary and joyous. Enjoy and may you have more and more outings without nausea!
So very Happy for you.
It is so wonderful that you are able to go out and enjoy life again. It is magic.
So happy for you and also for Ben. Wishing you a most lovely day.
Hugs.
Life truly is a culmination of simple pleasures – all the hard times just fade into oblivion after time. Had a much much overdue catch up with a dear friend this week and it too took me a day to recover from so much happiness and mental stimulation in a day – but worth it all. After all there was a time not so long ago that I never thought of me having such lovely friends to have catch ups with – so much of life have I missed out on without social friendships – hooray for simple happiness!
It is good you managed to get out and drive to the mechanics twice but it sucks that you suffered afterwards, our independence and ability to get out and about is something most of us take for granted I know I do
So glad things are starting to look up for you Nicole ! And that your getting a taste of freedom back!
Slowly but surely every thing will get better and better, and before long you can put this awful ordeal behind you. Enjoy your luncheon with your friends and hubby! And yes, lets not forget the simple things that fill our lives with an abundance of all the things that matter most. : o )
Glad you’re feeling better I know exactly what you mean. Living with a chronic disease just gets so tiring.
I was so excited to go to Brisbane to check our rental property, which has been a bit neglected of late, so we were able to arrange to meet our youngest daughter for the day she as she was able to swap a shift.
How wonderful to see her and her partner,in love and full of joy. We had brunch together in West End, out old stomping ground, it felt familiar and comfortable,as if we were back home. It was refreshing to be amongst a young fesh energy.
We enjoyed some shopping at Indooroopilly, where I was able to use a complimentary buggy, just a fabulous sight, my husband thought, a colourful granny doing speed parking outside selected shops for some retail therapy. That was a little bit of freedom. Before we drove home our daughter took us to the evening market at West End where there was great food stalls, pop up shops and an area for entertainment where a young band was playing.We stayed for a while before our drive back to Ewingsdale. It was not long before we were back to our 3 cats who were patiently waiting to be fed!
It’s so nice to be able to enjoy the accessibility of the city and all it has to offer occasionally. Much gratitude for a wonderful day.
My aim next year, maybe the blues fest. What do you think? How about just getting through today! All the best to you and your family, love the dogs.
Have a nice sunday with your neighbours!