Last Day

Last Day

So I misnumbered a few days, I’m not going to fix it nor am I going to fix any unfinished business, miscommunications, or misunderstandings. All over. It has been a year with times of fun, socializing, service, new people, new skills, using old skills in new ways and enjoying every day. The glitches: hamstring strain that is still a bother, a cold that won’t go away, and seasonal depression. Best things: Tea and stories group and the art for vets group. Good-bye eighty-three.

Day 354

Fresh wind on the walk but, oh my, it felt so good to strut around the block. It’s wet again this morning with a ten day forecast. I’ll meet the two vets who missed the museum trip and give them a readers’ digest tour. First, a quick trip to the store looking for fortune cookies to use as a writing prompt for the class later. It’s editing day and that can be stressful so I have planned a little diversion with the cookies.

Day 353

Good time with Rosalie yesterday. Lunch and a trip to the beach, and lots of meaningful conversation. Her book is almost ready for editing and she will let me read it soon. Then Tea and Stories where we read our prompt: What is strength? We always learn something new about each other. I had one cold walk. Today is CofC duty, probably quiet again, and maybe the afternoon will be okay for some yard attention. There are some brave  sprouts in the greenhouse.

Day 352

Lunch was okay in a crowded noisy place. I like the Thai food at Sea West more than this new restaurant. Eileen’s long years of making jewelry have worn out parts of her body and have made it difficult to work more than a couple hours a day. She has reconfigured her Gasquet home to make an AirB&B for income. It is a profitable use of what she already has. We talked for three hours with plans to see each other more often.

What is strength, in my opinion.
First thought: Ben Gurion and Gold Meir.
These were two of the midwives to the infant country of Israel. They saw the idea turn into reality as the League of Nations granted the land to Jewish people. They were surrounded by countries that hated them and wanted to wipe them off the face of the earth and they not only survived but thrived. They declared themselves an independent nation and drew immigrants from all over Europe. The ragged masses of Jewish people who had been reviled, crowded into ghettos, families murdered, came to the homeland swelling the population with energy and commitment to grow into the nation that exists today.
The people are always on the alert and prepared to defend themselves and their country. No other people have the history of oppression that the Jewish people have endured.
I remember the joke after the Six Day War that Arab tanks had back up lights. Israeli tanks did not.
The 1976 Raid on Entibbe was one of the most audacious and successful military rescues of all time. It is worth researching.
This ethnic group has done more good for the world than any other people in the history of the world.

Day 351

Hollie and I had a fine day together. Glasses ordered, list filled followed by our favorite Szechwan lunch at Chan’s. I think about Kim when I eat there. He liked the food and always took home an extra meal. First today I’m getting my routine back with exercises and walking. I need the mat and the stretching. Later, I’m having lunch with Eileen at the new Thai restaurant. She has changed her life style and I’m interested in how it’s working for her.

I talked about Kim and my tea cup suddenly slid across the table. I said how are you doing?

Day 350

Ah yes, massage! What a blessing to have my body balanced and warmed by hot rocks. Linda Segura came over later to talk about a church incident. She needed to talk and I listened. All is well. Today Hollie and I will go to Brookings. I’m going to pick out new glasses as I have enough correction to make a difference. It won’t help with the floaters but will help with distance clarity. Then the dispensary for CBD oil and plus one oil.  

Day 349

Fr. Tom gave his usual social justice sermon and I like his vigor. He has an authentic presence. Delia’s party was full of relatives and sugar. Two fancy cakes plus cheese cakes and four kinds of ice cream. She was her dramatic self like an officious six year old. Had a chance to catch up with Deb Parks and invited her to tea and stories. I would like to know her better. Today, Karen is back from Hawaii and I’ll get a massage.

Day 348

The Vets again were the best part of the day! What an amazing group of people and the writing is inspiring. This opportunity has been such a gift. Then the groceries. Not much fun after the two hours with the writers. Today I will attend church as it  has become my place, my other family. Later, Delia’s 65^th birthday party. The Safford family always goes all out with a big fun party. The long hanging on cold symptoms are finally leaving my body.

Day 347

About 2 PM yesterday there was a lull in the rain and I took off for the store. Then it came down again with hail and wind too. I was invigorated. Someone offered a ride and I said NO, I’m enjoying the weather. Home soaked and cold but it was worth getting outside. Today I will stock the refrigerator. Most of my diet is vegetables, so I shop often to keep fresh food. Later, the writing class which has become my favorite time.

Day 346

CofC duty today after I get the dogs back from their spa date. May make a peanut butter run to Walmart, or not. It’s cold and wet and it’s getting to my bones. The old insult to the hamstring is still coming up with aching and restless sleep. Yesterday I planned for tomorrow’s writing group and will ask them to personify their characters subjectively. I will take a bag of chocolate as this is the part of the process that can be frustrating.

Day 345

Yesterday was flat. Watched a lot of reruns while noshing on hummus and pretzels. Nothing done around the house and no outside activity at all. Once in a while it’s okay to have a day with any product at all. My work ethic shudders at the thought but I do occasionally slack off.  It is windy, wet, and cold out and warm and comfy inside. I got the tax stuff taken care of and will get a refund due to expensive cottage maintenance

Day 344

I had a cold brisk walk before the meeting. The BOS was interesting. The dam removal is complicated and after the presentation I understand it more. Later, Ann and I had lunch at Christina’s and that was good. She is my long ago neighbor on Rudisill Road and I always sit with her at the meetings. It’s still cold and wet but not as windy. Don’t know if I’ll get out or not. Could use groceries. Started writing in my paper journal again.

