isobelmtl

Writing under a Montreal sky

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Isobel Cunningham has published short fiction and poetry. Her book, Northern Compass is available on Amazon. She was born in Wales but Montreal is her adopted home. She speaks French, Modern Greek ( it’s a fun story) and a little Spanish…oh, English too, of course. She welcomes comments on her blog and looks forward to chatting with you over cyber-space.

Still not yet!

From this morning!

It has been a long time since I made my favorite walk around this “ lake” in Angrignon Park. The temperature was still low and I was glad of my winter coat and hood but the sun was so bright I could not resist. I took some birdseed in hopes of feeding a few hungry chicks. A couple of pretty fat robins hopped along but, silly things, they would not approach. A few chickadees appeared and pecked up a few seeds from my palm. I spotted several of the most vivid and beautiful cardinals I have ever seen but they stayed aloof too. I know the weather is the eternal subject for Canadians but really I think we can all agree that this year things have been long and tiresome. It is getting particularly difficult to put up with Amazon photos serving me up anniversary snaps taken in Greek or Spanish springs.

Like this from last year!

I mean,come on people! I could not even make it around the lake today as the pathway was so icy I had to walk along the verge.

The pathway was a sheet of ice

At one point it was turn around or wade into the water!

Another waiting game has been a health issue. I will spare you most of what a witty friend of mine calls the “ organ recital”. Suffice it to say I had to cancel my latest Camino enterprise set for February 15 at the last minute. When your GP pokes your abdomen and asks” what’s that?” You pay attention. How about a very large non- malignant mass? Because of the situation with waiting lists à central system has been set up and I got sent to à French hospital in what we used to call the “ east end” ( spoken in a subdued tone) .

Surprised by this at the main entrance!

No objection from me … but what ever happened to laicite ( the great push by the provincial government to erase any and all religious signs from public venues? ) The other thing that amazed me was the willingness of everyone to speak to me in English at just the sight of my name! I wrestled my way up the list for all the diagnostic tests and now I am told I must wait for a letter for my surgery date. Can’t be soon enough for me!

À letter? Im inclined to look out for a carrier pigeon on my balcony railing!

So yes, it is a long Spring season of waiting and let’s hope the payoff is worth it!

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2 responses to “Still not yet!”

  1. Adeline Ciebien Avatar
    Adeline Ciebien

    My dear—the waiting is a bummer.

    Years ago when I had carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands —very painful and up every night pacing the floor—I had finally been given a surgical appt for a day in March. Every day I was counting the hours until that would happen when several days before OR-Day the Lakeshore phoned to say that the surgeon would not be available for 2 more weeks. GRRRR

    I then figured out that he had taken his family skiing for an extended spring break. Another GRRR. Finally, the day came and as the surgeon was sawing away at the problem ligament in my wrist, he said, “this is very advanced—you should have come sooner!” Third GRRR

    A very common story. Your interesting and busy life is now hold.

    Interesting about the crucifixes although the one in the National Assembly came down last year?? I’m all for secularism in education, something my Catholic father believed in as being the great leveller and source of integration. But the Quebec govt has gone way too far—like the French Revolutionaries.

    My garden is still frozen solid, Each morning I see the local rabbit huddled under my hedge with dreams of lush clover dancing in his head (I guess).

    Wishing you OR news—soon!

    Hugs

    Addie

    >

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  2. Masha Avatar
    Masha

    Well, you covered a lot of bases with this post! Weather, medical care, hungry birds, travel regrets and a resounding no to a long and bitter winter! And through all this you seem to maintain a spark of hope that the coming days will bring the long awaited resolution to unfinished business.

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