A Break in the Polar Vortex

I'm slowing healing from my sister's recent death.She's the first of 5 siblings to die, so it really makes you realize your own mortality.But people have been so kind, and old friends and schoolmates have come out of the woodwork and bring fond memories to fill some of the emptiness.My doctor had recently prescribed some muscle relaxants for my chronic back pain.

I hadn't used them, but with the tension and grief last week, I took half tablets for 3 nights in a row.I'm a super-sensitive person when it comes to medications; and sure enough! Come Friday morning, what I thought was a flu bug had manifested into my barely being able to move around my home as well as barely being able to stay awake.After a wee search, I realized it was side effects from the medication so stopped taking it immediately.

This morning, 4 days later, I'm almost back to just my normal chronic pain.Hahaha! There is no other alternative but to laugh .....plus laughing helps relax those painful muscles.My middle daughter and I ventured out the weekend before last to Corner Brook's first multi-cultural food fest.

We are a small town, but India, Ukraine, Mexico were represented (in my tummy) and several other nationalities that I didn't have room to sample.My favorite treat was this delicious meringue cake with almonds and pistachios and this wonderfully light fluffy filling.MummeringBesides the good food and music, the Mummers visited! Mummering or Janneying (click on the photo caption for further explanation) is an old Newfoundland/Irish tradition that's usually practiced at Xmas.But here in NL, the Mummers also show up for tourists and, in this instance, for winter carnival.

I've never done it, but my older brother used to mummer every Xmas up until a couple of years ago.In spite of my pain last week, I did get out for my daily walk, even if it was only a bone-chilling 15 minutes in -23 C (-10 F) weather.On one of my early evening walks, the moon was peeping through the clouds in a magical sort-of way.And for two evenings in a row, I also got to see the two planets, Venus and Jupiter, in the night sky.This week, the weather has improved: today it's only -3 C (26 F).

And every now and then, I can see the sun shining.So, if you'll excuse me, I'll go for my daily walk.Namaste y'all!Stay warm ...and cultivate peace in your life.