Day 343

Gale windy night. Some banging around that disturbed the dogs. I had a brisk walk yesterday. I was feeling dull and the wind certainly took that away! The Dem meeting was full of information. There is so much going on politically and I focus on right here and now. We are already talking about the election next year. Certainly change is needed. It is cheering to have so much positive energy. Today is Board of Supervisors meeting and I’m guessing, a long agenda.

Day 342

Two quick step walks after church were all the activity yesterday. I enjoyed Rev. Mary’s service. She drove through a blizzard from Ashland. Hollie was out of power and freezing. Megan was stuck in Arcata because of the snow. Don’t like the cold but I was warm and had electricity. Today I’ll line up the income tax information for my accountant. My habit is to get that done before my birthday. Might find another place to sort and purge. It’s wet and windy.

Day 341

The museum trip was a success for the writers. They were amazed by the collection and the resources. Everyone just jumped in and worked. I’m enjoying this experience.  Megan didn’t get home because of the snow so her dogs visited and had a conference by the heater. I don’t like this cold . We live here because we don’t like snow! I will go to church today. I didn’t go last week as I didn’t feel well enough to get up and dress.

Day 340

I did get two good walks yesterday. They were the best part of the day. The CofC was slow and boring. After straightening up the displays, there was nothing to do. I had a couple of conversations with the Chief and that is always fun. Today the writing group is coming to the museum for a tour and research for their short stories. They have questions and specific interests. Karen and I should be able to aim them at the resources they need.

Day 339

I appreciate the tea and stories group for the laughing and sharing. Delia is so dramatic while she acts out her story. Laurie brings cookies and descriptive writing, and Karen brings photos of her new grandson. Carol loved her photos. We move along in our lives together. Today is duty  at the CofC and it will probably be slow again. I enjoy being part of the group there too. It’s cold out but not wet and maybe I’ll get a longer walk today.

Day 338

Yesterday was the best one this year! In spite of still having a bit of congestion, I accomplished all the errands, shopping and weeding that needed to be done. This morning the dentist will take care of the cavity. Later the tea and stories group will come for our writing and catching up on our lives. Karen will have photos of hew new grandson and Laurie will fill us in on her activities. I appreciate our deep sharing based on trust and acceptance.

Prompt

Do you prefer sunrise or sunset?

Between Halloween and Valentines’ Day, my light starved spirit celebrates any morning when the sun can appear over the hills. As soon as the light changes, I am at the window waiting for the first rays to pierce the winter sky. Here comes the sun repeating in my mind and occasionally comes out as a hum or a song. As the sky brightens, so does my spirit and I smile.

In my whole life I have been at my best in the morning. I wake up ready to take on the day with energy. Once I’m awake I’m rarin’ to go and jump out of bed with enthusiasm. But please don’t expect anything from me after about 8 PM!

Once I spent a weekend taking a painting class at Mendocino Art Center. As dusk approached, the residents headed for the cliffs carrying their wine glasses and with lots of laughing and calling out to each other, they move along. Everyone has their eyes on the dropping sun. The closer it came to the horizon, the quieter the group became until it was totally still. Not one sigh or clinking glass could be heard. Then, the sun was gone and a cry of delight, celebrations of the end of another day comes from the crowd and they all turned and went back to their homes. I witnessed that twice and was pleased to be part of a community ritual.

Day 337

I wasted yesterday. The spirit was willing but the body was not. Just a low spell again. I want my robust energy back. Best thing: a bowl of ben soup and since it was the last of the freezer containers now there is a crock pot full of smoked ham hocks and beans. Bean soup is my go-to when I don’t feel energetic. The broth feels like a blood transfusion. Today I’ll get to the necessary errands and house work. It’s all good.

Day 337

The dentist said age-related gum recession and the need for sensitive tooth paste. All roots and teeth are okay except for a tiny cavity that will be fixed later this week. I walked home in a hail shower. Later snow again and the house is cold this morning. Hope the freeze didn’t get the lemon trees. They are too big to cover. Today is a trip to Big 5 for new walking shoes and slippers. I could always dust and sweep or not

Day 335

Monday again. Cold out. Maybe snow. Only item on the agenda is a visit to the dentist. Nothing much going on. The dogs were restless in the night. Don’t know what was bothering them. I watched the last ten minutes of the Super Bowl. I’m not a football fan but was weary of Lion in Winter on TMC. I always root for the underdog and the favored team won anyway. Later this month spring training will begin and I am a Giants fan.

Snow on the skylight

Day 334

Groceries but not farm visit yesterday. The class was amazing again. They produce such interesting writing. The planning is stimulating and my mind is working well.  Next week we will meet at the museum for a tour and research writing. I’m sure it will be another remarkable experience. I may go to Morning Prayer today. Then maybe catch up with Hollie if she feels well enough. Already have the orchids watered and the kitchen slicked up. Maybe the weather will allow a walk.

Day 333

Didn’t connect with Hollie yesterday. She got sick at school and went home. The CofC was slow and I came home early .It’s blowing and cold this morning. The big event for today is the writing class. I’m ready with a lesson plan for character sketches and writing dialogue. I look forward to the group. Might make it out to the farm as I want to give them check. The weather is turning colder so I want to be sure I have groceries.

Day 332

January left with a blast of domestic energy that was welcome and necessary. I cleaned the little yard of pruning and weeds. Had a couple of walks that were almost the usual pace. No snail races were lost! Feels good to be back in my body. Today is duty at the CofC. It will be slow and I will show up and do what I’m asked to do. Later Hollie will come after work. I like her visits and a catch up time.