Day 249

Yesterday was mellow and busy at the CofC. Then off to PT. Brad did some stretches that were more than I do for myself. He gave me new exercises and the main advice was get the core muscles tighter. It was what I wanted for my progress. I picked up dinner at Christina’s Mexican restaurant and I won’t do that again. Quiet evening led to restless and sick night. Now I have to deal with a UTI. I haven’t had one in years.

Day 248

Interesting Dem meeting all about getting ready for the election. High Hopes for change. I’m glad to be counted among liberal people. Today is CofC duty and that is always worthwhile. Later, I’m going to PT for Brad to monitor and correct my exercises. I want to add more to my routine to stabilize my lower back. I can’t get up from sitting position without pain especially getting out of the car. My body is willing to improve and I’m willing to work.

Day 247

After our usual intimate communion service with Fr, Tom, Linda Lee asked me to go for a walk with her. We went to the ocean along Pebble Beach and it was gorgeous. I enjoy her company. We find a wide range of subjects and talk up a storm. Today I have errands and later a Dem meeting to finalize the election activities. I have signed up to do calling Friday and election day. Good sleep and I’m rarin’ to get started with Monday.

Day 246

The last day of the farmers’ market was kind of sad. It was not the vigorous vendor filled venue because of the rain. We picked up vegetables and made the short trip around the booths then came home. Hollie had a wonderful meeting with Laurie. She needed the girl friend connection. Today is church with Fr. Tom and that is all. Maybe some spontaneous event will pop up. There is nothing I need to do and not motivated to do house sorting stuff.

day 245

I shook the dust from my paper journal. I need details that don’t fit here such as dreams. Felt good to take time for fleshing out my experiences. I do not like being defined by my age. Not as role model for aging. Why not acknowledge me for who I am without adding that.  Last market and I will go. Need vegetables and socializing. Later Hollie will visit. She has been away with Laurie and I hope she is filled with friendship energy.

Day 244

Tea and stories was full of deep sharing again. It is a gift for all of us. I had a night of dreams: finding my way back to a place where I belonged. It is a recurring theme. Asking for help along the way, seeking and never finding the Place. Today I will greet visitors and I enjoy that duty a lot. Still looking for new ways to fill my time. But first, the essentials to continuing my active and gratifyingly uncomplicated  life.  

Day 243

Housework day. Every day I make the bed, clean the sinks, and pick up items sot the house is always neat. Then the floors get attention. Today is tea and stories so I will have a clean and welcoming home. I exercised yesterday beginning with stretches, mat, and an attitude of appreciation for my body’s willingness to move. I walked twice, ate on the food plan, worked in the yard, the simple pleasures I enjoy. And I get to do it again today.

Prompt: describe a piece of furniture from your childhood

When I was about twelve years old we went on a trip to San Francisco. I don’t remember where my mother and brother were, but I was in Chinatown with my father. We walked by Sun Yet Sen park and my father said we were going to lunch in a special place. We went down a side street and into a long walkway. The place was called Hang Ah Alley. Inside I was overwhelmed by the display of Chinese art, lights, colors, sounds, and smells that were unfamiliar. We were shown to a corner table of black carved wood that was intricate and interesting. I rubbed my hands over the carvings of dragons, strange birds, and serpents on the chair arms. The chair had a high back and I did not want to lean on the carved wood. The whole scene was so different and so visually stimulating that I’m sure I stared around with my mouth open. I kept my hands on the carvings as though they were holding me in place. We sat and food was brought without any ordering. I remember a noodle dish that was lemony, full of water chestnuts, vegetables and meat that I didn’t recognize. It was a memory that I have fully intact. It was also my first experience with being a minority as we were the only white people in the place. It was also rare to have time with my father alone. 

Day 242

Day started with the full moon peeking through a scattering of clouds. So lovely. The rain yesterday signaled the change from brown lawn season to green lawn season. I sat on the front porch and enjoyed the rain. After the farmers’ market, I will fill the green bin from Megan’s yard. The artichokes are going. They were too much trouble for the small crop. If I try them again, it will be in containers. Lots of bell peppers still growing in the greenhouse.

Day 241

The word drawer is neat and orderly. The folders I have chosen to save are in hanging files. The old ones are gone to recycling. I reread “Unpacking” and need to update it with the changes since I wrote it. .I didn’t date it. I feel relief when I move unused items out of my life. Today the BOS agenda is brief and I hope it stays brief. I will attend and take notes. Later I need to restock my food plan menu.

