by Elaine Rassel

I want to thank all of you that have remembered me following Jeanette’s death. From all that has been going on with my health, the situation hasn’t been an easy one. From the day I was told my white count was so low that I didn’t have much time left, then not being able to go outside the house for fear of catching something, and to other scare tactics, I was put on antibiotics and Prednisone. Then my blood count went up to 6.1 where it should have been between 2 and 3. I was off of everything. The next time it was 4.1 and this Monday I’m hoping it will be back to normal.
Being with the two in my household that were wearing masks in the house so I didn’t get anything from them, was not a pleasant adventure. Perhaps even worse was the fact I couldn’t go to Jeanette’s funeral. I certainly hope that with all the food left over, that people took some home with them. Right now, I don’t think I can eat another turkey sandwich!
During this time, there have been three other people that have died. For these four families, this Christmas season will not be the same. How do you feel like celebrating when your whole life has changed?
I did not go to the Community Center to decorate a tree this year. I just wasn’t in the mood for it. Besides, I still have to be careful about catching anything. No one should be judged by what has happened. We will leave that up to the judge who is greater than Judge Mathis. Just count your blessings and be thankful you can all be together as a family.
It was time to do “bedding” again. I spent Sunday doing my bed with the help of the cat! She can tell every time when it is time to make the bed. Right now, I don’t know what is going on with her. She is the cat that came out of the cornfield and ended up being our house cat. For the last two weeks, she has deserted her spot at the bottom of the bed and moved closer to me. I don’t know if she knew something was going to happen to Jeanette or is it me? Maybe she thinks she is comforting me. I’m not sure.
I do think animals know something is happening. We had a dog that the night Della Gray’s mother passed away (in a Sioux City hospital), stood in the southwest corner of the yard, facing her house (that was west of ours) and barked and whined for a good length of time. He began the same time she had died. This is kind of scary isn’t it? It has been said that people that have cats in their room at a care center, when the cat goes out and sits by the door, shortly afterwards, the patient dies.
Talking about animals, the Humane Society in Sioux City has animals up for cheaper adoption right now. I have never said this before, but be cautious about these animals. I understand that there have been some left off at Sioux City from hurricane areas.
Just like when you take a child out of their regular routine, these animals could be having the same experience. Who knows what they went through. Were they a house pet, or an animal wondering the streets looking for food? To rescue one is a nice thing to do but be sure of what you could be getting in for.
This is the time when little Billy or Susie want a pet for Christmas. Remember, having a pet is the responsibility of everyone in the family. What happens when the newness of the pet wears off? Hopefully it isn’t taken for a ride in the country. Pets are like children, they require care from everyone, just not the child that wanted it. Give a month or so after Christmas, and the newness has worn off. This doesn’t apply to all children, but you know your child better than anyone else. Are they really going to be able to care for this pet (maybe for years to come?)
I’m using some of my stories that haven’t had room to be printed in the past. Some of them are really interesting! If you don’t know about Christmas trees, if there is room in this week’s paper, you will find out!
In last Sunday’s Parade magazine that comes in the S.C. Sunday Journal, there was a question asked of Marilyn (a writer for the Parade). Do you think people are not getting the COVID shot because of the fact they cannot stand pain? She did answer that a study had been taken and the fact that a “needle” is shown each time on television as well as in the newspaper, could have something to do with not wanting the pain. As many times as Dr. Joynt came on a house call and gave a shot, he never showed the needle like they do with this vaccination. There are people that cannot stand pain and seeing this needle, could be a reason why they don’t want it. (Don’t laugh, there could be some truth to this.)
Last Sunday I saw the Brady bunch come together all grown up. Then later on the Walton’s came on for a reunion. I didn’t see anything I liked about the Walton reunion. Maybe it was that they tried to bring back cars, etc. like they had all those years ago. Anyway, I really didn’t think much of their reunion.
I let the family know that from 7 to 10 on Saturday night, I was going to watch “Its a Wonderful Life” and I didn’t want any interruption. Well, I wasn’t impressed with all the commercials. Just about the time it was getting interesting, there would come 4 or more minutes of up-to-date commercials. I would lose tract of the story. I did see it in its’ entirety at the Orpheum Theater in Sioux City (for free!)one time. There were not commercials and it was what I expected it to be!
I didn’t get to the bank’s open house this year. I sure could have tasted one of the donuts! I’ll have to wait until next year!
I have an aebleskiver pan (It has seven holes in the top of it.) One of the recipes called for Bisquick. I know Mom never used this. Well, I did use Buttermilk and flour. The result was more like “pancake balls”! I know someone else that does make these, and I hope to call her up and find out what her recipe is.
I really think the month of December is going to be a time to catch whatever is going around. There are celebrations the whole month. Let’s hope the Care Center can keep flu and other virus’ out. Those residents don’t need any of that. If you aren’t feeling well, stay away for their sake.
Keep in your thoughts and prayers, those who have lost friends and family to death. Remember those who have health problems that will never get any better, those who are struggling to pay their bills, those whose lives have been changed due to a death, help those to find jobs and be satisfied with the wages, and for those who are trying to build a bridge instead of a wall with family and friends, be with them as they try.
I will leave you with this quote from Henrik Ibsen (1880-1906) Norwegian poet: “A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.”