Friday, November 7, 2025 – Day 451

Friday, November 7, 2025

Good morning!

Rough start today.

My mornings usually begin with the same ritual…a handful of pills (which are a struggle onto themselves) a few sips of water, and black coffee while I wait the prescribed hour before eating. But this morning, my stomach decided it had had enough. Within 45 minutes, I felt that awful wave rolling in that is made up of nausea, the rush of saliva, the pounding heart, the sudden warmth that makes you want to back away from the fire.

I spied the small trash can just out of reach on the other side of the fireplace and debated my options: try to get to it and risk a fall, or stay put and ride it out. I chose the latter and focused on breathing. Long, slow breaths. Just breathe, I kept telling myself. The thought of getting sick was bad enough…the thought of Cindy walking in to that mess was worse.

After a few miserable minutes, the wave passed. I sat still, hoping it was over. Fifteen minutes later, it came back again, shorter this time but just as intense. Then, as quickly as it arrived, it was gone…leaving me drained and uneasy, with a stomach that sounded like a gurgling respirator (that’s another story). I retreated upstairs to the guest room to rest, waiting for my body to settle.

Now, as I write this, I’m trying to shift the focus. The morning sun is starting its day, working to burn off the chill (just started), and it’s shaping up to be a beautiful November day…60°… bright and sunny. We’re planning to head over to Sew Hop’d Brewery later, I expect to feel great.

Everywhere you look, nature is showing off — a final burst of stunning colors before winter locks in. It will be downright cold starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, the maples and oaks are still holding onto their reds, golds, and fiery oranges, shimmering like stained glass when the light hits just right. It’s the kind of color that stops you mid-sentence and reminds you of what remarkable transformations that Mother Nature is capable of…it’s just been breathtaking this year.

If you can, step outside today. Take a walk. Watch the leaves drift down in slow motion. Feel the sun on your face. It’s the last encore of fall. I hope you find time to soak in the beauty and fill your lungs with the cool fall air.

Have a great Friday. Love you guys! ❤️