As I was reflecting about this week’s column, I received an email from “Publisher John” with the subject heading of: You’re Probably the Last to Know. Those words may have struck fear into the hearts of many but, not me. I have been the last to know alotoftimesand,evenbeenlatetothepartyonceortwice. I opened the email and read the following: “We print early tomorrow, so if we can get your column first thing in the AM, we’d appreciate it!” Not a problem, as this week’s column was scheduled weeks ago to focus on getting those last minute “fall” things done and how thankful I was that everything went according to plan.

I have always been a glass half full, turn that frown upside down and smile type guy, because if for no other reason, it makes people wonder what you are thinking. Think Positive… Be Positive. This past week I took being positive to an entirely new realm as I tested positive for Covid-19. The plans to suck up the last of the leaves with the Cub Cadet, possibly hit an area field and try to lure in some Canadian Honkers, get the Christmas Lights up and maybe even put the battery in the snowmobile all went by the wayside. Instead, I have been spending quality time on the couch, resting, drinking lots of water and orange juice while following all the recommendations from the medical folks who have been in touch with me. Those who know me well also know that I have had my share of health issues that put me into that higher risk category. I am very happy to say that, at least so far, Covid-19 has been VERY mild in my experience. I have not lost any of my senses, outside of some chills, body aches and a little congestion, I consider myself quite fortunate. If my bout with Corona stays on this course, I will consider it blessing.

My limited ventures into the outdoors this past week were to get the mail a couple times and, to let Sadie out to do her business. It is a sad State of Affairs when one of the exciting things in your day is to be able to report to the rest of the family that “she went.” Not only did I test positive with symptoms, but the rest of the family has as well. All I had read and heard prior to testing positive is that this virus varies so much from one person to the next. Unfortunately for my lovely bride, it has slammed her the hardest. As a family, you want to be able to help each other through being sick but when you are all sick, it sucks. I think we have all found a new appreciation for each other during this and in a weird sort of “Thanksgiving” way, it has brought us closer and helps us realize what we have. What do we have?

We have family who check on us daily to make sure we are doing okay and if we need anything, to let them know. We have a roof over our heads and space that we can “stay away” from each other. This will come to pass and sooner or later, hopefully, our health will return to something more satisfactory than our current situation. It is starting to sound like a broken record here but, there are only so many things we can control. Most things are out of our control and I realize that for many of us, especially us that are Type A, Extroverted Control Freaks, this little tidbit of life is not easily digested. Terry and I were going to shoot geese this past week. We never talked about it but, it was in my plans. As it was, he and his wife Dana drove to Hastings from Cottage Grove, picked up some groceries that we ordered online and dropped them off on our steps (of course, no touching, much distancing and only a wave and thank you through the window). I remember mom saying (quite often), “No matter how bad you have it or ‘think’ you have it, remember that there is always someone worse off than you AND they are thankful for what they have.” When she would share those words, sadly, they fell on deaf ears and I probably moped around in my own pity party. As I find myself doing so often, he goes another public admittance that she was right. While she is no longer here, that is another thing our family has… the memories and teachings that she shared with us.

We all have much to be thankful for and while it sure is easy to let the negativity that surrounds us cloud our reality, I will take being positive anytime. Well… maybe notANY time as well all look forward to testing negative again and being free of this virus in our house. You are all in my positive thoughts and if you are one who accepts prayers from others, know that you are in mine as well. I have lots of great adventures planned for the next several weeks that should provide some fun and interesting reading content. Of course, they will depend on many factors to which I have absolutely NO control over (#@%!~$#%#&#^$%!$!#) but if the stars align and things go remotely as planned, I will be back in the great outdoors. Hope to see you there!