I returned from Espanola on Tuesday. I had a great time there – a time to do not a whole lot! I went to Wikwemikong for a couple of days and visited with some friends.
When I arrived in Espanola, the ground was covered with snow. When I left, most of the snow was gone due to very unseasonable warm temperatures. Anderson Lake was still frozen, but beginning to break up. When I returned to Southern Ontario, spring was well underway. What a change in a week – a week of above 20 degree weather. The daffodils and forsythia are in full bloom. We are about four weeks ahead of schedule. I usually love spring, but the earliness of this spring alarms me. It is hard to believe that we still have climate change deniers. Another term for climate change is “climate instability.” This is what we are experiencing. I am trying not to fret about our apple orchard. If we get frost while the trees are in bloom (a distinct possibility at this time of the year), then the crop will be very small. This has happened in two of the last three years. It is hard for farmers to deal with the unpredictability of the weather.
While in Espanola, I managed quite well without the daily visits of a nurse. I was able to change the necessary bandages. I had another visit with my radiation doctor on Friday. The two lesions which had the five treatments of radiation will need ten more treatments, as there has not been a change in the healing. These lesions also have not grown (probably due to the maintenance chemo that I take), so there is no real hurry to get the treatments. This will mean that I will be able to travel to South Carolina during Holy Week to lead an Easter Triduum retreat at Springbank Retreat House. I am really looking forward to the trip. I led this retreat last Easter as well. I will drive down, and see the scenery in the process.
Much of my energy is returning. I really am feeling quite well even though all the lesions are not healed yet. I am looking forward to raking the lawn this afternoon. I might as well enjoy this warm weather!
I am including some photos from the north: 1. The larger chapel at Anishinabe Spiritual Centre (Espanola) with statue of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha and “Tree of LIfe” painting , 2. “Tree of Life” painting by Blake Debassige, located in the chapel, 3. stain glass in smaller chapel at ASC, 4. stain glass in smaller chapel at ASC, 5. ” The Holy Family” by Zoey Wood-Saloman, located in Holy Cross Church, Wikwemikong.