Day 140

Linda did an outstanding job as leader and preacher. I sat with her mom who is a lovely woman. Later we visited while eating her yummy apple cake. Megan, Hollie and I walked to Wing Wah and had a family style meal that was delicious and had left-overs. On the way back we met Carol so I walked with her to Rite-Aid. Later I got the bug to clean out the “word” drawer. The recycle bin contains all my old columns. Good-bye words.

Day 239

Busy night for dreams. I like remembering them. Linda will sermonize this morning and she is bringing her mother.  Later, Hollie will come for a visit and lunch. I enjoy time with her as she is on my mind a lot. She must feel trapped in that tiny trailer in the midst of the junk yard and uncared for by her miserable husband, There I said it. I have thought it for years but since the fire he has shown his cruel nature.

Day 238

Tired start for Saturday. I kept waking up feeling anxious and tense. Had to breathe consciously and think happy thoughts. Nothing new showed up yesterday but  I’m paying attention. I have a bag of towels to take to a thrift shop. Maybe Purple Cat or Daily Bread. I keep cleaning out unused items that lighten my inventory and leave space. Carol and I talked about making sure we leave our business in order so there will be no family infighting. Sad necessary conversation.

Day 237

Up early for a chat with fitbit about the non-synching. I had to follow directions on the phone and find things I didn’t even know were there! It’s always stressful and I did it. Today I’m ready for something new. Maybe at the CofC today, a new project or interest will emerge. I picked up tiny leaves that will fit on the business cards for painting. Yesterday I talked with the cell folks about a new phone. The learning curve keeps getting steeper.

Day 236

Yesterday didn’t go exactly as planned. One of those days when I thought I knew what was going on and that wasn’t it. A migraine hit. I wore out most of it by late afternoon and did get to the produce and caught up with Ellen on the walk. Also a short walk with Carol. That was it. Instead of the Town hall meeting, I was in bed at 6PM. This morning I’m fine again and can get the errands and shopping done.

Day 235

Busy Wednesday. First thing today is a trip to buy a new router. I’ve been having a problem reaching familiar websites. The new one will fix that. The new fitbit is on my wrist after an easy transition. It gives more heart and sleep data. Tim brought the new washer pump and it’s ready to go. Later I will walk to the farmers’ market and grab up fresh produce. Then a long walk to pay the cable bill. Stretches and exercises already done.

Day 234

House slicking created a clean hall cupboard. All the sheet sets are stowed neatly and three drawers are empty. Most of the task was tossing unused items and putting the rest together compactly. Then Tim came to fix the leaking washing machine. Needs a new pump. Says it’s worth repairing. He’ll be back later. Today is CofC duty and I look forward to the visitors’ stories. Jeremy will come over and fix the annoying requests for passwords on this computer. Good day coming.

Day 233

Just wrestled the down quilt back on the bed. Two nights of feeling cold and the cotton quilt goes back in the closet. Had a deep conversation with Hollie after church yesterday. I value our closeness. She put the DNA information in the computer for me and it was accepted. Then a quick walk to the post office to send off the spit sample. Today is house slicking and taking care of my favorite rose bush that the gophers killed. They are everywhere.

Day 232

84degrees yesterday.. Today it will be hot again. I live here because it doesn’t get hot or cold. I like mild moderate weather. It’s already 70 at 6am so I’ll walk as soon as it’s daylight. After church, Hollie is coming to put the DNA test information in the computer. I messed up last time and had to start over. When I make a mistake, I let it erode my self-confidence. Then I go through a checking period until I feel okay again.

Day 231

Yesterday was enjoyable. The visitors were interesting and had stories to share. I like when they come in small groups and there is time have personal conversations. Later Rosalie and I had our favorite veggie burgers and talked for two hours plus a visit to the beach for soaking up the beautiful day. She said she does want to pursue our program after she finishes with editing to book that sprang from our product. Today I’ll walk to the farmers’ market by myself.

Day 230

I voted yesterday and felt excited about delivering my ballot as if I made a difference in the political outlook. Story group was about spiritual experiences. Carol revealed that Gene has been visiting her. Delia had a story and I mentioned Kim’s visits. I picked up leaves and plan to paint on the business cards. Today is CofC duty plus lunch with Rosalie. I’m looking forward to time with her and catching up. I’m hoping she will get interested in elder conversations again.

