Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Summertime …
What is your thought when you hear this word?
It’s a great song if you haven’t heard it before by Ella Fitzgerald, and if you have, take a listen to the words the next time you do.
“Summertime and the Living is Easy” … and eventually “So hush, little baby, don’t you cry.”
This brings back a memory of one of the first trips I made to Rome, Italy. We were in the famous Piazza Navona square. It was summertime and I heard a man singing this song and caught myself listening intently to the words and how simple life can be.
I listen to this song when I need a soothing simple song and memory.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Here in Cleveland, Ohio, they are generally good. Not as warm and humid as some other parts of the country, dry and lots to do activity wise.
What is your favorite thing about summer? Vacations, being outside, visiting with neighbors Maybe, watching some local sports or walking some farm markets outdoors in the warm sunshine.
Whatever it may be, it’s important that you are doing and creating activity for yourself and your family. On this journey we have lots of reasons to hang in our comfort zone. I think it’s important to chase those old memories and fun things you like to do now or used to do years ago.
What has been more difficult for me is not seeing my golf buddies. During the summer we used to play golf almost every weekend. Fit in an overnight to Pennsylvania and just play golf from sunup to sundown.
Being retired and of course a bit more limited physically than I was, it is a big miss for me. Many of my golf buddies still work and have families as I do, and it has become more of a challenge. I still get out, but not as much, but love it when I do.
So, there is the compromise we’ve talked about before. Not the same, but still get that activity I loved for so many years in the mix of summertime things to do.
How about some s’mores, but on the stove. 😊
Gather around the family meeting place, the kitchen and make them. It’s much easier then outside and of course much safer for us O2 peeps!
Summertime s’mores. And an adult beverage helps too, for me anyway, 😊
All becomes right in the world!!!
“Walkie-talkie,” my nickname in the hospital and during rehab. Always was a talker even when I am not supposed to. There is something about walking the neighborhood in the summer. Saying hello to neighbors, but I really like meeting their pets. We have a big dog neighborhood and love being out and watching them with their families. Kids are laughing and I think the dogs are too!
You learn quite a bit about a person through watching how they handle their pets. Summertime is a lazy but so rewarding season for me.
Even though it is hard, we have had some friends over for a barbecue, and physical distancing. Another great summertime pastime.
“Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer” – sound familiar? Yep another song.
It describes in the lyrics what I think summer should always be. Beach, if possible, sun and the moon. Great stargazing.
When we were on a short vacation by the lake early this year, every night we used to lay outside under the stars and find constellations. If you want a good app for stargazing, try Sky Guide or Star Walk. They are terrific.
Getting up because I had the tendency to relax to the point of sleep was a challenge, however. Which is why serious stargazing should be done in groups, 😊, and on grass.
Summertime, a blessing for all.
Stay safe my friends.
#touchaheart, #breathe-easy, #laugheveryday
Love you,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.