by Cheryl Batavia

Life Goes On

Maybe our male cardinal is feeding sunflower seeds to his mate as she sits on a new nest somewhere nearby. Photo by Aaron Ducette from Unsplash.

Life Goes On

Cool early morning.

Flowers bloom in ruined woods,

two bunnies munch grass.

The cardinals sing again…

All is well, and life goes on!

Copyright© 2024 by Cheryl Batavia

Life Goes On

We often see the male cardinal visiting the homemade feeder at the side of the house. He seems to have developed an addiction to black oil sunflower seeds. I haven’t seen the female for a while. She may be sitting on a new nest. I hear a lot of singing these days!

Comcast is making good progress on installing the new internet cable system throughout our area. Maybe internet service will improve soon!

My projects are progressing well, and I’ll share more on that when the time comes, but all the hard work and the headaches are taking a toll. Ongoing physical therapy is quite painful and leaves me exhausted. I am not seeing benefits yet. The headaches continue. Computer time is contributing to the stiff muscles in my neck, back, and shoulders which seem to be causing the headaches. My physical therapist has found some abnormalities in my posture. I am leaning to the left (literally), and she thinks I may have a curvature in my spine. I think she will recommend some imaging to my neurologist. Since migraine remedies didn’t work, it is probable that the headaches are not migraines. Computer time is also taking a toll on my eyes.

It seems I have no other choice than to decrease computer time, so I am going to take a break. I will miss all of my blogging friends very much, but I hope to be back soon, stronger and with good news. Happy spring everyone! 🩷

89 Comments

  7. Unknown's avatar

    what a beautiful poem Cheryl. Oh my, I’;m so sorry to hear you are in pain and having headaches just when Comcast seems to be improving. I’m glad your project is going well but it has to be so frustrating. I’m soooo sorry my friend. Sometimes P.T. can make it worse. It might be over use syndrome so you’re smart to take a break much as you hate too. I’m glad you have nature to keep you company while you do.. Take good care!!!! 💕

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  10. Unknown's avatar

    Wishing you all the best, Cheryl! Take care of yourself and those bunnies and cardinals sound like wonderful company to keep you company in the meantime. We’ll all be here waiting for your return, refreshed and with good news ❤️

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  11. Unknown's avatar

    “Since migraine remedies didn’t work, it is probable that the headaches are not migraines. Computer time is also taking a toll on my eyes.”
    Oh, Cheryl. I feel for you and relate to these aspects of what’s going on with you. To know this is but one slice of all you’re going through intensifies my concern. I do believe taking a blogging/computer break will at least ease some of your physical problems. And open up time to focus on the many avenues you are actively working through towards healing. (ie- PT, relaxation, etc)
    I suspect your affinity with the Cardinal Family is based in part with all of this. May you find strength & restoration through nature and the One who created it all.
    hugs

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  13. Unknown's avatar

    Wishing you the best, Cheryl. Hope you can feel better soon. I have spinal problems, too, which contribute to my almost daily migraines. Massage stops them fir awhile. Good luck on your health quest.❤️🙏🏽

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      2. Unknown's avatar

        Hi Cheryl, I hope life is treating you well and that you are enjoying your break. My head is spinning a bit that July is upon us. Things are coming together to do a poet spotlight this Saturday – you and two others. A read from each. Checking in to make sure that is fine with you. 🌼 I have a question, too, but will wait to hear back from you. Thank you.

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    2. Unknown's avatar

      Hi Michele,

      I would really appreciate being included. Thank you.

      My break is likely to continue for a while. The headaches are improved from 12 weeks of physical therapy, and the at home program continues. I am also undergoing treatment for eye problems and have seen significant improvement. For both reasons, I have been advised to limit computer time.

      I do miss blogging, and hope to return before too long. 💕❤️💕

      All the best,

      Cheryl

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  23. Unknown's avatar

    Take care of yourself! – we will be here whenever you come back. I can feel your pain, after 31.5 years in the IT world I can confirm the tools of the trade are hard on the body. 

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  24. Unknown's avatar

    Cheryl, it is wonderful to know that the male cardinal visits the feeder. I am sure you are right….good news is in the offing.
    But your physical discomfort is not a good news. Take a break from the computer and blogging and take good care of yourself. Come back with renewed energy and vigor. Wishing you a speedy recovery. ❤️❤️

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Linda. I am undergoing physical therapy for my headaches and making some progress. The neurologist determined that my headaches are tension headaches, not migraines. My husband has gotten rid of his migraines with B2. I know there are different types of migraines. I wish you well. 🩷🩵💙

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  28. Unknown's avatar

    Sorry to hear that your physical issues are affecting the way you are able to function and blog. The computer can make one go cross-eyed it seems. I get so focused at times that when I look up my eyes won’t focus on the distant things. Hope your PT can help you work through some of this!

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      12 weeks of physical therapy has helped the headaches quite a bit, and the exercises continue at home. I am limiting computer time, as advised. The second family of cardinals is fledged and about 3/4 the size of the parents, one little male and two little females. I am delighted to watch them and all of the other birds at the feeder.

      All the best, Dwight! 💕❤️💕

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  31. Unknown's avatar

    Happy —very happy for he birds are remaking their lives. They’re great role models.

    As for your eyes. Rest please.
    Knock on wood. I just got over another bout born dizzy 😵‍💫 spells. Vertigo.
    But all better now. Thanks God.

    Be well my precious.

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    1. Unknown's avatar

      Thank you, Selma for your encouragaing words. I am working on improving my health. Please take care of yourself. You don’t want to fall. I occasionally have a dizzy spell. I think, in my case, it’s likely to be due to my medications.

      I now have two bird feeders outside my window providing endless fascination. This morning I had seven squirrels. Robert is trying to keep the poles greased and I am feeding them peanuts on the ground. It seems to be keeping them off the feeders most of the time.

      We have some regular visitors: rabbits, raccoons, rats, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, doves, catbirds, and tufted titmice. I plan to get some dried mealworms in hopes of attracting mockingbirds. I love to hear them sing.

      Take care! 💕❤️💕

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  37. Unknown's avatar

    It’s good to take a break from the screens when our body gives us that feedback. I have to be careful what I look at. Sending healing thoughts and prayers with hopes you feel better soon! ❤

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  41. Unknown's avatar

    Hi Cheryl, I just got back to blogging and came over to check your blog. I’m sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope the doctors find a remedy for your headaches. Have you tried yoga for your posture, or is it not recommended?
    All the best for your projects.
    It must be nice to have such brightly colored cardinals visit.

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  43. Unknown's avatar

    I came to look cause I haven’t seen you blogging in a while. You visited today and made me so happy. Sorry about the headaches. Take all the rest you need dear friend. You will overcome. I’m rooting for you. Praying. Blessings.

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  45. Unknown's avatar

    Move on isn’t easy! But this couple did.

    Humans keep their attachment & feelings longer.
    They don’t know how to move on.
    Even when they feel hurt…

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