Day 229

I had a restless and unfocused day. I’m needy for a new interest or project. The meeting was well attended and the conversation was robust and directed. I’m glad to be part of solutions in my community. It was dark when the meeting closed and I forgot my flashlight so Chief Minsal brought me home. Today is house tidying and driving the car. I have a small grocery list and that’s all until story group. I’ll start out with stretches and PT exercises.

Day 228

The BOS was businesslike. No drama. I left before 12 and walked to church to connect with Linda Lee and see how the shower ministry was doing. Lots of helpers and only one homeless guy came to shower and get new clothes. Linda and I walked to Seaquake and had real conversations. The salad was delicious as always. Lots of friendly connections and quick hello minutes. Today I’ll attend the community conversation about homelessness. It is an issue that needs attention and money.

Day 227

I filled my need to have a product at the end of the day. I’m the one who tells other people that it is okay to have a day off once in a while and yet my work ethic doesn’t hear it. Today is BOS and if it is brief I can meet Linda Lee for a walk. It brings up my wish for a good friend. It takes history to grow trust. I’m feeling time short for developing more than work relationships.

Day 226

Gray Monday. No agenda except using my time and energy well. I admit that unstructured time evaporates into sitting with TV if I don’t get myself in order. First will be stretches and exercise on the mat. I have an appointment for more PT later this month and I want to be as fit as I can so Brad will add new moves. Keeping moving is my main objective so I can be productive and useful. House and yard will get attention too.

Day 225

My day by myself was only challenged by a couple of texts. Felt good to go without people. I had two brisk walks that felt wonderful and a sleep that was restful. Today Mother Leslie will be at church so communion will happen. Other than a quick trip to the store later, no agenda again. The orchids are watered. I’m trying to ignore the hideous political news. Makes me sad for Megan’s generation and glad that I’m at this end of my life.

day 224

Holy hot rocks. That was a special massage! Warmed my bones all the way through. Karen does a good job for my body. The CofC was quieter than expected. The car show people didn’t show up for information so we sipped coffee and ate pumpkin scones. The rain ruined the evening events and, hopefully, they had fun at the casino dance party. Today, no agenda. May or may not walk to the farmers’ market for Bosc pears. No interest in seeing the cars.

Day 223

Car is okay. The gas cap was not tight. I think the tank was siphoned. I may have to park in the hedge and climb out the passenger side. I got my senior flu shot and have a sore arm. Today is CofC and the bad news is that rain is due and it’s Sea Cruise weekend. It’s a big deal for the community. It’s also first Friday downtown so that will be an damp event. Later I’ll have a massage with Karen.

Day 222

Day 222

No A1C, yes to PT sessions, ear wax. Light on the dashboard that the engine needs service so I’m going to coast at 9 am. Randy messaged that he lost Annie. I met him at Battery Point and he talked for an hour. I didn’t like her and I’m sorry for his loss. He had seven dogs to get rid of and I gave him sources. Our history is unpleasant and I do want a relationship. I will not initiate but will participate.

Day 221

No museum duty and I’m feeling adrift. I need structure or I waste time. I have yardwork to do and greenhouse weeding but that’s all. I will see Joan later for a follow-up visit. I have a short list of questions about my health. Do I need A1C testing? May I have 3 sessions of PT? Can I get my senior flu shot? How are my ears and throat?  I may bring up my shortness of breath or not. I feel just fine.

Day 220

Time with Hollie is always satisfying and our activity made it even better. We ran into Larry who we haven’t seen for about 20 years! What a nice surprise and lots of hugs. I found four new tops and bought two pairs of jeans. We had lunch at the Mexican place in Smith River because Chan’s was closed. The Dem meeting was long, busy, and full of plans for the election. I will stuff door-hangers but will not precinct walk. I enjoy involvement.

day 219

Day 219

Hollie and I are finally going to Brookings to dink around. I have missed her and we can catch up today. I have a list for Freddy’s and also want to thrift shop and look for earrings to replace the lost loops. Later I’ll walk to Tracy for the final visit and then the Dem central committee for a meeting about the election. Right now I am also watering the orchids and charging the fitbit. Busy already on the first day of October.