Sifting Thoughts... Thanksgiving and more...

So, I know I've been scarce around these parts of late, but I've been taking part in the annual bout of madness known as The National Novel Writing Month. For those who might not know, it's a challenge to all writers to write 50,000 words starting November 1st and ending November 30th. This year's challenge went very well and I met the goal on the 19th... the earliest I've managed in the seven years I've taken part. The story, of course, goes on but the competition has been met and conquered.

The photo above was taken by my friend Brenda. Not sure where it is but it is significant. Summer has flown, the birds are right behind, and snow is here. Currently, it's 27F, with a windchill of 20F. Yesterday, it was in the 40's with a thunderstorm...

My reading this year has been slow, to say the least. Last year I managed to read over 100 books. This year, I doubt I'll hit 60. I haven't read anything deep or earth shatteringly important but I've enjoyed what I've read for the most part. And for me, that's the main thing.

The dog has learned a new trick, though I have no idea where or how. She can now kick her ball to me when I ask her to. It's the cutest thing. She'll drop it on the floor when she wants to play, just out of my reach and when I tell her I can't reach it, she pushes it with her foot towards me.

The cats are the cats. I swear at times they're planning a revolt...

Work has been strange this semester. We started the semester out under something of a jinx, with the death of a student due to natural causes (heart problems) and things haven't straightened out yet. We've had four seizures in one dorm, the normal alcohol issues, and far too many reports of students talking about suicide. We've also had at least two major power outages and a bunch of the sort of situation where you're left thinking "What the heck was that about?"

Thanksgiving break started tonight, so the dorms should be empty when I go to work for 11:00. They're not due back until Sunday, the students I mean, so I'm looking forward to a bit of quiet. After that, the semester will flash to an end and then it'll be three weeks of quiet.

After years of being in pain to one degree or another almost constantly, I finally am beginning to get some answers, one that is so easy and obvious now that I can't help but wonder what took so long.

I have gout. It's an arthritis disease and is the most painful form of the disease. Still working on treatment and I'm still trying to get a grip on the diet, which at first glance is this: NO MEAT EVER. Also, no beans, no asparagus, no mushrooms...

I'm working on something realistic.

So, that's it. We're battening down the hatches in preparation for what is supposed to be a long, snowy winter.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with family, friends, and plenty of all that you need.