Autumn Fever?
Sat., October 1, 10:35 AM
No, I never heard of it either. But if you consider something like spring fever, without the hopefulness of spring, it seems to describe what a lot of people are feeling right now. Not everyone, of course but, thanks to my buddies, I know it’s not just me.
You can list the possible reasons – the barometric changes as the summer cools off, the growth of seasonal allergens – and all I can think of is “so what?” I don’t want to do chores, I don’t want to go to work, I don’t want to do much of anything. I want to stay in bed, or curl up on the couch with my comfy quilt, or maybe watch mindless television. I want chocolate. And lots of ice cream.
This is a form of depression, I know, and there are even good reasons for that. I can intellectualize all I want. I even know that candy is not good for diabetics; emotionally, I still want chocolate.
Well, yesterday was my day off and I was entitled… No, I do not get to collect my entitlement. Husband wanted to go to the doctor.
He’s no sicker than usual, but he was annoyed with the wax plugging his ear. I didn’t argue, because it was a way of getting him in for a quick checkup without a fight. He’s still short of breath; he always will be. But his blood pressure is very good, and the swelling in his feet seems to be diminished. The doctor flushed his ears, and he’s happy.
The nurse said I didn’t look as well as usual, but I think it was just the lack of makeup. I had a physical last week, and I’m fine. I haven’t done the blood work yet, because I’ll get inaccurate readings when my allergies are acting up.
“As long as we’re out, can you take me to the bank?” I took him and helped him with the ATM. And thanked the people in the car behind us, for waiting patiently. (You’d be amazed how many people get bent out of shape by an old man’s slowness.)
“Now will you take me for a haircut?” Yeah, get enough stuff done now and he won’t have to go out for another month. I left him at the barbershop and went to walk through Walgreen’s, which didn’t have anything I wanted. Well, a little walk never hurt anyone.
Back at the barbershop, Husband wanted to know why I didn’t buy him milk. (Because he hasn’t wanted it all summer.) Then he says, “Can we go to Denny’s? I didn’t eat this morning.” Enough! I promised to make him a nice brunch. Not only did I make him something he’d like – better than he’d get at a restaurant – but in an appropriate amount so that he won’t be reheating it for two more days.
I left him to whatever he wanted to do. I curled up on the couch and slept for almost three hours. That meant I could stay up long enough to watch “NUMB3RS.”
I suppose I should be happy – and grateful – that having responsibilities keeps me from sinking too deep. But I am getting tired of this.
