more than a week into june...

 summer's coming to chester county

 mini nature hike

three generations checking out the telescope

after our cool start to spring it seems summer is breathing down our necks.  in recent weeks we have gone from azaleas blooming a full 10 days late to running the air conditioner to tackle the humidity.  in between have been lovely sunny days with a nice breeze and drier air.  having always considered myself a winter person, i am more correctly summarized as an all-seasons type.  there are wonderful things about each of them but right now i am thankful for the vibrant green trees and grasses, the honeysuckle-sweet smell along the back roads, and being able to sit comfortably in my hammock chair in the evenings, reading the new yorker or taking a cat nap.  paired with an iced tea and some sort of snack, it is an indulgence i love, knowing soon it will be way too hot to sit in the sun on the porch.  

i received news about ten days ago i've suffered a drastic loss of hearing since last august.  this is most likely due to the radiation last spring; the insides of my ears were badly burned.  for the time being i've decided to forgo any treatment because neither of the options offered sounded particularly pleasant - a 15-day round of steroids or an injection of steroids behind my eardrums.  i've been left with strict instructions to call as soon as i notice my hearing becoming worse.  so far, so good.  i do notice my ears ringing all the time.  but my hearing seems fairly normal - only in crowded places or at large dinner tables do i struggle.  one could make the argument for too many loud concerts, lawn mower rides, and driving with the windows down, but because it is such a stark decrease since august they are thinking it is related to my treatment last spring.  compared to cancer, it isn't such a bad thing, but i am hopeful it doesn't continue to deteriorate.

i still hear the birds singing, which begins around 4:45am each day.  i typically have my windows open overnight and i've been waking up, surprised to hear them.  i roll over until it begins to grow brighter outside; then i turn to my stomach and hide under the pillow to sleep until it is time to wake to go to the gym or get ready for work, depending upon the day.  i guess 4:45am is the only time i wish i could hear a little bit less.

scans are next week - MRI brain and CT chest.  the past two months have seen a lot of change in the physical world around me; i hope it is quite the opposite on the inside; quiet would be a good report.