Normalcy - Almost

Cowboy here. Life is getting back to normal. Sar is almost back to her old self – the naughty imp I married shows herself more every day. Makes me glad. My right arm swings automatically now; don't have to restrain myself like I did when she was barely out of bed on her own steam. Staying in northern Quebec in our honeymoon house has been good for both of us.

Normal Sar signs: Mia bambina generally eats a big breakfast – pancakes or an omelet, sometimes hot cereal. For a few months it was a battle to get her to eat more than a piece of toast. This morning the imp had a bowl of cold cereal, another one, part of a third and the milkshake she drinks every morning. Sar's high metabolic rate demands an intake of something solid about every 2 hours. If she doesn't sleep through the night, there's a middle of the night snack – half a dozen twinkies, half a pie or some other junk. Fruit, a sandwich maybe but I don't complain, happy to have her eat anything at this point. Doesn't mean I won't deliver a swat anyway.

Sneaking out of the house when she thinks I'm not paying attention. That's my girl. Building snow creatures that defy family values. Giggling when she gets back in the house, pleased with her handiwork. I admit I love that giggle. My wife's dancing more, taking the stairs 2 at a time, sliding down the banister regularly. That always gets that cute bottom pinked when I catch her. Thank the good Lord, there's more cooking and baking going on.

Update: It seems I spoke too soon. Wrote the above a few days ago. Heard the Rott barking wildly a couple days ago. Rotts rarely bark; ours never bark unless they suspect danger. I ran up the stairs, met the Mastiff coming down to get me, also barking. Sar was on the floor semi-conscious, heart racing and in great pain. A lot of intestinal distress - all the accompanying symptoms. Got a floatplane pilot to fly us to an ER in Montreal. From x-rays, some other tests, the medic suspected abdominal flu – exaggerated by Sar's intestinal tract – scar tissue, etc. The first 24 hours were nerve wracking, Sar hurling, in pain, unable to sleep much, up every couple of hours to take meds of 1 kind or another. Fever finally abated, stomach calmed down, etc. It took another day to get some food in her that stayed down.

We got home – back to the log cabin – mid morning. Sar's in bed asleep, exhausted but feeling better. I accused her of getting sick in order to avoid the hot tush she's due for a variety of reasons. I got that innocent look. The dogs are in the bedroom. I look in regularly, spot 1 or the other leaning on the bed to stare at her. The cat sleeps at the top of the pillow, hisses or spits as I enter the room - an attack cat guarding my wife. I think we're in the clear here; the flu was unexpected but luckily short-lived. I'll make linguini with butter and cheese for supper. She'll eat that, demand chocolate. Sar making demands means she's feeling better.

We're staying here for a while yet. It's recuperative for both of us. The past year has been a bit of a hassle but it's behind us. Our friend David will fly in shortly. A couple other friends may also join us. There's plenty of room. Sar will be beside herself cooking, baking – once she's up and I think she's feeling well enough to entertain.

Last, February was a good month for both of us, a lot of sweet moments.

Cowboy