Thursday, June 11, 2015

A KISS FOR MAMA

I'm still trying to get over whatever it was that rolled over me like a runaway bus a couple of weeks back. The bronchitis symptoms of coughing and congestion are gone, but I'm weak, easily exhausted, continue to have a low-grade temperature, and feel just plain awful.

Needless to say, I haven't been making many photographs. In fact, I've barely been outside, and then only to sit on the deck a few minutes—which is about my maximum capacity for adventure.  

I did, however, manage the photo above—taken yesterday afternoon—of a mother groundhog and her offspring, the youngster nuzzling the parent, as they posed atop a low hill at the edge of the yard. I shot the image standing in my front doorway. Just opened the door, pointed the lens at the pair, and clicked. Mama woodchuck saw me and, quite oddly, seemed totally unperturbed.  

Guess it was obvious I was in no shape to be of any danger whatsoever other the collapse atop the unwary.

14 comments:

Kelly said...

...such a sweet photo, Grizz. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Gail said...

Hi Grizz - glad the bronchitis stuff is gone - hoping the other left over symptoms clear soon. I can feel your weakness and glazed over like feel - keep going easy and building yourself back up.
I love the picture of the groundhogs - I felt a bit sad wishing I could, once again, get up close to my Mom and rest on her shoulder and feel her warmth and love - hear her soft words - oh how I miss her.
Rest and rest
Love, Gail
peace.......

Grizz………… said...

Kelly…

Yup, just too cute to not share. Couldn't believe they just did their greeting and nuzzling, knowing I was watching, and didn't spook. But they never did seem alarmed, and I watched them for maybe ten minutes…which was about as long as I could remain upright. I am feeling moderately better today—temperature is down, which helps. I'm sick of being sick, though. Missing out on way too much neat stuff outside. Anyway, good to hear from you.

Carolyn H said...

That's a very cute photo of baby and mama. Sorry you're feeling poorly. it takes a while to get your energy back after one of those bouts. That will come soon, I'm sure!

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

I miss my Mom, too, and my Dad. Every day. And while the pain isn't as sharp, the loss and emptiness and void—their absence in my life—is something I'll never reconcile or get over…and don't want to, for that matter. Love goes deep and lasts forever. And it's more universal than we admit. While some might count me anthropomorphic, I believe it's both arrogant and foolish how we humans seem to think we're the only creatures who can feel such emotions. The little groundhog above was certainly feeling something while making over his Mama.

Hope you're feeling better. I'm plugging along, trying to not get too discouraged by my slow progress. Take care.

Grizz………… said...

Carolyn H…

The cutest photo I've taken in a long time—not counting those of my cutest-granddaughter-on-the-planet.

It's currently 91˚F, and got up to 90˚F yesterday—about the time I made the photo. I hate hot weather, but I'm so messed up right now that it doesn't feel particularly warm to me. And I spent most of yesterday shivering and wearing a heavy poly sweater. I guess I'm being impatient, but I just want to be out and about and I can't, and it's like I'm watching the world and my life go past. I don't think anyone who isn't attuned to seasons and nature and being outdoors understands the need—spiritual, mental, emotional, physical. For me, it's as vital as breathing. Ahhh-h-h, well…time, time, time, I must allow it to work its magic.

Moonmuser said...

Looks like Momma is keeping an eye on you and noting that you are not a threat right now!! But, no doubt you will be soon, which means hope you are feeling better soon soon. Momma needs to know you would never harm a hair on her head or her little one's either! They are beautiful!

Gail said...

Hi again - I so admire and appreciate your heart-mind-spirit-shared sentiments and life-giving nature. You are truly one with nature - God - the universe and of love. Thank you for sharing your honest natural life with me and for being my friend.
Love Gail
peace.....

Penny said...

Lovely photo, hope you get over your bug (flu?) soon. Took my daughter a good three weeks, not nice at all.

Grizz………… said...

Moonmuser…

Nope, not a threat—now or later. I don't "hunt" my yard.

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

You humble me with your praise. I'm the one who's honored to have you as my friend, and that's the truth. Knowing all you've been through, the trials and battles you've faced…so many would have given up long ago. But you have amazing courage and resiliency. And you've made an amazing life for yourself. You are good and decent, love your family and friends—always living with joy and gusto. More than anything, you're up front and honest. I can't begin to tell you how rare and refreshing and uplifting that is…so this is me saying thank you! For reading, commenting, and being Gail.

Grizz………… said...

Penny…

I'm doing my best to be patient and get well—but I'd sure like to be past all this. I'm guessing your daughter didn't enjoy it, either.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Hi Grizz, Don't get around to visiting as much as I used to but am glad I peeked in today so that I can add my get-well wishes to all the others. Respiratory illnesses are always a drag, but especially so, it seems to me, in the Spring or Summer months when we want to be out and about. Get lots of Vitamin D and if you are into home remedies you could check out earthclinic.com. Of course, as with anything you have to sift the wheat from the chaff on such sites, but I discovered a couple of remedies on there that I now wouldn't want to be without.

Grizz………… said...

Bonnie…

I know what you mean—I don't seem to manage to make the blog rounds I used to, either. But you know you're welcome here, whenever you stop by, and I'm always delighted when you do visit.

Indeed, respiratory illnesses are often very slow to heal. And probably less fun in spring and summer because staying in, staying quite, giving your body time is harder when you want to be out doing things. Plans get messed up or dismissed, and patience is like a will-o-the-wisp. But I'm trying to be sensible and responsible and patient.

BTW, I am a great believer and practitioner in home/folk remedies for many things—often as an adjunct or alternative to regular medicine, or a preventative to help avoid future problems. I wasn't familiar with earthclinic.com, though, and appreciate the link. As you say, you do have to sift the wheat from the chaff on such sites, and if you're taking prescribed medications, you need to know if there are adverse interactions with certain things. The potential for both help and harm is always present, so research and awareness, and probably plain old common sense (not all that common, actually) should be first and foremost. But that said, there's an enormous amount of evidence and history supporting the efficacy of such remedies, and I've been and advocate/user for decades.