4 June

Hey There. Up And Down. Wow.

by Jon Katz

Maria was gone for most of the day Friday; she was excited about her “walk-a-round” with naturalist Zach Fisher. The minute she pulled out of the driveway, I felt dizzy. It got worse by the minute. I’ve taken two home tests for Covid and both came out negative.

But I had every symptom of Covid but one. The doctor says if it isn’t better by Monday, they’ll set up an antibody shot.

We might go do that tomorrow if my fever isn’t gone. It was the sickest I have ever been in my life – sometimes, I couldn’t stand up, and my body stopped functioning. I had a good fever.

I’ve had the chills for hours at a stretch. We learn from everything, good and bad.

Maria came home around five and was horrified and angry that I hadn’t called her, but I wasn’t going to ruin that day; she’s been waiting for it for months and loved every minute.

My fever keeps shooting up and down, and today, a beautiful Summer day, we sat out on the lawn. Maria made me a beautiful necklace out of a dogbone, a wood that grows in the woods. She brought a bunch back. I’ve never experienced anything quite like that, I will learn from it.

But we had the most wonderful time, sitting together out in the sun. There is beauty every where I look for it.

Frankly, I’m exhausted from even this blogging. That’s a first. But I couldn’t just leave things hanging. I’ll just put up a few photos I took sitting out on this beautiful day with Maria. The blog is woven deeply into my life, it’s good for me to blog when I can for now.

Maria wove a beautiful and robust necklace for me from the dogbane she brought back. She had the most beautiful time on the nature walk and can’t stop talking about it. I am happy I didn’t call her and ruin the day.

I’m wearing it and don’t plan to ever it off. This kind of rope was used to make fish nets, it is incredibly strong and tough.

You can read about her wonderful walk in the woods on her blog.

Last night was a hell night, and it was humbling and exciting. I’m optimistic that my fever will come down tomorrow and I can resume my everyday life.  I’ve got to check out now; I’m afraid this is exhausting. Sorry.

Maria and Zinnia are lovely caretakers. Once she got here, she took charge and bossed me around. Zinnia had not left my side for a second; she even followed me into the bathroom. She is such a sweet and faithful creature.

I know this will be all right; it may just take a couple of days. I’ll try to keep you posted.

9 Comments

  1. So very glad to hear you were able to get up for a bit today –
    Get well soon (and LISTEN to Maria, lol ~ She will help in getting you well faster)!

  2. Jon, I don’t know about where you live, but down here in rural NJ, the first thing I thought of when you described your symptoms but had a negative CoVid test was Lyme disease. My hubby got it several years ago and he had an immediate onset of symptoms such as yours. Thankfully, we caught it early and a 14-day cycle of dox did the trick. Good luck and hoping you feel better quickly. It sucks to get sick at our age (I’m 74).

  3. beautiful photos, even if ill, Jon. hope you are feeling better day by day. it couldn’t be Lyme disease could it? Maria will take wonderful care of you. stay hydrated and rest!

  4. sounds like a very challenging *health journey* you are on…..and not a fun one, but so glad to see you post tonight. I was mildly concerned since yesterday……… and just sending positive energy for healing in your direction.
    Susan M

  5. Thank you for the update! I’m happy you were able to enjoy the summer sun. Sending prayers for a speedy, complete recovery for you from whatever sickness this is. ?

  6. Jon,
    Glad Maria had a wonderful time, but am glad she’s back to take care of you. Hope you get well soon. We’d miss your blog and photographs.

  7. Jon…
    I’m relieved that you’re getting TLC and are on the mend. It’s tempting to play detective, but I’ll leave the diagnosing to the professionals.

    At this point, your biggest threat could be bouncing back too quickly. So, at the risk of giving advice, go with the flow. Your health is worth getting a few days behind. Your future will be out there when you are ready: farm life, Zinnia, and a fresh day’s sky full of clouds.

  8. I am 68 and recently had COVID. Like you, I was vexed, boosted, and avoided this thing for over two years. My doctor prescribed the new drug called Paxlovid. It is a 5 day course of multiple pills. Not a total cure, but it started making a difference within 24 hours! Hope you feel better soon.

  9. Do you have a back-up caretaker you can have on speed-dial for situations like this? Sounds serious enough that you should have called Maria, IMO.

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