I woke up at 4:00 AM with a tingling in my lower extremities where my wounds remain. The tingling is a sign that the absorption pads that collect the serum leaking from my open sores require changing, much like that of a baby crying in the middle of the night demanding a fresh diaper. This is not a new event, but an ongoing annoyance ever since my wounds developed. While less significant than when my legs were infected, the drainage remains a constant to which I must tend.
I had hoped I would be mostly healed by Christmas time. Yet the day is rapidly approaching, and my legs are not close to healing. I am now setting my sights on Presidents’ Day. Quite frankly, the routine fatigues me. I am tired of changing bandages; I am tired of the paraphernalia that has taken over my bedroom; I am tired of visiting doctors and nurses; I am tired of even thinking about my legs. But I know that I must endeavor if I want to be once again healthy. So, in the meantime my legs will continue to be cleaned and wrapped daily, either by me or one of the nurses. I will continue to “grin and bear it”, as it were, until one day when I am free.
Last night, the weather report said that snow would fall within the next hour. I went to bed and slept magnificently for 7.5 hours. This morning I woke up to a major snowstorm. The weather report first stated that the snowfall would end within two hours, but it still hasn’t stopped after four. I think this is going to get ugly. I need to travel tomorrow to Kežmarok, and then on Tuesday to Prešov. I really hope it is cleaned up by then and that Frankovský Kopec, the high hill/small mountain that I must traverse to leave the area, is not too slippery. To protect the forest trees, the municipality lays down gravel instead of salt, which makes the winter driving experience so much more … interesting.
Štefania’s sister-in-law, Ľudmila (Ľudka), unsuccessfully ran for mayor. It is a pity, as Ľudka is smart with many progressive ideas. We seem to share a lot of similar ideas of how to improve life in the village. Unfortunately, the previous and clueless mayor remains again mayor for another four years. Four more years of darkness, I say. While I obviously remain disappointed with the outcome of the November election, I have decided to move on, and to bring Ľudka with me.
I plan to start a not-for-profit organization to do cool and fun things in the village. Ľudka is on board. The first activity, even before the organization exists, is to hold a Christmas decoration competition. Last year, I saw that many houses had decorated for the holiday. With a purse of € 50 offered in three different categories, I hope this inspires more people to light up their houses. I want to be able to drive down the road and see the entire village joyously twinkle during the holidays. I have many other projects I plan to pursue, as well. But this is the first.