It wasn’t the best way to get time off from work,  but my recuperation from surgery will take another three weeks at least.   I saw the doctor today,  and when she set up my appointment for later this month,  she put her hand on my shoulder and said “now go and enjoy.”

I’ve been watching the days go by,  and up until a few days ago, my energy level kept me from doing very much before getting winded.   Now I want to get as much out of these next three weeks as I can.    I haven’t had more than ten days off in a row since I started my job almost twenty years ago,  so this is a gift.

This morning I spent some time putting together a peach-berry cobbler for George to have after his first day back at work.    That’s a recipe I have had for a long time,  but have never had time to make.   I just happened to have a bunch of peaches left from our stop at a fruit stand last week, and some blueberries in the freezer.   It felt good to make something special, and not be hurried in making it.

I spent time filling the bird feeders and checking out the garden (there are a few peppers still coming,  despite Ellie).   I sat out on the deck and read some of the book George bought for me while I was in the hospital.  There was time to find a new cross-stitch project to start on, organize some photos,  and still get dinner on the table at a reasonable hour.

My enjoyment comes in these little things, in not being rushed,  in accomplishing things that are important to me.    Today was a gift.