Just Musing: January means new resolutions, wintry weather and health challenges

Curious question. Did you make a New Year’s resolution or resolutions? Today is Jan. 8. How are you doing?

Lose weight, save money, get a better job, exercise more, become more organized are among the more popular resolutions. Easy to make − hard to keep.

I made resolutions for several years and would be real intense to keep them for about 30 days at most. I gave up on long-term goals and found I was more successful meeting short-term goals. I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution in years, but I want to send you best wishes for success if you made one or more and haven’t broken it yet.

As I write this late on Tuesday night, meteorologists are calling for snow this weekend. For those of you who like to ski, I hope snow occurs. I live near Mad River Mountain Ski Resort. They were making snow in November, but I think they gave up in December when the temperatures were warmer than normal.

I drove by there today and they were back to making snow. The colder temperatures are helpful and fresh falling snow should be a big boost. I love to go out there and just watch folks ski − or fall and slide − down the mountain.

When my children were young, they loved to ride their sleds in the snow. My husband was as big a kid as they were. I can picture them yet, dressed in their snowmobile suits, loading their sleds in the truck and heading to the big hill at Delaware dam. Fun memories.

Respiratory illnesses creeping in

I have at least six friends currently quite sick with respiratory illness or COVID. Most of them have had high fevers, wheezing, coughing and a couple have said they have difficulty breathing. It is that time of year folks. My advice is to get to the nearest urgent care for medical treatment and antibiotics, if needed.

Respiratory illness can turn into pneumonia in a short time. If you have small children and they have a fever, don’t procrastinate − seek medical attention as soon as possible. And as for COVID, unfortunately, it is still raising its ugly head and hanging around.

I know many folks don’t like a mask mandate, but many hospitals and doctors offices are requiring them again. I don’t mind wearing one when I’m outside in the cold. The mask filters the cold air before it hits my lungs.

Military banners for sale

I had an email recently from Randy Drazba asking for help to inform Marion area citizens military banners honoring a family member or friend who served their country in the military are for sale. There are 100 spots left to display them. If you haven’t seen them around the city, I suggest you take a drive and look them over when they rehang them in May in preparation for Memorial Day.

For further information, call 419-560-1124 to schedule an appointment. Applications to purchase a banner also are available at VFW Post 7201, 1614 Marion Marysville Road, Marion.

Let me leave you with this quotation by unknown: “Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.” Good advice.

Until next week, be safe, practice good hygiene and be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Musing about New Year's resolutions, winter illnesses, honoring vets