Almost back to normal.

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It was quite good to see my brother.  In spite of us talking again, because of both of our health issues, and him having a family and other things going on, I was not sure we would ever see each other again.  I won't fly, so if I go, I will be driving.  It is quite a stretch for me and I would have to be doing well.  I honestly wasn't sure he would visit without his family, which is somewhat price prohibitive.

Oh, I have grumps about him.  I have since I was a kid.  He hasn't changed much, he is how and who he has always been.  He is a bit troubled, bodily, with his back and all.  But it doesn't change much about him.  It was very good to see him, and to have this little family reunion.  He and his are always welcome.  Though... it will always be difficult between us.  We are quite different people.  How do you ever mitigate that?  I suppose by limiting topics of discussion?  By ensuring there is some quiet time or by limiting contact a bit?  Still, I would like to figure out when and how to get out there.  I have not met my nieces.  I haven't seen his wife since their wedding 18 years ago.  And... I'd like, for myself, to see with my own eyes that they are doing well, too.

My mother and I had hoped to get to Church today, and do a few other things.  My mother is simply tuckered out.  First all the work she has done, but then the excitement of having my brother arrive.  Me?  Hmm, this last three weeks has been... a tornado of work and effort.  I have done well, but I was pretty much zombified three days in.  At this point I am just a husk.  At least I can get up for hours at a time.  And I can still do, if called to it.  But I am well and truly beyond my limits in a grand way.  I can't think well and I am very worn.  At least I didn't collapse... or get sick(er).  A week, mostly off, might see me to some better than usual health though.  So, today did not go off as planned.  I did have enough left to make a shrimp and steak dinner, with clarified butter, brussels sprouts, and then dry and put away the dishes.  But that was it, for both of us, today.

I wish I could tell you more, or put what has transpired into words that might convey their significance.  I simply don't have the umph, other than to just say it.  I only hope, actually, to do one more task tomorrow.  One that my mother might be able to help with, a small one.  Other than that, I am not sure that anything else will be done.  Zapped, tired, mind-soft, and such... but good.  I am quite good, in many ways, all ways.  I just need a little rest from it all.

I hope your holidays were even half what mine were.  I hope you got to a quarter of your workload like I got to mine, with some help.  Oh, sure, your work load might be greater, but put into context... I did about four months of work, or more, in a few weeks, plus entertained regular and long thought lost family.  Barring that, I hope you at least relaxed a bit this Thanksgiving?  Both are good in my book, especially for you workaholic types.  :p 

Good night.