Thanksgiving Blessings

This year, fall has been difficult for me. Since Labor Day I have been on 4 prednisone tapers to get out of rebounding reactions to latex. I've also been painting the outside of my house which seems to be intolerable now unless I wear a mask.

I seem to react now to less latex exposure than I have in the past. The reactions seem worse, or it's just harder to recover from them. I've begun reacting at estate sales. That isn't fun. At least I was able to make some nice purchases each time.

I had a bad reaction to Kilz paint, even using it outside. I've been ok with Dutch Boy until the Kilz reaction. Then one day while I was cleaning a super dusty corner inside, I began reacting. I've really been living in "cottage mode" for too long. I now own 95 particulate masks to filter out the latex proteins. I just have to stop being so stubborn and wear them.

I have found that many of my friends in LAForum have been way more reactive this fall. We've all tried to figure out why. The best answer seems to be so little rain. The other answer could be we are getting worse. But we don't like facing that problem. Well, I don't. For me, it has become a bit depressing with shorter days and heating bills coming in now.

I have been praying more, not just for myself, but others as well. I began knitting preemie caps to go to local hospitals. This is giving me a great outlet to give back to the community again, and I just love to knit. My favorites are the smallest caps.

As I plan for Thanksgiving, I can't help but reflect on my blessings. Since the cold weather set in during my last prednisone taper, I am feeling much better. I've made the decision to stop smoking. I haven't stopped yet, but there are 2 ashtrays left after having 5. I no longer smoke all the times I get up during the night, and there's no smoking in the bathroom. That has been a habit for years while I got ready to go to work or for the day.

Again, I'm cooking all day long on Thanksgiving. I love doing that, and I do it even if I will be alone. I do have a friend coming over. There may be a few more. I love to pick at the leftovers for several days. Then comes turkey soup.

I seem to be spending more time already reflecting on my blessings. Roof and food come first. The companionship of Casey when I'm stuck at home makes such a big difference. I'm paying bills before they are due. I have wonderful family. Even though they all live out of state, we always keep in touch. My friends should be included in my family. They are all very wonderful and supportive people. Then I have all my wonderful friends in LAForum.

It's only Monday. Just think of all the other blessings that may come to mind by Thursday. We are entering into the holiday season when there is kindness to others that should happen all year.

Sal