Almost three weeks ago, I wrote about having a little case of the crud. I was sure I would be back on my feet in a couple days.  I am about 99% back; the timetable just exceeded my estimate by 15 or so days.

I’m not sure what went wrong.  Maybe after 5, sick-free, years I forgot how to handle a little discomfort, or the years have taken a toll on my toughness or maybe, just maybe I had a real bad case of some really tough crud.  I am going to go with number 3.

Did I seek medical attention?  No, there are medical professionals and facilities all over town, some of them are even open 24/7, but it was just a little cough and congestion and I was sure it would be better tomorrow. I think I made honorable mention for Walgreen’s customer of the week. I guess I was finally right; it is better.

I kind of took care of my self and didn’t do anything real stupid.  There may be one exception; I am not going to talk about it today in fact I may not talk about it all.

Potato soup has always been a “make it feel better” meal in our family.  One night I wanted some potato soup real bad, almost bad enough to go to the kitchen and make some.  I could have made a couple phone calls and had some potato soup but remember that pride I speak of from time to time.

The stuff bounced around a little and some days were better than others.  I took advantage of a couple of the better days and enjoyed the foliage in southeastern Oklahoma and just a little over in Arkansas.  I have always affectionately called that part of the world Lapland, where Arkansas laps over into Oklahoma.  Maybe I pushed it a little with that run but fall colors don’t wait until you feel better.  It was cloudy in the morning and rained most of the afternoon but the colors were beautiful and I had a great day in spite of the crud.

Somewhere on the Talimena Drive

It was the first time I had been to Talihina, Mena, Smithville, Beavers Bend and Broken Bow in years. The Branding Iron restaurant in Mena, Arkansas is worthy of a little of your time if you venture down that way. I had a great co-pilot.  Thanks, Patty, for keeping us between the lines, finding The Branding Iron and for tolerating my cough.

Five years ago this month the comfortable little world in which I had resided for many years experienced sudden, drastic and permanent change.  That change although no longer sudden and drastic continues to evolve.  I have managed to tuck the very personal and very private memories of November ’08 away in a special place in my heart and see no advantage to you or me if we share them again.  I think you understand.

Please keep me in your prayers and God Bless.

Dave