Thunderboomers and Kindred Spirits

When BabySister married her MachoMallow (a real Latino he-man, but such a sweetie!) there was a fierce storm that knocked out all the lights of the chapel. VeggieGirl was flowergirl, strewing petals in the half-light. She and BabySister brought tears to my eyes. Beauty, majesty, solemnity, and (somehow) humor, all wrapped up in one moment.

None of us were upset or afraid. We love storms, so it was a good sign that made for an interesting wedding. On reflection, it must have been rough on those attendees afraid of storms and/or the dark. The Baker girls will have none of that.

All this introduction to get you to visit this link. I love it.

One of my favorite sounds on my soundblending system has to be thunderstorm, compounded by the addition of a full spring rainstorm. I also like to blend thunderstorms with ocean waves. And gentle windchimes with spring rainstorm goes for a nice nap.

Soundblending requires two systems. I started with a little one from these people and built from there. Sharpies having a sale, but don't forget to get the adapter. Yes, they are designed for travel.

And naps are what my MS management is all about. Elmira is only a town-like, country-sort of city, but it can get noisy. Our household is tiny, with only three people, but it can be quite busy. To sleep in the middle of the day requires a concerted effort. Emphasis on effort.

If you are new to this, my nap starts with turning down the house fan/air conditioner/heat. I then turn on the air filter and soundblending system, as noted above. Then I cover the windows with 2 to 3 layers of reflective film, depending on the degree of brightness. These are inexpensive, curtain-like sheets that can be purchased online.

I set aside two whole hours to nap around noon, and am very glad when I can sleep half of that time. Remember, I have problems with incontinence, dysaesthesia and hypersensitivity. I have to count my blessings and expect the worst, so I won't be disappointed. It takes a few weeks, but I did learn to sleep some of the two hours, and at least count the rest as, well, rest.

Trust me: after a few weeks, this sort of mandatory napping has its effects. Only people who know me can tell I have MS. When I am in an exacerbation, I may still be mistaken for a chemo patient, but usually no one knows I am unwell. Who could ask for more?

I could. People look at me as if I were nuts when I mention that I would love to be able to select "howling blizzard" on the sound blender.

Crazy? Right now? In the heat of summer? Think about it.

pb
Little Pond